Will my skin ever stop being oily?

Balanced, oil-free skin can feel unattainable, especially in tropical Singapore. Oily skin, characterised by excessive sebum production, can lead to a host of skincare concerns, including acne, clogged pores, and a dirty looking appearance. 

What causes oily skin, and does our skin get oilier with age? 

In this article, we’ll explore these questions while also sharing care tips.

Factors that can influence oil production

Genetics

Your genes play a pivotal role in determining your skin type. If your close relatives have oily skin, there’s a higher likelihood that you will too. Your genetics can influence how your sebaceous glands function and the amount of sebum they produce. This genetic trait is a key factor, and sets the baseline for your skin’s oiliness.

Hormonal changes

Androgen, a male hormone present in both genders, can significantly affect sebum production. Androgen production peaks during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause – this is why many people experience oilier skin during those phases of their lives. Stress, which can also influence hormone levels, may similarly affect the skin’s oiliness.

Skincare routine

Your skincare routine can either exacerbate or manage oiliness. Over-washing or using harsh products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production as a compensation mechanism. Conversely, a balanced routine that hydrates and gently exfoliates can help regulate sebum production.

Climate and environment

External factors like humidity and temperature can affect your skin’s oil levels. High humidity can make your skin feel oilier, while cold and dry conditions might reduce visible oiliness but still trigger an overproduction of sebum as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture in the environment.

Age

As we age, our skin tends to become drier. As with other bodily processes, this is due to a natural decrease in sebum production as age creeps up on us. While this might be welcome news for those battling oily skin, it’s essential to continue caring for your skin to ensure it remains healthy.

Health factors

Specific health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to hormonal imbalances, which influences sebum production. Similarly, certain medication can cause the same affect.  

Does oily skin stop with age?

As mentioned earlier, sebum production decreases with age for most people. This reduction is often noticeable as we transition into our 40s and beyond, leading to drier skin types. However, this doesn’t mean oily skin will completely cease for everyone. 

Genetic factors and overall health play significant roles, meaning that some people may have to live with oily skin across a longer period of their lives, or even deal with oily skin throughout their lives. Nonetheless, many people find that their skin becomes easier to manage as they age, with less pronounced oiliness over time.

Caring for oily skin

Managing oily skin requires a thoughtful approach that balances removing excess oil with maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. A simple yet effective skincare routine should include:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove excess oil without unnecessarily removing sebum from the skin.
• Lightweight Moisturizing: Even oily skin needs hydration. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to hydrate and protect your skin.
• Regular Exfoliation: Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your routine 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
• Sun Protection: Daily sunscreen application is crucial to protect oily skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate oiliness and lead to premature ageing. Choose a sunscreen with SPF50 UVA/UVB protection, and ideally one that has blue light protection too. Our Spotless Blue Light Protection Sunscreen filters 90% of blue light, protects against sun damage and has hydrating agents. 

Facial for oily skin in Singapore

If you want to take the guesswork out of caring for your oily skin, a facial to treat your oily skin may be just what you need. We have a range of facials specially formulated for oily skin including;

• OxyGeneo® Carbon Intense Facial: Based on Geneo Oxypods technology to gently purify and soothe oily skin, improving skin texture and appearance. 

Suitable for: General oiliness 

• Acne Express Defence Facial: A combination of papaya enzymes and high-frequency therapy to promote skin renewal and regulate oil secretion respectively. Both work synergistically to clear skin of acne and excess sebum. 

Suitable for: Mild acne 

• Peptide Peel Facial: Utilises six different AHAs and PHAs to gently exfoliate skin and prevent acne formation. It also has additional skin benefits outside of preventing acne, such as pigment lightening, skin hydration and wrinkle improvement. 

Suitable for: Combination skin and other existing skin issues 

Let our therapists analyse your skin and recommend a treatment that best suits you. Make an appointment now.