Why Is My Skin So Oily? Learn the Causes and What to Do About It

If you have oily skin, it can feel like a nonstop challenge. And it may seem like your skin is working against you. But excess oil production is actually a natural process designed to protect your skin — and your body overall. Once you understand what’s causing your oily skin, you can take steps to improve it.

What causes oily skin?

Your skin has many functions, one of which is to protect your body. One way your skin does this is by producing sebum. Sebum is a natural oil made by tiny glands called sebaceous glands. These glands are located all over your skin, the most are on your face and scalp.

Sebum has two main roles: 

• Keeping your skin moisturized

• Forming a skin barrier to protect against bacteria, dirt, and other environmental factors. 

Without sebum, your skin would be dry, cracked, and more prone to irritation or infection.

Sometimes, though, the sebaceous glands go into overdrive, producing more oil than your skin actually needs. This leads to that shiny, greasy feeling on your face. And the excess oil can mix with dead skin cells, clogging your pores and contributing to breakouts.

There are many different reasons your body might produce excess sebum. Factors include hormones, genetics, and diet — even the weather. Understanding what’s causing your oily skin is the key to managing it effectively.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might experience oily skin.

Hormonal changes

Hormones play a big role in determining how much oil your skin produces. Many different hormonal fluctuations can contribute to oily skin. But androgens are the type of hormone most often responsible for increased sebum production. 

Androgens are often called “male hormones,” but everyone has them. Types of androgens include:

• Testosterone

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

• DHEA sulfate (DHEAS)

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When androgen levels go up, your sebaceous glands get bigger and increase oil production. This is why oily skin is especially common during times of hormone change, such as:

• Puberty: During puberty, androgen levels surge, which is why teenagers often experience oily skin and acne.

• Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can increase androgens, which stimulates sebaceous glands and boosts oil production.

• Menstruation: In the days leading up to your period, rising testosterone can make skin oiler and more prone to acne breakouts. 

• Stress: During periods of physical or emotional stress, your body makes and releases the hormone cortisol. This can increase androgens, impacting oil production. 

Because hormone levels ebb and flow throughout life, oily skin can come and go. That’s why you might notice changes in your skin’s oiliness at different times, even if your overall skin type stays the same.

Genetics

If oily skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to have it too. Genetics influence the size and activity of your sebaceous glands. Some people naturally produce more oil than others. And, unfortunately, you can’t change your genetic makeup. 

But knowing this can help you understand why your skin behaves the way it does. Then you can tailor your skin care routine to your specific needs.

Diet

What you eat can play a role in how oily your skin is. Many people think that greasy food can lead to oily skin. But a bigger culprit is actually a diet high in refined carbohydrates. White bread, sugary snacks, and pasta cause your blood sugar to spike quickly. Your body then releases a high amount of the hormone insulin to bring the blood sugar levels back down. High insulin levels trigger the adrenal glands to produce more androgen. This increases oil production.

Some studies link dairy products like milk and cheese to oily skin and acne. This may be because dairy increases insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that's been linked to acne. But more research is needed.

Not drinking enough water

Another (often overlooked) factor that impacts sebum production is hydration. When you don’t drink enough water, your skin gets dehydrated. Your body may then produce more sebum to protect the skin from dryness. That’s how you end up with the frustrating double whammy of skin that feels both oily and parched, an all-too-common skin woe.

But drinking enough water throughout the day helps your skin maintain a good moisture balance. And drinking enough water is a good way to signal to your skin to stand down on the oil production. 

Over-cleansing skin

Your skin care habits can also influence your skin’s oil production. If you have oily skin, it might seem logical to wash your face frequently. But washing too often — or using harsh cleansers — can actually make things worse. 

Over-cleansing can strip away natural oils. When this happens, your body thinks it needs to make up for the loss. So your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, producing even more oil than before.

The key is finding a balance. Try to cleanse frequently enough to remove excess oil and buildup. But don’t clean so much that it strips the skin of the oil it needs. Be sure to choose a lightweight cleanser with gentle ingredients that won’t dry out the skin.

Weather

The climate you’re in can also impact the skin’s oil production. 

Hot and humid weather often signals your skin to make more oil. When it's hot and humid, you sweat more, so your skin may try to protect itself from dehydration by producing more oil. That’s why you might notice your skin gets greasier in the summer or if you live in a humid area. 

Cold and dry weather can also affect oiliness, but in a different way. When the air is dry and chilly, it can pull moisture from your skin. In response, your sebaceous glands may produce extra oil to compensate for this dryness and protect your skin barrier. So, even in winter or in dry climates, your skin may feel oily because it’s trying to keep itself hydrated.

How to get rid of oily skin

You can’t completely eliminate the oil your skin makes — and you wouldn’t want to, since oil is essential for healthy skin. But you can help keep oily skin in check with a few consistent habits, including:

• Cleansing gently twice a day: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser morning and night. This will remove excess oil without drying out your skin. (And always remove makeup before going to bed so it doesn’t clog your pores.)

• Using lightweight, oil-free moisturizers: Even oily skin needs hydration. But be sure to choose lightweight formulas that are labeled oil-free, gentle, or non-comedogenic. These products are formulated to not block pores. 

• Using products that contain salicylic acid or niacinamide: These ingredients can help regulate oil and reduce pore size. You’ll often find them in cleansers, toners, and serums designed for oily or acne-prone skin.

• Adjusting your skin care routine with the seasons: If you notice your oil production ebbing and flowing according to the climate, try using lighter-weight moisturizers in the warmer months and richer moisturizers in the winter. 

• Exfoliating regularly (but not too often): Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. How often you should exfoliate will depend on your skin type. If you’re new to exfoliation, start slowly. Most people will be able to build up to 1 to 3 times per week.

• Carrying blotting papers in your bag: Blotting papers work by absorbing excess oil on the skin's surface. They use ingredients like rice paper, charcoal, cotton, or kaolin clay to soak up sebum and temporarily remove shine throughout the day — without stripping moisture from your skin.

• Eating a balanced diet: A skin-healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. These food groups provide antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and keep your skin barrier healthy.

• Managing stress: Exercise, meditation, and getting enough rest can help keep your hormones — and your skin’s oiliness — under control.

When should you see a dermatologist about oily skin?

It’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist if oily skin is causing persistent acne, irritation, and discomfort — and you can’t control it with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes.

A dermatologist can help get at the root cause of your oily skin. And they may recommend a treatment tailored to your skin’s needs. Examples might include topical retinoids, hormone therapy, or professional procedures, like chemical peels or laser treatments.

Also, if your oily skin suddenly worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, or pain, a healthcare professional can help rule out an underlying condition.

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Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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