What Causes Oily Skin? 4 Myths and Facts

When talking about what causes oily skin, there’s a lot of rumors flying around. Some attribute oiliness to chocolate consumption. Others blame their parents for passing down greasy genes. Then, there are those who believe moisturizers are the culprits behind their shiny complexion. Who should you trust? Save your energy. Stop sifting through the noise and read what science has to say.

If you’ve been giving up candy bars in the hopes of curbing oiliness and reducing pimples on your face, you’re a brave one. Living without chocolate is unimaginable for many. The good news is that you can enjoy it sans guilt– in moderation, of course.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that food with a high glycemic index (over 55) can spike blood sugar and trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. For perspective, milk chocolate’s glycemic index is 42, which means It’s relatively safer compared to other snacks like french fries and cereals.

However, this is not an excuse to go all Willy Wonka. Several studies have found that dark chocolate can worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin, though more research is needed.

You’ve probably heard stories that eating a bag of peanuts can send your skin into a frenzy of oiliness. As it turns out, this is more of a “not all nuts” situation. And if you want to get technical, peanuts are a legume, not a true nut.

Most seeds, nuts, legumes, and drupes contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for various bodily functions. The problem? Several types, like almonds and Brazilian nuts, have much higher levels of omega-6. Researchers have linked this excess to inflammation in the body and the overproduction of sebum. Still, there is no conclusive evidence that munching on nutty snacks is what causes oily skin in the first place.

On the other hand, walnuts and macadamia nuts have the best omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Walnuts, in particular, are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. So, the next time you’re having a game night, reach for these!

Stop waving your fists at the sky. Your oily skin has nothing to do with the hot weather – a huge relief for Filipinos. The greasy feeling after a day out in the sun can be chalked up to sweat. When your body is heating up, it cranks up the sweat production to cool you down. Since oil and water don’t mix, the sweat makes your skin look shinier than it really is.

It’s not your fault for believing that moisturizer is a foe to oily skin. Why add more stuff when you’re trying to suck all the excess oil out of your pores, right? Well, skipping moisturizer can actually make matters worse.

The truth is that all skin types need ample hydration to maintain natural barrier function and regulate oil production. If your skin lacks moisture, it tries to solve the problem by releasing more sebum to compensate. So, your overly oily skin may be a sign to slather on some moisture.

To hydrate skin minus the added shine, use a lightweight moisturizer – one with hyaluronic acid is a great start. Lastly, beware of products with a “mattifying” effect as they may strip your skin dry.

The goal is to stabilize sebum production without drying out your skin. Now you know that moisturizer is important, but what else can you do?

First on the to-do list is washing your skin twice a day. Use a cleanser with ingredients that specifically target oily skin, like Master Facial Wash Oil Control Max. It has mineral clay and cooling ZEROil, which reduces sebum for up to eight hours. If your skin is acne-prone, try POND'S Men Facial Wash Acne Solution with patented Lock & Clear technology and Thymol T essence that unclog pores and help beat acne in only three days.

For some on-the-go rescue, carry blotting papers or face wipes inside your pocket. These two items quickly remove sweat and grease from your face. More importantly, they’re much more hygienic than your shirt sleeve.

In conclusion, your DNA is what causes oily skin, not your diet, the weather, or moisturizers. Forget these myths and keep oiliness in check with proper grooming. Need more advice? Follow these skincare steps for oily skin.