What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is common, especially in men or during younger periods of life, such as during puberty. Although it is most common in younger people, you can have oily skin up to the age of 60 or even older.
Oily skin is due to overstimulated sebaceous glands. The glands are mainly stimulated by the male sex hormone testosterone, which makes oily skin more common in men, although oily skin occurs in both sexes. The amount of sebaceous glands is more on the face than on the rest of the body, especially in the visible T-zone consisting of forehead, nose and chin. Therefore, oily skin is most prominent in these parties.
Oily skin in men and women
The skin in men is often fatter and less dry compared to women's skin. This is mainly due to men's higher levels of testosterone that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which makes the skin more oily and not as dry.
In women with oily skin, sebum production has been seen to change during the menstrual cycle, which is probably due to changes in hormone levels during the cycle. Sebum production increases the week before and during the menstrual week, while it is lowest during the second week of the menstrual cycle. The increased production can increase the propensity to get clogged pores that can ultimately become acne. In women with normal or dry skin, corresponding changes in sebum production during the menstrual cycle have not been seen.
Is it good to have oily skin?
The protective layer of sebum, which characterizes an oily skin, is normally good for the skin. The lipids found in sebum are the skin's own selected combination of oils and fats that prevent the skin from becoming dry while giving it good protection. In addition to reduced dryness and increased hydration, there is also a connection between a high sebum content in the skin and fewer wrinkles!
