Causes of Oily Skin

It would be easy to pin the blame for oily skin on potato chips and other greasy food, but while diet does play a role in the type of skin you have, there are actually many factors. Here are six of the most common.

1. Genetics: The sad fact is that a lot of your skin problems are determined by your genes. The bad news is that this means some skin conditions can be treated but not cured. The good news is that there's a good chance a parent or sibling has the same skin problems you do, which means you can compare notes on favorite products, like moisturizers, cleansers, and even sunscreen.
2. Hormones: Whether you're a teenager dealing with the acne that comes with puberty, or an adult dealing with changes in the levels of your own hormones, your skin reacts. Women, especially, may notice that their skin is more prone to breakouts during certain parts of their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy. At other times, normally-oily skin may actually dry out for a while.
3. Cleansing Habits: It's tempting to tumble into bed at the end of a tiring day without washing your face, but when you have oily skin, you can't afford to be sloppy about cleansing. In order for your skin to look its best, proper cleansing is crucial, especially if you wear make-up. On the other hand, using products that are too harsh or too astringent, or scrubbing too vigorously, can actually irritate your skin and cause it to produce more oil.
4. Diet: While greasy foods aren't the only contributor to oily skin, they are a cause. It doesn't mean you can't ever eat junk food, but it does mean you need to drink extra water when you do indulge in things like chips, nuts and chocolate. With diet, as with most things, the key is moderation.
5. Environment: No, climate change is not making your skin more oily, but the environment in which you live does affect the health of your skin. Whether it's air pollution, heat, or humidity, or even an allergy to pollen, your skin will react. Drinking water will help keep your skin healthy, as will a regular gentle cleansing routine.
6. Health: Whether it's physical or mental, your health affects your skin. Fatigue is one thing that causes oil production to go into overtime, but stress can cause the same thing. If you're in poor physical health, your skin will betray that as well. As well, if you're taking any kinds of medications - whether they're antibiotics for a specific illness, or something ongoing like thyroid medication or even birth control, your skin will react.

The bottom line is this: your skin is the largest organ in your body. The healthier your are inside, and the healthier your habits, the better your skin will look.