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Oily skin

Skin - oily

Oily skin is the result of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin producing large amounts of oil.

Information

Your genes and hormones play a key role in whether or not you have oily skin. Diet probably has little, if anything, to do with whether or not you have oily skin.

The most important thing you can do for oily skin is to keep your skin clean using warm water and soap, or a soapless cleanser. Clean your face with astringent pads if frequent face washing causes irritation and increased oil production. Use only water-based or oil-free cosmetics if you have oily skin.

Your health care provider may also recommend or prescribe creams to absorb or limit the production of oil on the skin.

Oily skin may lead to acne.

Open References

References

Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

Draelos ZD. Oily skin cosmeceutical. In: Draelos ZD, Dover JS, Alam M, eds. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology: Cosmeceuticals. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 30.

Self Care

 
 

Review Date: 10/14/2024

Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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