Why do people have oily skin?
Oily skin is a common problem faced by many people. Especially in summer or in hot and humid environments, the skin's oil secretion is strong, which can easily lead to enlarged pores and frequent acne. So, why do people have oily skin? This article will analyze the causes from multiple perspectives such as physiology, genetics, environment, and diet, and provide structured data to help readers better understand.
1. Physiological mechanism of oily skin

The main cause of oily skin is excessive oil secretion from the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are located in the dermis layer of the skin and discharge sebum through the openings of hair follicles to form the skin's natural protective film. But when sebum is secreted too much, it can lead to greasy skin and clogged pores.
| Influencing factors | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| hormone levels | Androgens (such as testosterone) stimulate the secretion of sebaceous glands, and hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy may lead to an increase in oil. |
| genetic factors | If one or both parents have oily skin, their children are more likely to have oily skin. |
| ambient humidity | High temperature and high humidity environment will accelerate sebum secretion, and dry environment may temporarily reduce sebum. |
2. The impact of external factors on oily skin
In addition to physiological causes, external factors can also exacerbate oily skin problems. The following are common external triggers:
| external factors | Influence mechanism |
|---|---|
| Improper skin care | Excessive cleansing or using alcohol products can damage the skin barrier and stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. |
| Diet structure | Excessive intake of high sugar, high fat, and dairy products may aggravate sebum secretion |
| Stress and sleep | Elevated stress hormones (cortisol) stimulate sebaceous glands, and lack of sleep can also disrupt skin metabolism. |
3. How to scientifically improve oily skin
For oily skin, it can be scientifically managed through the following methods:
| Improvement method | Specific measures |
|---|---|
| Gentle cleansing | Choose amino acid cleansing products, cleanse no more than twice a day, and avoid excessive exfoliation. |
| Oil control and moisturizing | Use skin care products containing zinc and niacinamide, combined with light moisturizing lotion to maintain the balance of water and oil. |
| diet modification | Reduce the intake of fried foods and sweets, and increase foods rich in Omega-3 (such as deep-sea fish, flax seeds) |
| living habits | Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep, regular work and rest, and appropriate exercise to promote metabolism |
4. Common misunderstandings about oily skin
Many people have misunderstandings about oily skin. Here are some points that need to be clarified:
| Misunderstanding | scientific explanation |
|---|---|
| "Oil skin doesn't need moisturizing" | When the skin is dehydrated, it will secrete more oil to compensate. Moderate moisturizing can actually reduce oil production. |
| "Wash your face frequently to remove oil" | Excessive cleansing will destroy the skin barrier and form a vicious cycle of "the more you wash, the more oil you get" |
| "Oily skin won't get wrinkles" | Although excessive oil secretion may delay the appearance of fine lines, aging factors such as UV damage still exist. |
5. Summary
Oily skin is the result of a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormone levels, environmental stimuli, and more. By understanding the physiological mechanism of sebum secretion and adopting scientific skin care strategies and lifestyle adjustments, we can effectively control sebum secretion and maintain skin health. It is worth noting that if it is accompanied by severe acne or inflammation, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for professional treatment in time.
(The full text is about 850 words in total, covering the causes, influencing factors and management methods of oily skin, using structured data to present key information)
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