What causes oily skin on the face?

Skin produces a natural oil called sebum--essential for maintaining a healthy, supple, lubricated complexion. Sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands, helps protect the skin’s barrier function--keeping moisture in, and pollutants and bacteria out. While the right amount of sebum helps keep skin from becoming dry or dehydrated, too much oil production can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, resulting in clogged pores, acne, and a shiny or greasy nose. Sebaceous glands in the face are especially prevalent on the nose--a hot spot for sebum buildup, a leading cause of blackheads.

Learn more about how to tell you have oily skin from the Clarins Beauty Experts.

There can be many causes of oily skin including:

• Genetics
• Age
• Over-frequent cleansing
• Harsh skincare products
• Hormonal changes
• Skipping moisturizer
• Heat, humidity, perspiration
• Excessive face touching
• Not removing makeup before bed



Whatever the underlying causes, you can improve the look and feel of oily skin by following Clarins’ expertly curated oily skin routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing--once in the morning and once before bed, no more.

Why is my nose so oily?

The area around the nose has an especially high concentration of sebaceous glands that, when over stimulated, secrete excess oil--attracting dirt and bacteria that lead to acne, enlarged pores, an oily nose, and blackheads. The shape of the nose, especially around the nostrils, traps perspiration and can lead to oil buildup and clogged pores, resulting in a greasy nose and a shiny looking T-zone.

How to get rid of oily nose?

The good news is, with a few lifestyle adjustments, and Clarins’ plant-powered beauty routine for oily skin, there’s plenty you can do to achieve a clean, clear, shine-free complexion--the perfect oily nose fix.

First, avoid harsh cleansers, or over-washing your face--two mistakes that will aggravate the condition. Aggressive cleansing dries out the skin, causing the sebaceous glands to kick into high gear and produce even more oil. Second, always remove makeup before bed. Leaving your makeup on only adds to the natural oil buildup that accrues during sleep, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

That being said, choose products formulated for oily skin. Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser is formulated with purifying Alpine herbs and mattifying Organic Meadowsweet* extract to leave skin refreshed, shine-free, and exceptionally clean.

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil--a natural astringent with 100% plant extracts--visibly tightens pores, refines skin texture, and takes down shine.

Clarins Purifying Toning Face Lotion for Oily Skin, a colorant- and alcohol-free face toner formulated with Organic Saffron Flower* polyphenols, instantly hydrates, balances, and de-shines for a clear, healthy-looking complexion.

Count on Clarins Pore Control Mattifying and Minimizing Serum with visibly firming Vine Flower cells and mattifying Organic Strawberry Tree Fruit extracts to visibly tighten and purify enlarged pores so they appear virtually invisible.

Clarins SOS Pure Rebalancing Clay Mask--with White Clay and Green Clay--mattifies, minimizes shine, and reduces the appearance of pores

Even the oiliest skin needs hydration, so don’t skip your moisturizers. Without maintaining skin’s moisture balance, your sebaceous glands will rev-up oil production to compensate. Opt for day and night moisturizers that are lightweight and non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging.)

Additional tips to help prevent an oily nose and face

• Avoid touching your face - if you do, make sure that your hands are clean. Dirty hands can spread bacteria and introduce pore-clogging grime.


• Sun protection - A common oily skin cause is sun exposure, which can increase the size of sebaceous glands and trigger oil production. Wearing a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more is a good oily nose fix.


• Diet - Spicy foods and alcohol can cause perspiration and lead to oily nose pores. Similarly, sugar and dairy increase oil production. If an oily nose is your issue, cut back on all of the above, and fill up on green veggies rich in vitamin A, like watermelon, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and carrots--all clean foods that help slow down oil production.


• Get moving - If you’re looking for a good excuse to exercise, oily skin is a good one. Exercise helps boost the circulation of nutrients and oxygen throughout your bloodstream, flushes out toxins, and helps regulate sebum production for a smoother complexion, reduced stress, a good night’s sleep, and that radiant, post-workout glow.
  
  Read this article to learn correct skincare pre and post workout.


• Water - Be sure to drink plenty of water--at least 8 glasses a day. Dehydration causes oil glands to produce excess sebum--exactly what you’re working so hard to avoid.