Why is facial skin oily in women?

Oily skin (sebaceous, seborrheic, bumpy, porous, oily, hypersebaceous) is a common problem among teenagers and people under 30 years of age. Oily skin is characterized mainly by excess sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands. People with this skin type may have noticeable enlarged pores or inflammation of the hair follicles and a shiny face. Skin with hypersebaceous function requires proper care, otherwise acne (pimples) and other inflammatory processes may occur.

Areas of increased fat content are: forehead, nose, chin, back, shoulders and chest. The sebaceous glands are very important for humans and are responsible for many processes in the body. Sebum protects the skin from external influences and consists of lipid derivatives. The composition and secretion of sebum changes during different periods of life. The fat synthesized by the skin mixes with secretions from the sweat glands and creates a superficial layer. It protects the skin from excessive moisture loss and harmful external factors, softens, has an antibacterial effect, and transports vitamin E to the upper layers of the epidermis. Skin lipids have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are involved in the removal of certain xenobiotics (poisons, harmful substances) from the body.

Causes of oily skin

— Hormones influence the production of fat in the sebaceous glands:
In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, women experience an increased amount of secreted sebum. This is due to hormonal levels.
Oily skin is more common in men, regardless of age. This is due to the predominance of the hormone testosterone in the body, which is responsible for the production of sebum.
The problem of excessive oily skin often occurs in young women, girls, teenagers, especially over 12 years of age. This problem occurs due to puberty. It is characterized by excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.

— Have an influence environmental factors, stress (especially chronic stress), cigarette smoke, air pollution.

— UV aggravates problems with oily skin. The sun's rays dry out and thicken the stratum corneum, which prevents the release of sebum and acne (pimples, blackheads) appears.

— Poor nutrition, eating large quantities of fried, fatty, spicy food increases the greasiness of the skin.

— Poor hygiene (it is necessary to regularly wash your face in the morning, treat areas of skin prone to greasiness) leads to increased oiliness and inflammation of the skin.

— Increased ambient temperature increases sebum secretion.

- The amount of sebum secreted also depends on the area of ​​the body. The largest number of sebaceous glands are located on the face, chest and torso.

— Use of low-quality cosmetics, oily or greasy based products aggravate skin problems.

— Immune system disorders contribute to oiliness, since the skin is a protective layer. If immune processes are disrupted, a symptom of increased oily skin may appear.

Diseases that may cause oily skin symptoms

Diabetes. One of the symptoms may be oily skin and inflammatory reactions. This is due to the fact that the disease is multisystemic (affects all organs and systems).

Women with low nutrition (cachexia, asthenic body type). Nutrients are required for the synthesis of hormones. If, due to diet or poor nutrition, a woman does not receive enough of them, then there is not enough building material for female sex hormones and male hormones begin to predominate in the body. In this case, oily skin is defined as a symptom of increased levels of male hormones.

Obesity (men and women of high nutrition). The skin becomes oily as a result of poor nutrition and excessive sweating.

Hormonal imbalance in women may be associated with ovarian dysfunction, abrupt withdrawal of contraceptives, tumors of the reproductive system (the reproductive system, which has the function of reproduction), menopause, and so on. As a result, the level of male sex hormones increases and a characteristic symptom of oily skin, the appearance of bristly hair, deepening of the voice, irregular menstrual cycle, and sweating occurs. If you do not consult a doctor, you may develop infertility, malignant tumors, and irreversible changes in appearance. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist; symptomatic treatment should be carried out by a cosmetologist.

Hyperandrogenism in men - increased levels of male sex hormones. This complication can often be observed in men who are professional bodybuilders or athletes, since they often use chemically synthesized testosterone to build muscle mass. But there are cases of genetic predisposition to this phenomenon; with age, the synthesis of hormones will decrease and everything will return to normal. Treatment is related to the elimination of symptoms. It is necessary to consult an endocrinologist, cosmetologist, valeologist, nutritionist, and in some cases a psychiatrist (aggression, jealousy, preoccupation with appearance), a sexologist (strong libido, promiscuous sexual relations, rapid ejaculation).

Hypertrichosis (increased hairiness) in women and men - the disease, in some cases, is associated with the production of sex hormones and may be accompanied by oily skin.

Liver diseases (hepatitis, fatty liver) – the liver is responsible for functions such as removing toxins and excess hormones and other substances in the body. If the functioning of this organ is disrupted, a symptom of oily skin in the forehead and nasolabial folds may be observed.

When to see a doctor

As a result of increased oily skin, inflammatory diseases can develop, since sebum is a breeding ground for bacteria. If you discover such complications, you should immediately consult a doctor. By doing this you can prevent increased tissue scarring, the development of septic skin diseases, the spread of infection in the body, and avoid many chronic diseases (such as sore throat, runny nose, decreased immunity). The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and Propionibacterium are mainly involved in inflammatory processes associated with increased sebaceous skin. The infection may spread to other parts of the body or other people. If the infectious process is not treated, it can be fatal. Death usually occurs from general intoxication or sepsis. Therefore, it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner.

Seborrheic oily dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by oily scaly lesions that are red (fresh) or white-gray (dry, old) on the scalp, hairline and face, folds around the nose and ears, chest, armpits ( armpits), groin. You should consult a skin and venereologist or cosmetologist.

Acne Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples to appear on the face, chest, and back. This occurs when skin pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Treatment by a cosmetologist is necessary; in case of extensive lesions of the skin, consultation with a skin and venereologist, nutritionist, or endocrinologist.

Carbuncle (or boil) – deeper damage to the skin, sometimes affecting the subcutaneous fat layer. The cause is an infectious process in the hair follicle, pus (abscess) accumulates near the hair. This is directly related to oily skin. If the sebaceous gland does not function properly, an excess amount of fat is released and subsequently an infection occurs. Treatment by a surgeon is necessary, followed by consultation with an endocrinologist or dermatovenerologist.

Necrosis – tissue necrosis due to deeper penetration of infection.

Treatment for oily skin

Treatment for oily skin should be comprehensive. It is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause, and then the symptoms of the disease. Treatment of visible signs without a deeper examination will only bring temporary results. Most often, specialists use an integrated approach to solving this problem, which includes examinations (analysis of hormones, blood sugar, general tests characterizing the somatic condition, identifying pathogenic flora), studying genetic predisposition and life history (dietary habits, habits) . The treatment combines salon procedures, hardware techniques and pharmacotherapy.

Drug treatment for oily skin

To reduce skin oiliness, it is possible to prescribe medications containing the following components:

1. Lactoferrin is a protein with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Has a beneficial effect on the balance of the body's immune system.
2. Adapalene is a derivative of vitamin A, prevents the appearance of comedones, and relieves inflammation. An effective combination with antibiotics to treat inflamed skin areas.
3. Benzoyl peroxide exfoliates well, renews the skin, and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic flora.
4. Azaleic acid - relieves inflammation, reduces bacterial growth, exfoliates.
5. Zinc is a strong keratolytic (dissolves keratinized epidermis)
6. Copper – regulates sebum secretion.
7. Sulfur - affects the functioning of the sebaceous glands and suppresses their secretion.
8. Isotretinoid – synthesized in small quantities in the human body, suppresses sebum production, lyses (dissolves) the stratum corneum.
9. Bacteriocins and pyocyanins are metabolic products of bacteria (Escherichia, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas) grown in a sterile environment. Increases the immune properties of the skin, promotes its rapid regeneration.
10. D-Panthenol - increases the strength of collagen in the skin, normalizes cellular metabolism. Essential for skin restoration after irritating procedures such as peeling.
11. Vitamin B6 - participates in the metabolism of proteins (for example, lactoferrin) and unsaturated fatty acids. Favorable effect on the functioning of the nervous, hematopoietic and immune systems.
12. Vitamin PP - has a positive effect on metabolism and normal functioning of the skin.
13. The mineral zinc has a positive effect on the immune system. Zinc protects immune cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and activates the body's defense mechanisms, essential for healthy skin.
14. Other drugs that have a beneficial effect on the skin: Selenium, Coenzyme Q10, Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP), folic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C.

Hormonal therapy to eliminate oily skin:

Medicines for menopause in women - Vero-Danazol, Divina, Finland, Divisek, Indivina, Climodien, Livial.
For other hormonal disorders: contraceptives with antiandrogenic action - Yarina, Jess, Janine, Belara.

Antibiotic therapy is not prescribed for oily skin! To prevent acne, it is better to use local antiseptics and exfoliants. Antibiotics kill the beneficial flora of the skin, resistance may arise and in case of urgent need (for example, for acne and other inflammations) they will not be effective.

Herbal treatment for oily skin

Herbs contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, silicic acid, plant hormones and trace elements. Plant extracts are often used in cosmetics, as they are characterized by a wide spectrum of action. These substances stimulate cell growth, accelerate DNA synthesis, act as antioxidants and delay aging.

1. Chamomile extract cleanses and softens. Acting locally, it has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Restores skin elasticity and smoothness.
2. Salvia officinalis has a bactericidal, soothing, regenerating effect.
3. Calendula officinalis has a healing, regenerative effect on damaged skin.
4. Oak or birch bark has antiseptic and tanning properties.
5. Tricolor violet extract cleanses, affects the metabolic process and helps remove harmful substances that accumulate in the body.
6. Green tea extract has antioxidant properties and reduces the effects of free radicals on the skin.
7. Dandelion root extract strengthens the body's defenses. Supports the proper functioning of the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys. Helps in excretion of metabolic products, which is beneficial for the skin.

In addition to daily home care, oily skin requires additional treatment. It is prescribed by a dermatologist or cosmetologist. The main methods of treating oily skin are:

Hardware procedures for oily skin:

1. 
   
   
   
   Laser biostimulation is a procedure of laser exposure that causes photochemical changes in the skin. The procedure smoothes, renews and regenerates the skin, improving its elasticity and color;
2. Microdermabrasion - a stream of tiny particles that painlessly polish the skin (diamond chips, aluminum oxide, etc.) is recommended for removing wrinkles, enlarged pores, tightens and reduces stretch marks;
3. Iontophoresis is microcurrents that are passed through the skin using special attachments. This increases blood flow, improves nutrition and microcirculation. The effect of treatment is skin regeneration and deeper penetration of nutrients into it.
4. Cavitation peeling (ultrasonic) – is a shock wave that provides painless cleansing of the skin. Ultrasonic facial cleansing removes excess sebum from the pores of hair follicles and cleanses dead skin;
5. Ultrasonic phonophoresis is specific mechanical vibrations that have a massage effect, destroy fibrous tissue, and lymphatic drainage (removes excess fluids). The treatment prevents oil from clogging the hair follicles, reduces skin rashes and symptoms of local irritation.
6. Darsonvalization is a high-frequency pulsed current that is applied to the skin using vacuum electrodes. Dries the skin, improves nutrition and tissue regeneration.

Beauty treatments for oily skin

1. Scrubs (almond, apricot, salt, clay, plastic, etc.) are a creative method for smoothing and cleansing the skin.
2. Peels with acids (lactic, fruit, pyruvic, trichloroacetic, glycolic, etc.) reduce skin pH, which has a bacteriostatic effect. Regulates sebum secretion and reduces skin greasiness;
3. Masks (mud, clay, seaweed based) - disinfect, heal, soothe the skin, remove excess sebum.
4. Manual facial cleansing is a mechanical and most traumatic way to clean skin pores. It is recommended to carry out such cleaning only in cosmetology centers.

Prevention of oily skin diseases

1. When choosing cosmetics, give preference to the following products:
- low lipid content,
- with antibacterial and antiseptic composition (alcohol no more than 10%.),
— Hypoallergenic (neutral fragrances or better odorless),
— containing natural plant extracts.
— If this is not a specialized certified store that you are confident in, then it is better to choose less popular, inexpensive brands of cosmetics. There are fewer fakes on them. Make your choice in favor of a domestic manufacturer. In the production of cosmetics, they often use plants from our latitude, which are less allergenic.

2. Once a week, use a simple peel or facial cleanser.
3. Use UVA and UVB sunscreen year-round.
4. Go to the sauna.
5. Do not overuse everyday makeup, provide the skin with an influx of oxygen. Always remove makeup at night.
6. Use bottled water to wash your face. You should not wash your face with soap and water; a cleansing gel for oily skin is better.
7. Avoid contact of hands with face. Dirty hands carry bacteria.

There are advantages to be found in the disadvantages of each skin type. What makes a face attractive and healthy is not only nature, but also proper care and selection of products. Every third woman has oily skin. It seems to be the most problematic; acne, comedones, shine, inflammation, and enlarged pores appear more often on it. If you look at it in terms of benefits, this type resists aging longer. Why did the skin on my face become oily, how to deal with it and properly care for it?

Oily facial skin is genetically transmitted to men and women. This is due to the fact that a person has a thick layer of epidermis, and the sebaceous glands function with particular intensity. If too much sebum is produced, the face takes on an unhealthy shine, makeup turns into an unattractive mask throughout the day, and the woman feels uncomfortable. In this case, fatness has cosmetic and medical reasons that need to be eliminated.

Causes of oily skin

1. Hormonal background. Older people practically do not have such problems, because one of the causes of oily skin is an increased level of sex hormones. In other words, excess testosterone. This hormone stimulates the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. If this is the case, the problem goes away by age 30. Oily skin in women also depends on the period of the menstrual cycle; a hormonal surge occurs in the body during pregnancy. The skin becomes oily or dry depending on testosterone levels. In men, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is stimulated by androgens.

2. Poor nutrition often leads to oily skin. If a person has an unbalanced diet, his diet is dominated by spicy, sweet, fatty foods, he abuses coffee, alcohol, often eats on the go and dry food, the skin takes revenge for this attitude towards the body.

3. Metabolic disorders, excess weight, diseases of internal organs and the endocrine system, debilitating stress, abnormalities in the central nervous system and psyche are also causes of oily skin. It is also caused by a long course of treatment with certain drugs and infections.

4. Incorrect use of cosmetics. Abuse of alcohol-based lotions, scrubs, and frequent peeling dry out oily skin and force the sebaceous glands to work even more actively. Passion for certain salon procedures that injure the skin provokes intense fat production.

5. Climatic and weather conditions are another factor that causes oiliness.

The culprits of pathology can be permanent or temporary. Once you find the root, you can combat oily skin with proper care and lifestyle.

Symptoms and causes of seborrhea

When very oily facial skin suddenly appears, it is most likely seborrhea - an unsightly appearance of the skin caused by internal reasons. Some dermatologists consider it a chronic disease, while others consider it a temporary condition.

1. oily skin not only on the face, but also on the central part of the back, chest, head, armpits, navel and other so-called seborrheic areas;
2. small pimples have appeared, these could be comedones, blackheads, acne and other troubles that accompany seborrhea;
3. the skin acquires an unhealthy oily sheen;
4. if the face peels, it looks like dry seborrhea;
5. Dandruff appears on the head.

Seborrhea occurs in men and women. Teenagers are most susceptible to the disease, as it is most often associated with hormonal levels. Dermatologists also consider poor nutrition, stress, the influence of external factors, metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases as provocateurs of the condition. Heredity cannot be ruled out.

Oily skin is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms. When the ducts of the sebaceous glands become blocked, blackheads or white pimples form. Both are called comedones. Acne accompanying seborrhea requires additional treatment.

Every tenth case of the disease becomes chronic - seborrheic dermatitis. Inflammation worsens during certain periods.

What to do and how to deal with this? Treatment options

Before starting therapy, it is necessary to identify the cause of excessive oily skin. If it lies in heredity, there is no point in fighting, you just need to take proper care of it. But if the fat content increases sharply, while the face peels and becomes covered with acne, there is a reason to visit a dermatologist and cosmetologist. They will help you create a strategy for caring for problem skin.

After examining the condition of the skin, the doctor will order tests and determine further treatment. Procedures that will correct the functioning of the sebaceous glands will permanently rid the face of oily shine and help stop flaking. These include:

1. vaporization - steaming the face before cleansing;
2. facial cleansing – ultrasonic or mechanical;
3. cryotherapy (based on liquid nitrogen);
4. mesotherapy – saturation of problem areas of the skin with vitamins and microelements;
5. darsonvalization - exposure to alternating current on the face;
6. biorevitalization – saturation of skin fibers with moisture;
7. healing massage.

The procedures are carried out in a clinic and are not cheap. The fat content disappears for a while, after which the glands begin to produce sebum with renewed vigor. Along with such radical methods, therapy is used in a beauty salon.

2. Cosmetological recommendations.

After a dermatologist determines the source of oily skin, you should consult a cosmetologist. In addition to the procedures, he will give the following recommendations.

1. Water for washing a face prone to oiliness should be at room temperature. Hot food promotes increased fat production in the future.
2. Alcohol tinctures and soap produce a similar effect.
3. Carefully study the components of decorative cosmetics. It is better to choose a foundation based on kaolin clay. It would be good if it contained zinc oxide.
4. Do not use liquid shadows and blush.
5. The powder has a dense texture and is best applied with a sponge. This will help remove oily shine.
6. Cosmetics should not provoke the appearance of comedones. It is advisable to pay attention to the “non-comedogenic” label.
7. Peeling should be done very carefully, preferably at home with a soft brush. Only then will your face stop peeling. Chemical procedures activate the sebaceous glands.
8. Take care of the problem face using disinfectant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Creams, masks, milk, tonic should be marked “for oily skin.”

What products will help remove fat?

In addition to cosmetic products, you can use natural products. This is the most affordable way. To make your face attractive, traditional medicine recommends homemade scrubs.

1. Mix half a coffee spoon of salt and coffee, apply to a damp face, massage for a few minutes.
2. 2 tsp. mix brown sugar with 3 tsp. milk, make massaging movements for 3-4 minutes.

Masks at home:

1. Mix low-fat cream with lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio. Apply for 15-25 minutes.
2. 3 tbsp. l. Mix oatmeal ground in a coffee grinder with egg white. Apply to skin after cleansing with scrub.

1. 1 tbsp. l. crushed mint, pour 50 ml of boiling water, leave and strain. Wipe twice a day after washing.
2. Soak the grapefruit peel in cold water overnight. In the morning, the infusion will turn into an effective means for caring for a face prone to oiliness.

Even using the most expensive creams, doing newfangled procedures, the problem of oily skin will not disappear if its cause is not discovered. Do not rush to a beauty salon without visiting a dermatologist. The doctor will help you understand the source of the disease and adjust your lifestyle: adjust your diet, daily routine, and avoid stress. If necessary, the patient will be referred to other specialists - a nutritionist, psychologist, endocrinologist.

Anyone can understand why the skin on their face has become oily. The strategy for caring for your face depends only on whether it is important for a woman to look attractive, what means she has and how much time she is willing to devote to her appearance.

With oily skin, the sebaceous glands are overactive, and the skin itself becomes shiny, looks unhealthy and rough. Its owners are well acquainted with the problems of enlarged pores, acne and comedones, seborrhea and sebaceous gland cysts. But why did the skin on my face become oily if it was normal or dry before? There can be many reasons, and they need to be correctly identified in order to prescribe further effective treatment.

Characteristic

Oily skin is most often localized in the T-zone (forehead, bridge of the nose, chin). Outwardly, it gives the impression of being rough, unkempt, shiny and dull, with a grayish tint and oiliness. It is often characterized by an uneven surface; makeup cannot be applied to such skin perfectly (it does not adhere well). It is possible to disguise oily shine with powder or foundation only temporarily.

Spider veins often appear on oily skin. The problem occurs not only on the face, but also on the body (in the back and chest). Most often, oily hair is an accompanying symptom.

Such skin cannot always be perfectly cleaned of excess fat. Subsequently, this sebaceous secretion clogs the pores, and dust, dirt, and dead particles of the epidermis also get there. As a result, the pores expand in a funnel-shaped manner, the skin becomes porous and looks like an orange peel. In addition, acne often occurs on it, black plugs called comedones and whiteheads (milia) form.

CAREFULLY! If sebum not only begins to be intensively produced, but also its structural composition changes, then the problem of oily skin degenerates into a pathological painful condition called seborrhea.

Advantages

Despite the unsightly characteristics described above, oily skin has some advantages over other types:

1. it retains moisture better, as a result of which it is not so sensitive and is better protected from the effects of adverse atmospheric factors (sun, wind, frost);
2. retains its elasticity longer;
3. less susceptible to aging;
4. and most importantly, age-related wrinkles on oily skin appear much later than on dry or normal skin.

Hormonal disbalance

There are many negative factors that provoke a change in skin type to oily, but more often this occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance. When and why hormonal levels in the body are disrupted:

1. The first time this happens is during puberty of a teenage girl. During this period, hormones are still extremely unstable and can go astray.
2. The next strongest surge of hormones occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.
3. A sharp change in hormonal levels is observed during menopause.

It is at these moments that a woman’s skin undergoes the greatest shocks - it was dry and suddenly became oily, and acne suddenly appeared. This is due to the fact that the active activity of the sebaceous glands is stimulated by the hormone testosterone.A hormonal surge leads to more testosterone being produced, which means that the sebaceous glands work even more actively and secrete sebum more intensely.

With such rapid and increased production of sebum, self-cleansing no longer helps. The pores become clogged, the skin does not breathe normally, and the results instantly appear on the face - acne, pimples and blackheads.

IMPORTANT! Such pimples cannot be squeezed out and constantly masked with decorative cosmetics. If you cover them with powder or foundation, the skin will not breathe at all, and the number of acne will increase. And the result of squeezing will be inflammation and swelling.

First, you need to determine what the causes of hormonal surges, increased testosterone levels and the appearance of acne are, and only then choose methods to combat them.

Risk Factors Causing Hormonal Imbalance

To normalize hormonal balance, you need to determine what led to a sharp jump in testosterone. The most likely reasons are:

1. physical fatigue;
2. unstable emotional background – stress, psychological problems, depression;
3. wrong lifestyle;
4. poor nutrition;
5. irregular sex life.

A woman can eliminate all of these factors on her own. But when puberty, pregnancy or menopause occurs, you cannot do without consulting a specialist. Only he will prescribe the correct drug therapy to restore hormonal levels and improve the woman’s condition.

Non-hormonal reasons

In addition to hormonal imbalances, there are other reasons why the skin suddenly becomes oily.

For example, cosmetics are selected and applied incorrectly. This is one of the most common reasons. There are women who constantly and in large quantities apply decorative cosmetics, without leaving the skin the slightest chance to rest and breathe. The pores are clogged, metabolic processes are disrupted, and as a result, the skin becomes inflamed and acne occurs.

IMPORTANT! Give your skin a break sometimes, leaving it absolutely clean.

Sometimes the skin situation is like a swing - back and forth. Either it is so dry that it peels, then suddenly it suddenly becomes oily. And this happens periodically. In this case, poor nutrition is to blame, especially if periods of dieting and overeating alternate. Balance your daily diet. To do this, completely eliminate alcoholic drinks, fatty, spicy and smoked foods. And after a while, your face will shine with health.

High fat content may be caused by taking certain medications.

Video about the causes of oily skin

Skin type can be inherited through the female line. But a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and regular facial care will help cope with this genetic factor.