Why Does Oiliness Increase With Age
Many people notice their skin getting oilier as they get older, especially in the face and scalp. This can feel surprising because you might expect skin to dry out over time. The main reason ties back to hormones, which shift in ways that mess with how much oil your skin makes.
Skin oil, called sebum, comes from tiny glands under the skin. These glands help keep skin soft and protected. In younger years, hormones like estrogen and progesterone keep things balanced. Estrogen supports moisture and collagen, while progesterone affects oil levels. As women enter perimenopause, usually in the late 30s or 40s, these hormones start to drop and fluctuate. The drop in estrogen weakens the skin’s barrier and cuts back on natural oil production in some cases. But the ups and downs in progesterone can trigger more oil in spots, leading to breakouts or a shiny look.
Men experience this too, though differently. Testosterone, which influences oil glands, stays steady or changes slowly with age. Combined with years of sun exposure and lifestyle factors, skin can react by producing extra oil to compensate for lost moisture. This creates a cycle where skin feels drier overall but oilier in certain areas, like the T-zone of the face.
Fluctuating hormones also spark sensitivity and adult acne. You might see more pimples because oil mixes with dead skin cells, clogging pores. Pigmentation changes can happen too, making skin look uneven. These shifts peak during perimenopause and menopause, when estrogen hits low points.
Genetics and habits play a role. If your family has oily skin, you might notice it more with age. Poor diet, stress, or skipping sunscreen can amp up oiliness. Hot weather or humidity makes glands work harder too.
To handle it, use gentle cleansers that do not strip skin. Look for products with niacinamide to balance oil without drying. Moisturize daily to calm overactive glands. A healthy diet with omega fatty acids helps from inside.
Sources
https://flouria.health/blog/why-does-your-skin-change-in-perimenopause-and-what-can-you-do-about-it
https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/how-to-care-for-your-skin-during-perimenopause-menopause/
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/dehydrated-skin/how-to-identify-your-changing-skin-type-as-you-age
https://vivardiclinics.com/the-connection-between-hormones-and-skin-aging-in-women/
