Why Oily Skin Still Gets Acne
You might think oily skin has plenty of natural oil, so it should not break out. But the truth is, too much oil often leads to more acne. Here is why that happens in simple terms.
Oil, called sebum, comes from tiny glands under your skin. These glands make sebum to keep skin soft and protected. In oily skin, the glands work too hard and produce extra sebum. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and gets stuck in your pores. Pores are like small openings on your skin where hair grows. When they clog up, it traps dirt and bacteria inside.
Bacteria love this oily, clogged spot. A common one called Cutibacterium acnes grows fast there. It causes swelling and redness, turning clogs into pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. Blackheads are open clogs that look dark. Whiteheads are closed ones that stay under the skin.
Many things make oily skin worse and lead to acne. Genetics play a big part. If your family has oily skin, you likely do too. Hormones kick things up during puberty, monthly cycles, stress, or conditions like PCOS. These boost oil production. Hot, humid weather or poor diet with lots of sugar and dairy can add to it.
Bad habits make it worse too. Washing your face too much or using harsh products strips away oil. Your skin thinks it needs more, so glands make even extra sebum. Skipping moisturizer does the same. Makeup or heavy creams can clog pores more if they are not made for oily skin.
Oily skin gets acne because the oil does not stay on the surface. It hides inside pores with junk, feeding bacteria. That is the real problem.
Sources
https://trophyskin.com/blogs/blog/oily-skin-meaning-signs-causes-how-to-manage-shine
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/understanding-oily-skin-causes-effects-and-solutions-for-oily-butts/01199c75d3445cadc460b7fb5613f5d2
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.tataneu.com/pages/fashion/beauty-skincare/faqs-about-oily-skin-causes-care-and-remedies
https://naturalimageskincenter.com/common-misconceptions-about-bacterial-acne-how-to-identify-it-correctly/
https://www.aboutskinderm.com/skincare-for-teens-tips-for-managing-acne-and-oily-skin/
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/oily-or-dry-skin-good-question/
