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Why Is My Skin So Oily? The Real Causes and Natural Remedies That Help Balance It

Posted by Bel Essence on Feb 7th 2026

If you blot your face by mid-morning, fight shine all day and deal with clogged pores and breakouts, you've probably asked: *why is my skin so oily?* The short answer is that oily skin is an imbalance, not a flaw. Your skin needs some oil (sebum) to stay soft and protected. Problems start when production goes into overdrive.

Here's what causes oily skin, why the usual "dry it out" approach backfires, and the plant compounds research shows can help bring oil back into balance.

What Is Oily Skin?

Sebum is made by tiny sebaceous glands attached to your hair follicles. It lubricates the skin, helps hold in moisture and has natural antimicrobial properties. A review in *Frontiers in Immunology*, Sebaceous immunobiology, describes the sebaceous gland as an active part of the skin's defense system.

When those glands produce more sebum than your skin needs, you get shine, enlarged-looking pores and a higher chance of clogged pores and acne. Excess sebum is one of the core factors behind acne (What is new in the pathophysiology of acne).

What Causes Oily Skin?

Remember all those warnings from your mom about sugar and stress? Science suggests she had a point. The main causes of oily skin are:

Hormones

Androgens (hormones present in everyone) directly stimulate sebaceous glands. That's why oil often increases during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and periods of stress.

Genetics

Pore size and sebaceous gland activity are partly inherited. If your parents had oily skin, you're more likely to as well.

Diet

High-glycemic foods (sugar, white bread and other refined carbs) and, for some people, dairy are linked to increased oil production and breakouts.

Environment

Heat and humidity increase oil output. Pollution can oxidize sebum, making it more irritating to skin.

Harsh skincare

This is the cause people most often overlook. Stripping cleansers, alcohol-based toners and over-exfoliation damage the skin barrier. Your skin responds by producing *more* oil. Learn more in Damaged Skin Barrier: Why Your Skin Is Oily and Dehydrated.

Natural Remedies for Oily Skin: Plant Compounds That Balance Oil

Green and white tea polyphenols (EGCG)

Tea polyphenols are among the best-researched natural ingredients for oily skin. A review in *Antioxidants*, Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris, found evidence that tea polyphenols reduce sebum production. A study in the *Journal of Investigative Dermatology* found that EGCG improves acne by reducing sebum production in sebaceous cells and inhibiting acne-causing bacteria.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

In a controlled study, 2% topical niacinamide significantly lowered facial sebum excretion rates. Niacinamide also helps strengthen the skin barrier. Natural sources include yeast and mushroom extracts.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel contains tannins, natural astringents that help tighten the look of pores and temper oil. It also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A 2025 review in *Molecules*, Hamamelis virginiana L. in Skin Care, summarizes its astringent and soothing properties.

Natural salicylic acid sources: willow bark and wintergreen

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can move into pores and dissolve the mix of oil and dead skin that causes clogs. Willow bark and wintergreen are natural sources of salicylates.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties and is widely used in skincare for breakout-prone skin and to reduce shine.

Linoleic-acid-rich oils

Yes, oils for oily skin. Studies show people with acne-prone skin tend to have lower levels of linoleic acid in their sebum (The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health). Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed, sunflower, black cumin and borage can help rebalance skin without clogging pores. See our list of non-comedogenic oils by skin type.

How to Control Oily Skin: A Daily Routine

  1. Cleanse twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Skip harsh foaming formulas that leave skin squeaky and tight.
  2. Don't skip moisturizer. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily skin keeps the barrier healthy so your skin doesn't overcompensate.
  3. Exfoliate gently, 1 to 2 times a week. Salicylic sources like willow bark help keep pores clear.
  4. Blot, don't scrub. Blotting papers remove shine midday without stripping skin.
  5. Watch high-glycemic foods. Reducing sugar and refined carbs may help some people.
  6. Wear oil-free sunscreen daily.

The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Look for a moisturizer that is:

  • Non-comedogenic and lightweight
  • Made with linoleic-rich oils (sunflower, grapeseed, borage, black cumin)
  • Boosted with oil-balancing botanicals like white tea, tea tree and licorice root
  • Free of heavy occlusives and drying alcohols

Bel Essence's Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin was formulated for exactly this. Black cumin, sunflower, grapeseed and borage oils help balance oil over time. Tea tree reduces shine, and white tea, calendula, licorice root and milk thistle extracts calm redness and support firm, even-toned skin. It's lightweight, non-comedogenic and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Browse more options in our Oily Skin collection.

FAQs About Oily Skin

Why is my skin so oily all of a sudden?

Sudden oiliness is often linked to hormonal shifts, stress, hot and humid weather, or a new harsh skincare product that damaged your skin barrier.

Does drinking water help oily skin?

Staying hydrated supports overall skin health, but oily skin is mostly driven by hormones, genetics and skincare habits. Topical hydration and a healthy barrier matter most.

Should people with oily skin use face oil?

Yes, if it's the right oil. Lightweight, linoleic-rich oils like grapeseed and sunflower can help balance oily skin without clogging pores.

References