Men’s Skin Types: Oily Skin

Do you have oily skin? This skin type is known for producing too much sebum - your body’s natural oil - and causing shiny, slick, and greasy skin. It can also leave you prone to breakouts and acne since dirt and bacteria can mix with oil to clog your pores.

The good news is that you’re not doomed to have bad skin just because you have oily skin. Instead, you just need to approach your skincare efforts with your skin type in mind. Instead of randomly choosing the soaps, washes, and moisturizers you use, use this guide to select products designed for your skin type.

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of posts breaking down men’s skin types. We’re starting with sensitive skin, them moving on to oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, aged skin, and normal skin.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin - like all skin types - has genetic causes. It’s not based on what you eat. It’s not based on your personal habits. And you can’t will your skin into producing less oil. Instead, you need to understand what’s behind it and treat it well.

Your skin releases oil all over your body and scalp naturally. This lubricates your skin and protects it from the elements. But depending on your personal genetic makeup, you may have higher levels of oil-producing hormones. As a result, your skin cranks out far more sebum than that of guys with dry or normal skin types.

How to Treat Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to be robust. It’s not finicky and irrigation prone like sensitive skin. So you don’t have to worry about it flaring up and getting itchy or otherwise reactive when you use skincare and grooming products for men.

Your main concern is controlling the amount of oil on your skin. If you try to remove it all with harsh chemical products, your body may react by overproducing even more sebum. So you need a balanced, smart approach to face care that won’t exacerbate your oily skin.

Use Natural Face Wash

The best face wash for men with oily skin doesn’t contain harsh detergents that strip away your oils. Instead, it uses natural and organic ingredients to reduce the excess buildup on your face gently. Avoid using traditional soaps and washes with salicylic acid. These will dry out your skin, throw off your pH balance, and cause excess oil production.

You only need to wash your face twice daily - once in the morning, once in the evening - for the best results. Any more than that and you could upset your balance of skin oils.

Exfoliating Is Key

Reducing excess oil is far easier if you exfoliate your skin regularly. Choose a natural face scrub for men that removes dead skin and excess oil without irritating your skin. Using a scrub once or twice each week will reduce the risk of breakouts caused by oil, dirt, and dead skin buildup.

Exfoliating is important, but you’ve got to do it right. Don’t force the scrubbing particles down into your skin. Apply the scrub gently and evenly. That way you don’t dry out your skin and cause more oil production unnecessarily.

The Benefits of Oily Skin

Most guys complain about their skin type - regardless of what it is. It’s easy to focus on the negatives of oily skin - like excess shine and frequent breakouts. But do you know the benefits of having oily skin?

Dry skin ages faster than oily skin. Sebum helps keep your skin properly hydrated, which prevents the early formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. So don’t fuss too much about your oily skin - it could actually be keeping you looking young.

To always look your best, follow a skincare routine for men with oily skin. Never use harsh chemical products that will only stimulate further oil production. Instead, keep your skin’s pH and oil levels balanced so you always look your best.