Why is my skin so oily?

Got oily skin? We know how much of a drag it is, but here’s some tips to reduce the amount of shine on your face.

1. You’re More Stressed Than Usual

Feeling worried or anxious kick starts your body into producing extra amounts of the stress hormone called cortisol, and one of the most common side effects of extra cortisol coursing through your system is a excess oil on your face.

You’ll likely see some acne too, as the excess oil clogs the hair follicles and produces zits and pimples. According to Bustle, a 2007 Singapore study of high school students found that the kids going through high-stress exam period had way more acne than the ones on summer break. Not surprising.

2. You’re Not Using The Right Kind Of Face Wash

As you age, you’ll need to change the skincare products you use. Don’t use soap, or any drying products, as your skin will end up producing extra oil to overcompensate. We love Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil which sends a signal to the skin to reduce oil production. Skin is guided to a balanced state and with regular use the skin’s natural beauty is revealed.

This product contains carrot, almond oil, calendula and neem to nurture and balance, helping to calm redness. Precious botanical extracts help the skin balance oiliness and reduce the appearance of pores.

3. You’re Washing Your Face Too Often

Again, a lot of ladies with greasy skin tend to want to wash their face more to get rid of the gleam, this only serves to dry your skin out and strip your skin of its natural oils, which makes you produce even more than you would normally need. Wash in the morning and at night, and resist the urge to add anymore cleanses to your daily routine.

4. You’re Consuming Too Much Dairy

Consuming too much dairy affects the delicate balance of hormones in your body. Levels of testosterone and progesterone— and nearly 60 other hormones — rise in the body when you consume dairy, causing too much oil to build up beneath the surface of your skin. This is why so many experts recommend cutting back on anabolic-hormone-packed milk if you’re struggling with acne, according to Bustle.

There are more than 60 different hormones in just one glass of milk, and studies show that skim milk is actually the worst when it comes to producing acne. The sebum causes a greasy T-zone, and wouldn’t be nearly as prominent if you cut dairy out of your diet — or at least cut back on your daily intake.

5. Your Makeup Is Clogging Your Pores

Choose your cosmetics carefully and make sure your foundations, concealers and BB creams are formulated for oily skin. Otherwise, pores are blocked and your skin will fight this with an excess of oil.

It’s time to make a more conscious effort to pick out a makeup product that is suited for oily skin. Go with something light, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. A major bonus of choosing the right one is that your makeup will last longer than those other ill-fitting cosmetics, because you won’t be dabbing it off all the time.