We all have natural oils on our skin, but for some, these oils become a constant struggle. If your skin looks shiny just hours after cleansing or feels greasy by midday, it's time to understand the real oily skin reasons. Knowing what causes oily skin is the first step in managing it better.

What are the Reasons for Oily Skin 

Excess oil on the skin isn’t just a surface-level issue—it stems from deeper biological and environmental factors. If you’re constantly asking yourself what are the reasons for oily skin, know that it’s often a combination of genetics, hormones, climate, and skincare habits. Your sebaceous glands may be naturally more active, or you might be unknowingly using the wrong products. 

Even over-cleansing can trigger more oil production. Identifying the oily skin reasons that apply to you is key. Once you know the cause, you can manage oiliness effectively and choose products that actually work with your skin, not against it.

1. Genetics

If your parents had oily skin, there’s a good chance you do too. Genetics is one of the most common oily skin reasons. Overactive sebaceous glands are inherited and can lead to excessive oil production regardless of how diligent you are with skincare.

2. Hormonal Changes and Age

Your age and hormonal shifts directly impact what causes oily skin. Teenagers and people going through hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menstruation) often experience increased sebum. However, oil production tends to decrease with age. But during your younger years, these shifts could be the prime oily skin reasons affecting your complexion.

3. Weather and Environment

Living in a hot, humid place? That’s a major factor in what causes excessive oily skin. Higher temperatures and humidity levels stimulate your skin to produce more oil as a natural barrier. This is why many people experience more breakouts and greasiness in the summer.

If you're wondering what are the reasons for oily skin getting worse in certain months, climate changes might be the culprit.

4. Enlarged Pores

Another one of the common oily skin reasons is large pores. These often develop due to age, past breakouts, or weight fluctuations. The larger the pore, the more oil it tends to release. And unfortunately, once your pores have stretched, there’s no way to shrink them permanently—only manage the excess oil.

5. Incorrect Skincare Products

Many people unknowingly use the wrong products, which is one of the biggest oily skin reasons. Using a heavy cream meant for dry skin or skipping toner altogether can throw your skin off balance. Understanding your skin type and adapting your products accordingly helps reduce what causes excessive oily skin.

6. Over-Cleansing or Over-Exfoliating

It might sound counterintuitive, but washing your face too much can lead to what causes oily skin. Stripping your face of all oils can backfire—your sebaceous glands may overcompensate by producing even more oil.

You only need to cleanse twice daily. Any more than that and you’re likely adding to the oily skin reasons you're trying to solve.

7. Skipping Moisturizer

Thinking moisturizer makes oily skin worse? Think again. Not moisturizing leaves your skin feeling dry, which again signals oil glands to go into overdrive—yet another example of what are the reasons for oily skin you might not expect. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizers.

Also Read: How to Manage Oily Skin

Ingredient Highlights: Nature’s Solutions to Oily Skin

When choosing skincare to manage what causes excessive oily skin, look out for ingredients that are proven to balance oil and promote skin clarity:

• Glutathione: A potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin tone and supports detoxification, which can balance oil levels.
  

• Alpha Lipoic Acid: Reduces oxidative stress that can lead to overactive sebaceous glands.
  

• Vitamin C & E: Combat environmental damage and support skin repair, helping reduce shine and inflammation.
  

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Excellent for minimising pores and regulating oil production.
  

• Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates without adding grease, balancing the skin’s natural oil-water ratio.
  

• Kojic Acid: Helps in reducing pigmentation while keeping skin tone even.
  

• Licorice Extract: Soothes inflammation and reduces excess oil.
  

While understanding the oily skin reasons is crucial, using the right products makes all the difference. Incorporate Glutone 1000 - Glutathione tablet -into your internal wellness routine to support clear, radiant skin from within. Pair it with the Glutone Face Wash - Skin Brightening face wash, a gentle cleanser that removes excess sebum, and follow it up with the Glutone Skin Brightening Serum, packed with skin-brightening actives that help balance oil production. Together, they offer a targeted solution for what causes oily skin and promote a lasting, healthy glow.