Oily skin describes a complexion characterised by excess sebum (skin oil) production from hyperactive sebaceous glands — producing a shiny, greasy appearance, enlarged pores, and susceptibility to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), acne, and makeup that does not stay on. Sebum production is primarily driven by androgens, making oily skin most prevalent during adolescence, in those with PCOS (where elevated androgens drive excess sebum), and influenced by hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Contributing factors include genetics, hormonal milieu, humidity and heat, dietary patterns (high glycaemic foods may increase sebum production), and certain skin care products that over-strip the skin, triggering compensatory oil production.

What lifestyle changes can help with oily skin?

Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products. Gentle (not stripping) cleansing twice daily. Niacinamide has moderate evidence for sebum reduction. Dietary glycaemic load reduction may help.

What integrative approaches support oily skin?

Topical retinoids have strong evidence for sebum reduction. Hormonal treatment (combined oral contraceptive, spironolactone) has strong evidence for hormonal oily skin. Isotretinoin has very strong evidence for severe cases.

When should I seek professional support for oily skin?

Seek dermatology assessment for oily skin driving significant acne. Hormonal investigation for very oily skin with acne, irregular periods, or excess hair growth.

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Oily Skin

Skin that produces excess sebum, creating a shiny, greasy appearance prone to blocked pores and acne.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026Moderate Evidence

Quick answer

Skin that produces excess sebum, creating a shiny, greasy appearance prone to blocked pores and acne.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

People describe needing to blot their face by midday, a persistent shine, large visible pores particularly on the nose and forehead, and a tendency toward spots.

What is Oily Skin?

Skin that produces excess sebum, creating a shiny, greasy appearance prone to blocked pores and acne.

Approaches Commonly Explored

Commonly explored for conditions related to Oily Skin, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.

Integrates across:Alternative

How to use these approaches

🛡 Stabilise— Immediate relief

⚖️ Regulate— System balancing

🌱 Resolve— Root cause

✦ Sustain— Long-term

Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.

Inflammatory Mechanism

Systemic or neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation.

Not sure what this means for you?

Ask Vidi to help you understand Oily Skin and find what may be most relevant for your situation.

Self-care

What You Can Do Now

Self-directed strategies that may support Oily Skin alongside professional care.

Ready to find support for Oily Skin?

Connect with holistic and complementary practitioners who specialise in this area.

Find support tailored to your experience

Oily Skin

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Paleo Diet

Organic Cosmetics

Red Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation

Organic Facials

What You Can Do Now

Ready to find support for Oily Skin?

This symptom is often connected to

Acne vulgaris

Ask Vidi about Oily Skin

About Oily Skin

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References