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Reasons for Excess Oil in Your Body

Natural oils produced by sebaceous glands make your skin soft and supple, helping it stay smooth and giving you a youthful appearance. When the sebaceous glands release excess oil, your skin looks shiny. The overproduction of oil clogs your pores and creates a hospitable environment for pimples and blackheads. Your hormones, lifestyle and environmental factors affect the amount of oil your skin produces.

  1. Hormonal Changes

    • Hormonal changes due to puberty, menopause and pregnancy cause excess oil in the skin. Teens and adults get pimples, whiteheads and blackheads because oil accumulates in the pores. When you go through menopause, estrogen levels decrease and testosterone increases in the body, causing sebaceous glands to produce thicker oils, according to the International Dermal Institute. As a result, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads may develop on the face, back, chest, shoulders and arms.

    Stress

    • Stress affects the appearance of the skin, triggering or worsening conditions related to oily skin, such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the scalp, but also occurs on the skin around the upper chest, back, eyebrows, nose, groin, armpits and behind the ears. MayoClinic.com says the skin appears red and greasy and is covered by white or yellow scales. The American Academy of Dermatology says dermatologists prescribe a treatment regimen that improves the skin's appearance and reduces stress.

    Cosmetics

    • The use of certain cosmetics, skincare products and moisturizing creams can cause excess oil buildup, which leads to acne and blemishes. This happens because oil-based residue clogs hair follicles, creating a breeding ground for bacterial growth. Skin appears greasy and shiny. Dermatologists diagnose cosmetic-induced acne after examining your skincare regimen and makeup usage, and recommend non-greasy cosmetics and skincare products. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia recommends the use of water-based or oil-free cosmetics.

    Cleaning Regimen

    • Your cleaning regimen affects the amount of dirt and oil that accumulates in your skin. Cleaning skin daily keeps you from clogging your pores. You should wash your skin with warm water and soap, or soapless cleaners, according to MedlinePlus. Astringent pads decrease skin irritation from frequent face-washing. Drug and department stores sell facial and body washes designed for oily skin and acne breakouts. If over-the-counter products don't work, dermatologists prescribe creams that reduce oil production.

    Illnesses

    • Health conditions that contribute to oily skin include diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and neurological conditions. MedlinePlus says there's a correlation between oily skin and diseases such as Parkinson's disease, head injuries, strokes and HIV. If left untreated, chronically oily skin increases your susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as skin lesions. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the severity of your condition.

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