If you’ve already read my main post on building a care plan for oily complexions, great — this article won’t repeat that step-by-step checklist. Think of this as the backstage tour: why the shine happens, what not to believe, which ingredients actually help, and small day-to-day habits that make your face behave like a well-tuned masala dabba instead of a leaking oil bottle.
I talk like a doctor who’s also played chemist in a lab and stood at a salon counter more times than I can count. Simple language, a little desi humour, and useful explanations — no fluff. Let’s go.
What “oily skin” really means (and why oil isn’t the enemy)
Your face has tiny oil factories called sebaceous glands. They make sebum — a mix of fatty molecules that keeps the surface soft and helps barrier function. Think of sebum like ghee for roti: a little keeps things supple; too much and that roti gets soggy. The trouble begins when the glands go into overdrive.
Important differences people confuse:
- Oil production ≠ hydration. Your face can be greasy yet thirsty. (Yes, it’s possible — like having a water bottle with a cracked lid.)
- Excess oil is often the body’s reaction to something else: hormones, weather, or overdoing certain products.
Why understand this? Because if you treat the surface without knowing the cause, you’ll end up chasing shine forever — like chasing a train in Mumbai traffic.
Main causes of excess oil — explained in plain Hindi/English
Let’s look at the usual suspects. I’ll keep it short and honest.
1. Genetics — blame your family photo album
If your parents or siblings have naturally oily faces, there’s a high chance you do too. Sebaceous activity is partly inherited — some people are simply born with busier glands.
2. Hormones — the classic culprit
Puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, some forms of contraception, and conditions like PCOS change hormone levels. These fluctuations tell the glands to pump out more oil. Think of hormones as noisy relatives who keep switching the TV channel.
3. Climate & pollution — monsoon and beyond
Humid weather stimulates oil production. Mumbai in July? Expect more shine. Pollution can also irritate pores and make the complexion look heavier and clogged.
4. Diet & digestion — yes, what you eat matters
High-glycemic foods (sugary treats, white breads), very spicy takeaways, and too much fried food can indirectly increase oiliness and breakouts in some people. This doesn’t mean guilt-tripping — just small adjustments help.
5. Over-washing or harsh products — the rebound problem
Washing aggressively or using strong alcohol-based products strips natural oils. The body then overcompensates and produces more sebum, like a pressure cooker releasing steam.
6. Stress, sleep and meds
Cortisol (stress hormone) nudges oil production. Poor sleep and certain medicines can add to the problem. It’s not always dramatic — sometimes small lifestyle nudges are enough to change things.
Common myths — busted (with friendly explanations)
There are dozens of tips passed around WhatsApp and aunty circles. Some are harmless, some are useless, and a few make things worse. Let’s clear the air.
Myth: “Oily people don’t need moisturiser.”
Truth: Even oily faces need hydration. Skipping moisturiser can cause imbalance and rebound oiliness. Use a light, water-based moisturiser with humectants (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid) and non-comedogenic ingredients.
Myth: “Wash more, oil less.”
Truth: Twice daily cleansing is usually enough. Excessive washing strips surface oils and triggers more production. Gentle is better than furious scrubbing.
Myth: “All oils clog pores.”
Truth: Not all oils are equal. Some lightweight oils (like squalane) are non-comedogenic and can help balance the surface. The key is texture and source.
Myth: “Sunscreen will make me greasy.”
Truth: Wrong formula will. Choose gel or fluid sunscreens labelled ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘oil-free’. There are many versions that sit light and matte.
Myth: “Only oily people get acne.”
Truth: Acne is multi-factorial. Oil matters, but so do bacteria, clogged pores, hormones, and inflammation. People with dry complexions can have breakouts too (though less commonly).
Here Is Our Detailed Article On : Ultimate Skincare Routine For Oily Skin
