What should you know about greasy skin and hair?

Sebum helps protect skin and hair, but excess oil can create shine, a coated scalp, clogged pores, and product buildup. Acne presents with blocked pores, spots, or deeper tender lesions; hormonal acne often clusters around the lower face and may fluctuate with hormonal changes. Seborrheic dermatitis presents with redness, itch, and greasy scale around oil-rich areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, nose, or ears. A sudden change with other body symptoms deserves a broader medical review rather than assuming it is only a cosmetic issue.

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser on the face and wash the scalp as needed without scrubbing harshly. Choose oil-free or lightweight moisturiser and sunscreen, and remove makeup before sleep. Keep hair oils and pomades away from the forehead if they trigger spots. Avoid squeezing lesions, abrasive scrubs, and repeated stripping, which can worsen irritation. Isotretinoin treatment is a prescription option for selected acne, not a general treatment for ordinary oiliness; a dermatologist must assess suitability and monitoring needs.

Arrange assessment for painful deep spots, scarring, persistent facial redness, severe itch, crusting, or oily skin that does not improve with gentle care. Seek prompt advice for a sudden widespread rash, facial swelling, eye involvement, or signs of infection. Tell the clinician about menstrual or hormonal changes, new medicines, and every product used on the face and scalp.

Do my spots fit acne, hormonal acne, or irritation? Could my hair products be affecting my forehead? Which cleanser and moisturiser should I use? Would prescription treatment be appropriate, and what monitoring would it involve?