What should you know about oily-prone skin?

Sebaceous glands make sebum, an oil that supports the skin barrier. When the skin produces more than the surface needs, the face may look shiny and pores may seem more visible. Oil can mix with dead skin cells and block follicles, contributing to blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory spots. Oily skin alone does not diagnose acne; acne is a condition that can present with oily skin and blocked follicles.

Hormonal changes, heat, stress, skin products and some medicines can alter oiliness. Greasy scale around the nose, eyebrows or hairline may point toward seborrhoeic dermatitis rather than simple oiliness.

Wash with a mild cleanser using lukewarm water, and avoid scrubbing, alcohol-heavy toners and repeated washing that leaves the skin tight. Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen; oiliness does not remove the need for daily sun protection.

If spots or blocked pores persist, a dermatologist can match treatment to your pattern, such as topical pore-clearing or anti-inflammatory options. Hormone-related flares may need a different plan. Isotretinoin is a prescription treatment reserved for selected acne cases and requires medical supervision.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if breakouts are painful, deep, scarring, spreading, or affecting your confidence despite a steady routine. Seek earlier advice for sudden severe oiliness with other new symptoms, or if a product causes swelling, blistering or marked irritation.

Could my oiliness be linked to acne, hormones or seborrhoeic dermatitis? Which cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen suit my pores? If prescription treatment is appropriate, what should I monitor and when should we review it?