11 Signs That You May Have Oily Skin

As every teenager knows, oily skin can be the absolute worst. However, what's a person to do if the oil keeps coming long after your teenage years are over? While it might not be your ideal skin type, there are a few tell-tale signs that you may have oily skin. Whether it's a constant feeling of dewiness or an onslaught of afternoon shine, your skin may be telling you more than you think.

According to EverydayHealth.com, oily skin stems from an excess production of sebum (AKA oil) on the face. This is typically caused by genetics, puberty, or even environmental factors that could be affecting the skin. While the reasoning behind this skin type may differ from person-to-person, signs of oily skin are pretty universal. As always, however, be sure to speak with a professional before self-diagnosing. This way you can ensure the healthiest course of treatment for your own skin's needs. With that said, there are a few ways to tell if you need to head to a dermatologist to treat an oily skin type. Here are 11 ways that your skin could be telling you that it's oily.

1. Your Face Looks Like An Oil Slick By The Afternoon

A tell-tale sign of oily skin is obviously an excess amount of sebum or oil cropping up throughout the day. Allure recommends caring around blotting sheets instead of blotting powder in order to banish shine and prevent the dreaded "cake-face" with your makeup.

2. You Have Enlarged Pores In Your T-Zone

According to WebMD, enlarged pores around the T-Zone (your nose, chin, and forehead) are a side effect of oilier skin. This happens due clogged pores, and can usually be minimized with a clarifying toner and exfoliant.

3. You Notice Breakouts

With an overproduction of sebum comes clogged pores, and clogged pores can definitely lead to breakouts. The editorial team at L'Oreal Paris recommend to banish your breakouts by using gentle cleanser with salicylic acid to clear out your pores and prevent future acne spots.

4. You Get Blackheads

According to MedicalNewsToday.com, blackheads are caused by excess sebum that collects at the base of hair follicles in your skin. Once that sebum touches the air, it oxidizes and turns black creating the blackhead. In order to keep these blackheads at bay, the site goes on to recommend using a face treatment with benzoyl peroxide to help breakdown the oil.

5. Your Skin Rarely Feels Tight Or Dry

Instead of flakes, dryness or tightness in the skin, oilier skin types tend to find that their skin feels more congested or greasy, according to PaulasChoice.com

6. You Notice That You Leave Oil Behind On Your Cell Phone/SO/Clothing

Leaving a trail of oil and makeup everywhere you go is typically a sign of an oilier skin type, according to Elle. In order to prevent any unwanted makeup transfers, be sure to spritz the skin with a makeup setting spray. This will help to keep your base in place throughout the day.

7. Your Face Becomes Shiny Shortly After Cleansing

Having shiny skin hours after you've cleansed and toned can be extremely frustrating. For oily skin, Elle recommended switching from foaming cleansers (which can stimulate oil production) to more gentle, water-based cleansers. This switch alone can help balance the skin, and keep your oil production more moderate.

8. Your Bangs Are Constantly Oily

Excess sebum production doesn't only effect your skin, but it can also take a toil on your hair. If you're noticing that your bangs are constantly oily or greasy, consider pinning them to the side during the day. This way the oil from your skin won't transfer to your strands.

9. Everyone In Your Family Has Oily Skin

Did you know that oily skin can be genetic? It's true. According to the experts at DermaDoctor.com, your skin type is usually correlated with your genetic makeup. So, if mom and dad have oily skin, chances are that you do too.

10. Your Makeup Seems To Slide Off Your Face

Makeup that lasts all day may seem like an oxymoron for those with oily skin. However, it doesn't have to be. Keep your makeup in place by using a mattifying primer and setting powder to help lock in your base. Remember, if you apply a cream to the skin, always lock it in with a powder for a long-lasting finish.

11. You Constantly Feel The Need To Dry Out Your Skin

While "drying out" your oily skin may seem like a good idea, it isn't. In fact, stripping your skin of it's natural oils can often trigger the glands in your skin to produce even more oil. The goal for oily skin shouldn't be dry skin. It should well-balanced, hydrated skin.

Oily skin doesn't have to be a curse. However, once you know your own skin type, you can best determine how to manage it.

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