Why Is My Face So Oily? 7 Reasons and What Actually Helps

If you keep asking "why is my face so oily?" by lunchtime, you're not doing anything wrong. Some faces simply make more oil than others. Cleveland Clinic calls oily skin "a cosmetic concern, not a health concern." You can't switch it off, but you can make the shine much easier to live with.

Why is my skin so oily?

Your skin makes an oil called sebum in tiny sebaceous glands. According to Cleveland Clinic, "You have the most sebaceous glands on your face and scalp." Oily skin, it explains in its skin types guide, means "there's an overproduction of sebum," often with enlarged pores and "a shiny or greasy complexion."

Family physician Dr. Simon Hodes, speaking to Cleveland Clinic, lists the usual reasons:

• Genetics. "Having overactive sebaceous glands can run in families."
• Hormones. Progesterone peaks in the second half of your cycle, so "you can expect your sebaceous glands to be extra … well, sebaceous!"
• Weather. "Warmer weather is more conducive to oil production," and people in humid places "are more likely to have oily skin."
• Stress. Stress raises cortisol, which tells "the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum."
• Age. Oil glands slow down as you get older, so many people get less oily with time.

Then there are the habits that make it worse. Products that dry your skin out "will actually stimulate oil production," Cleveland Clinic says. And heavy or oily products can sit on top of the oil you already have.

Why is my nose so oily, and why is my forehead so oily?

Your nose, forehead and chin make up the T-zone. Cleveland Clinic's Lauren Zamborsky says these areas are often oilier, while cheeks "may feel dry." That's combination skin, and it's why an oily nose by midday is so common even when the rest of your face feels fine.

How to get an oily face under control: 8 steps

1. Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser for oily skin

The American Academy of Dermatology says to "cleanse your face up to twice daily and after sweating" and to "use a gentle, foaming face wash." Morning and night is enough. Wash after workouts too. Use lukewarm water and your fingertips, and rinse well.

2. Don't over-wash or scrub

It's tempting to strip the oil away with a strong wash. The AAD warns that "using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production." Hodes adds, "Try not to rub too hard. That's going to make it worse." Skip the washcloth, loofah and gritty scrubs on your face. Also skip "oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers," per the AAD.

If your skin feels tight, stingy or flaky as well as oily, you may have over-stripped it. Our skin barrier repair guide explains how to calm things down.

3. Use a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin

It sounds backwards, but oily skin still needs moisture. Cleveland Clinic explains that "parched skin produces more sebum." A gel moisturizer for oily skin is the easiest place to start. Dermatologist Dr. David Li told NBC Select that gel moisturizers "are thin in consistency and don't leave behind a residue." Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face.

4. Check labels for "oil free" and "noncomedogenic"

The AAD recommends products "labeled 'oil free' and 'noncomedogenic,'" from cleanser to makeup. Hodes also suggests going easy on trendy face oils. They suit some people, "but they're going to break out others." If your face routine for oily skin includes a rich night cream or a face oil, try dropping it for two weeks and see if your T-zone looks less greasy.

5. Keep wearing sunscreen

Oily skin is no excuse to skip SPF. The AAD says to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen "with an SPF of 30 or higher" and suggests a moisturizer that already contains one to save time. For oily, breakout-prone skin, it suggests formulas with "zinc oxide and titanium dioxide" and none with "fragrance or oils." Not sure what goes on first? See moisturizer or sunscreen first.

6. Blot during the day instead of re-powdering

When your nose shines at 2 p.m., reach for a blotting sheet. Cleveland Clinic calls it "your best bet." The AAD's method: "Gently press the paper against your face and leave it on for a few seconds." Don't rub, or you'll spread the oil around. We'd blot before adding any powder too. Fresh powder on top of oil can look heavy by evening.

7. Use mattifying makeup and a setting spray

The AAD says makeup "labeled 'matte' can help reduce shine." A mattifying primer under foundation helps, and so does a mattifying setting spray on top. Makeup artist Brielle Pollara told TODAY that if you're oily, use "a small amount of powder in areas like the T-zone first, then finish with setting spray." Our best setting spray roundup has matte picks for oily skin.

8. Exfoliate gently with an acid, a few times a week

The AAD notes that "salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness," though "they may be too harsh for your skin." An exfoliating wash used two or three nights a week is an easy way in. Start low and go slow: the AAD says "the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done." Stop or cut back if your skin turns red. Our best glycolic acid face wash roundup includes an exfoliator for oily skin and gentler starter options.

A simple face routine for oily skin

Morning: gentle foaming cleanser, then a gel moisturizer, then broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Add a mattifying primer and makeup if you wear it.

Midday: blot your nose, forehead and chin. Don't rub.

Night: remove makeup and wash. The AAD's advice is plain: "DON'T sleep in your makeup." On two or three nights a week, swap in an exfoliating wash. Finish with your gel moisturizer.

Give any change about a month or two. Cleveland Clinic notes that routine changes "will take time to have an impact."

Picks that help

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Best for: a gentle cleanser for oily skin that doesn't leave your face feeling tight.

• CeraVe describes it as "a gel-based, non-drying foaming cleanser for normal to oily skin," made with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
• Shop TODAY named it the best overall face wash for oily skin and noted it's "free from fragrance." There's no fragrance in CeraVe's ingredient list.
• Keep in mind: it's a plain daily wash, not an exfoliator, so pair it with a gentle acid on a few nights if you want that step.

Check price on Amazon

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Best for: a lightweight, gel moisturizer for oily skin.

• Neutrogena's amazon.com listing calls it "a lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic moisturizer" for normal and oily skin, with hyaluronic acid.
• It's listed as oil free. Dr. Li told NBC Select he used Hydro Boost "during periods of time when I felt like my skin was more oily," though NBC's entry doesn't name the exact formula.
• Keep in mind: it's "infused with signature fragrance." If you prefer fragrance-free, the Hydro Boost Gel Cream in our fragrance-free moisturizer list has no fragrance, but it's made for drier skin.

Check price on Amazon

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Best for: blotting an oily nose and forehead during the day.

• Clean & Clear says they "instantly soak up excess oil and remove shine from your face, without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder."
• Makeup artist Jeannia Robinette told Shop TODAY, "These are tried-and-true!" and likes that they leave no residue.
• Keep in mind: some amazon.com shoppers report knock-off packs on bulk multipack listings, so buy from the Clean & Clear store.

Check price on Amazon

One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

Best for: a mattifying setting spray when your makeup slides by midday.

• Shop TODAY named it the best setting spray for oily skin. Pollara likes it "for clients with oily skin or anyone who needs their makeup to truly stay put through heat, humidity or long events."
• TODAY lists green tea extract and witch hazel, a matte finish and 16-hour wear.
• Keep in mind: it contains alcohol and a strong fragrance, according to Yahoo's review, and TODAY says it can feel "tight" on dry skin.

Check price on Amazon

FAQs

Why is my face so greasy and oily all of a sudden?

Look at what's changed. Hot, humid weather, stress, your cycle and a new product can all make your face greasier, according to Cleveland Clinic. A harsher cleanser can do it too, because over-dried skin makes more oil.

What is the best cleanser for oily skin?

A gentle, foaming one. The AAD recommends "a gentle, foaming face wash" and advises against oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. Our pick is CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which is made for normal to oily skin.

What's a good lotion for an oily face?

Look for a light gel or gel-cream labeled oil free and noncomedogenic. Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King told NBC Select that gel moisturizers' "occlusive properties are lighter," so they're "less likely to trap oils."

Should I skip moisturizer if my face is oily?

No. The AAD says that even with oily skin, "it is still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated." Use a small amount of a gel moisturizer for oily skin.

Do blotting papers make your skin oilier?

There's no good evidence they do. Both the AAD and Cleveland Clinic recommend them. Press rather than rub, so you lift the oil off instead of spreading it.

What's a good exfoliator for oily skin?

An acid exfoliant, such as a glycolic or salicylic wash, used a few times a week. The AAD says oily, thicker skin "may want to use stronger chemical treatments," but people with darker skin tones should avoid strong exfoliation because it can leave dark spots.

When should I see a dermatologist about an oily face?

If the oil bothers you and drugstore products haven't helped after a month or two, or if you're dealing with blackheads or acne. The AAD suggests partnering with a board-certified dermatologist in that case.

Wash gently, moisturize lightly, wear sunscreen and blot: that's most of the battle against a shiny T-zone.