Have you ever wondered what causes oily skin? Why are some people blessed with naturally balanced skin, while you're constantly battling shine and breakouts? The answer lies in understanding your skin's oil production, and more importantly, learning how to work with it instead of against it.

Oily skin causes the majority of acne problems, but once you understand what's happening beneath the surface, you can take control of your skin's oil production and achieve the balanced, clear complexion you've been looking for.

WHAT AGGRAVATES ACNE?

Acne can be aggravated by many things, but three main factors are required for acne to develop: excess oil, dead skin buildup and an overgrowth of bacteria. The combination of these three factors leads to congestion in the pores and can escalate to different grades and categories of acne.

Each factor feeds into the others, but excess oil serves as the primary catalyst.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

Your skin produces oil (called sebum) for good reasons. Sebum acts as your body's natural moisturizer and protective barrier, keeping your skin supple and shielding it from environmental damage. The problems only arise when your sebaceous glands become overactive.

Here are the biggest causes of oily skin:

• Hormonal fluctuations top the list, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Androgens (hormones present in all genders) directly stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
• Genetics also plays a significant role. If your parents struggled with oily skin or acne, you're more likely to face similar challenges.
• Climate conditions matter more than you might think. Hot, humid weather can increase oil production, while air conditioning and heating can dry out your skin, which in turn produces extra sebum to compensate.
• Over-cleansing or harsh products create a rebound effect where your skin produces even more oil to replace what's been stripped away.
• Stress elevates cortisol levels, which can indirectly increase oil production and worsen existing skin conditions.

UNDERSTANDING SEBUM AND THE SEBACEOUS GLAND

To better understand what causes oily skin, you need to understand the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland is a microscopic powerhouse working around the clock to keep your skin protected. These tiny organs are part of what scientists call the pilosebaceous unit, or a complex structure that includes your hair follicle, hair shaft, the muscle that makes your hair stand up and the oil-producing sebaceous gland itself.

This entire unit works together to support your skin's health and appearance. When functioning properly, sebaceous glands produce just enough sebum to keep your skin lubricated and waterproofed without creating problems.

The sebaceous glands are most concentrated on your face, chest and back, which explains why these areas are most prone to oiliness and acne. Your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) contains the highest density of these glands, making it the oiliest part of your face.

HOW EXCESS OIL LEADS TO ACNE

Here's the step-by-step process that transforms healthy pores into acne lesions:

Step 1: Sebaceous glands overproduce oil. Whether triggered by hormones, genetics or environmental factors, your oil glands start working overtime.

Step 2: Oil traps dead skin cells in pores. Instead of shedding naturally, oily skin causes dead skin cells to get stuck in the sticky sebum, creating a plug in your follicle.

Step 3: Bacteria multiply in the blocked pore. Propionibacterium acnes bacteria thrive in this oxygen-free, oil-rich environment, multiplying rapidly and producing inflammatory byproducts.

Step 4: Your immune system responds with inflammation. Your body recognizes the bacterial overgrowth as a threat and sends inflammatory cells to fight the infection, resulting in the red, swollen bumps we recognize as acne.

This process can result in different types of acne lesions, from blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed papules, pustules and deeper cystic lesions.

INGREDIENTS THAT CONTROL OIL AND SUPPORT SKIN HEALTH

Luckily, many skincare ingredients can help reduce this overproduction of oil while maintaining your skin's health and integrity. Here are effective options:

• Salicylic Acid works like a gentle mop, absorbing excess oil while providing antibacterial benefits. This beta hydroxy acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells and oil.
• Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen into pores, creating an environment where acne bacteria cannot survive. It also acts as a gentle peeling agent to help clear blocked pores.
• Retinoids (Retinol) normalize skin cell turnover and reduce oil production over time. They're particularly effective for preventing new breakouts from forming.
• Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production while strengthening your skin's natural barrier.  This form of Vitamin B3 also reduces inflammation and minimizes pore appearance.
  Aloe Vera and Arnica Montana provide anti-inflammatory support, soothing irritated skin while supporting the recovery process.
• Humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) attract moisture to your skin without adding oil. They help maintain proper hydration levels, preventing your skin from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness.

GlyMed's pharmaceutical-grade formulations strategically combine these ingredients to address excess oil while preserving skin health. The GlyMed Plus Acne Line combines acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide with soothing humectants, Aloe Vera and Arnica Montana to help preserve the health of your skin while reducing acne.
We believe in maintaining the integrity of the skin, which is why our Acne Line is used by thousands of skincare professionals—because it works!

HOW TO BALANCE OIL PRODUCTION

Many people make the mistake of over-stripping their skin to get rid of any oil, especially if they know that oil causes acne. This actually makes oiliness worse over time. It is important to remember that balance is key when caring for acne. We need to address the excess oil, but we also need to support and rebalance the skin with the appropriate amount of hydration.

CLEANSE SMART

Use a gentle clarifying cleanser like our Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid. This removes excess oil and impurities without disrupting your skin's protective barrier. Cleanse twice daily, morning and evening, but resist the urge to cleanse more frequently.

EXFOLIATE WISELY

Limit chemical exfoliation to 2 – 3 times per week. Accelerator Gel with 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids combines Glycolic and Lactic Acid for effective pore-clearing without over-irritation.

HYDRATE DAILY

Even oily skin needs moisture. Choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers with humectants like Oxygen Cream. This prevents your skin from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness.

PROTECT YOUR BARRIER

Always finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum SPF. GlyMed's Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 15 provides sun protection without adding unwanted oil or heaviness.

MEET WITH YOUR LOCAL GLYMED PRO

A trained aesthetician from GlyMed Plus can assess your specific skin needs, learn what causes your oily skin and create a customized regimen using professional-strength treatments and products. They can also perform targeted treatments to help manage oil production more effectively.

Remember, achieving balanced skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency with the right products and techniques will give you the clear, healthy skin you're working toward.