Introduction

For the first instalment in a series of articles focussing on men’s skin care problems, the spotlight falls on Oily Skin, the problems, the causes – and the solutions.

When guys find out that I work in men’s grooming they either hit me with a barrage of standard ‘manly’ responses about how taking care of yourself is ‘for women’, or they ask me for advice. Recently the majority of responses I’m getting are leaning (thankfully) towards the latter. In the industry I think people forget that skin care is a relatively new field for guys, and there are often lots of questions about routines and products, and none more so than guys struggling to deal with oily skin. Of all the skin types, oily skin tends to be the one that causes the most aggravation, with undesirable side effects like spot breakouts and a greasy complexion giving cause for concern. For most guys it’s an annoyance, but in extreme cases it can really dent your self confidence.

Do you have Oily Skin?

If you have oily skin there’s a fair chance that you already know about it. But just in case you need a few pointers there are some key signs to look out for;

• Spots, blackheads and breakouts are a regular occurrence.
• Your complexion is very ‘greasy’, particularly your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).
• You have large, open pores.
• Your skin has a thick, course texture.
• Throughout the day your skin often feels greasy and can appear shiny.

Of course everyone can experience a few spots and the occasional shiny forehead during the summer months, but if you’re familiar with the characteristics listed above and you experience them the majority of the time, then you’re one of the many guys with an oily skin type.

What Causes Oily Skin?

If you suffer from oily skin, then it’s normally your sebaceous glands that are to blame. Tasked with protecting your skin from the elements by providing invisible lubrication in the form of sebum these glands can become over active, which then results in oily skin conditions. Caused by the overprotection of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the excess natural oil leaves your skin susceptible to spots and greasiness.