Oily Skin: What Causes It and How to Prevent It

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a common skin type that occurs when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. What is sebum? Well, sebum is the natural, waxy substance that our skin produces to create a protective barrier against moisture loss and friction. It serves as a layer of protection over the skin to keep hair soft and waterproof; however, when the glands produce too much of it, the excess can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and a shiny appearance.

The most common signs of oily skin include:

• Frequent shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
• Enlarged pores
• Blackheads and breakouts
• Makeup that doesn’t stay or wears off quickly

What Causes Oily Skin?

There are several factors that can lead to oily skin, some of which are beyond control. Main factors include:

1. Genetics: If oily skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to have it yourself.
2. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress can increase oil production.
3. Environment: Hot, humid climates may trigger more sebum because heat tends to stimulate sebaceous glands, increasing oil production.
4. Diet and Lifestyle: High-glycemic foods and dehydration may also play a role in increasing oil production by spiking blood sugar levels, which mess with hormonal fluctuations that drive excess sebum production, while dehydration signals the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil.

How to Reduce Oily Skin

While you can’t change your skin type, you can still manage oiliness with smart skincare and good lifestyle habits. Here are some simple daily habits you can incorporate into your routine:

• Use a gentle cleanser: While it might be tempting to use harsh chemicals to scrub away the oil, avoid using stripping formulas that may cause an excess oil to rebound.
• Incorporate lightweight moisturizers: Hydration helps balance oil production, despite the indication that it might do the opposite.
• Try clay masks: A good clay mask can help absorb excess sebum and other impurities.
• Don’t skip sunscreen: Opt for an oil-free or mattifying formula that will protect your skin from harsh sun exposure.
• Support skin health from within: Good skin starts from within. Nutrients like collagen and biotin may play a role in overall skin balance.

Is Collagen Good for Oily Skin?

Collagen, specifically Type 1 collagen, is the most abundant protein in the skin. It helps maintain structure, firmness, and hydration. While collagen itself does not directly reduce oil production, it supports a healthy skin barrier, which may help oily skin to feel more balanced.

Does Collagen Support Skin Health If You Have Oily Skin?

While collagen doesn’t directly reduce oil production, it may support clearer-looking skin by working in several different ways:

• Skin resilience: A strong skin barrier can better manage external stressors that may worsen oiliness.
• Hydration support: Collagen peptides help support skin hydration, which may reduce the overproduction of sebum caused by dehydration.**
• Texture improvement: Collagen supplementation promotes skin elasticity, a common concern for oily skin.**

Learn more about ways to support your complexion in our guide: How to Improve Skin Texture.

Can Collagen Cause Oily Skin?

No research shows that collagen causes oily skin. In fact, collagen supplements are generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types. If you experience changes in oil production, it could be due to other lifestyle or skincare factors.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Best Collagen Supplements for Oily Skin

Vital Proteins® offers a variety of collagen products, like the classic Collagen Peptides, that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Whether blended into your morning coffee with Collagen Creamer, or tea or smoothie with Matcha Collagen, collagen peptides work from within to help support skin hydration and elasticity.**

For even more beauty benefits, consider combining collagen with biotin. These two powerhouse nutrients work together to support skin, nails, and hair. Explore how they complement each other in our blog: How Collagen and Biotin Work Together for Beauty Benefits, and check out Collagen Peptides Beauty Edition for an easy way to get your daily dose of both biotin and collagen.**

And because ingredient sourcing matters to us here at Vital Proteins®, we invite you to learn about our clean approach to wellness: Clean Collagen: What It Is and Why It Matters.

The Bottom Line About Oily Skin

Oily skin can be influenced by so many different things. Genetics, hormones, environmental and lifestyle factors can all lead to an increase in oil production in the skin. While you can’t prevent your skin type, you can manage oiliness with the right skincare habits and supportive nutrition. Collagen may help to boost skin elasticity , improve overall texture, and keep the skin looking healthy and glowing!**