What causes oily skin in men + how to solve it

Why do I have oily skin?
A lot of men naturally produce more sebum than others, which makes skin oily, shiny and prone to breakouts. But what causes oily skin in men is down to a combination of factors.

Our climate is one of them. Dry conditions can cause skin to become dry and flaky, which then prompts your body to produce oil to rehydrate it. Dehydration also causes the body to pull moisture from deep inside the skin to its surface, which can result in shine and oiliness. And in hot, humid conditions, the body counteracts water lost in sweat by creating oil, too. That’s why some men may find their skin changes depending on the weather and season.

Our diet, testosterone levels and hormones like cortisol – which is released when we’re stressed – can also cause our sebaceous glands to go haywire.

How to reduce oily skin
The best way is to assess the tools you’re using in your daily skin care routine.

Cleansers, exfoliators and washcloths that are too harsh for your skin can dry it out, strip it of its natural oils and cause your body to produce even more oil. Washing too many times a day can also have the same effect. That’s why it’s important to use hydrating skin care products and to stick to cleansing two times a day (even if your skin feels greasy).

Adding a non-greasy moisturizer to your routine can also help. It’s a common myth that moisturizers and lotions make skin more oily, but like we said – if your skin becomes dry it produces more oil, so you need to keep it hydrated to help minimize oil overproduction.

How to take care of oily skin
The best addition to your skin care routine would be Dove Men+Care Advanced Care Acne Clear Face + Body Wash. Made with 1% salicylic acid, it penetrates pores and deeply cleanses your skin to help reduce the number of acne blemishes and prevent new ones appearing. It also helps hydrate, nourish and repair your skin’s barrier.

If you want to exfoliate oily skin without stripping away its moisture, go for our Dove Men+Care Charcoal + Clay 3-n-1 Bar. Infused with charcoal and clay and made with ¼ moisturizing cream, it helps draw out dirt and oil while keeping your skin hydrated.

And if you’re ready to add a moisturizer to your routine, we recommend our non-greasy and fast-absorbing Dove Men+Care Refreshing Hand + Body Lotion. Formulated with glycerin, it leaves your skin feeling nourished with 48-hour moisture.

Now you know how to control oily skin, discover how to get the most out of your moisturizer.