What is oily skin?
Oily skin is a skin type that is characterized by an overproduction of sebum. This secretion of sebum takes place in the areas where the sebaceous glands are found, mainly the face, but also the anterior surface of the thorax and the central part of the back.
An increase in sebum production occurs with an increase in androgen (male hormones) production, beginning in the teen years. It can also occur, for the first time, in menopausal women. Testosterone is secreted into the body and enters the sebaceous glands. The enzyme 5a reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates sebum production. In some cases, sebum production is balanced, as the skin requires oil to ensure proper barrier function and remain supple and pliable. It is the overproduction of sebum that causes the skin to become excessively oily.