Introduction
Oily skin in men is most common from puberty and around the age of 25. This is not a disease in the classical sense, but either a symptom or a norm variant. Since this oily skin condition is nevertheless perceived as disturbing by some people, it may well be a burden.
Causes of oily skin in men
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands of the skin produce too much fat. The purpose of the oil is actually to protect the skin from drying out and to make it resistant to external attacks. However, if the sebaceous glands are overactive, the oily, shiny complexion becomes noticeable.
In puberty, this often occurs in connection with acne. In most cases, this is due to a change in the hormone balance. Therefore, other hormonal fluctuations can also lead to oily skin.
In women, this can be the case, for example, before the onset of monthly menstruation, after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy or after delivery. Pimples and/or oily skin often develop, especially if the level of male sex hormones (androgens) is too high. Other factors also influence the appearance of the skin and can promote the development of oily skin.
These include, for example, climatic changes (very dry, very humid or very warm air), stress, malnutrition, alcohol consumption, family predisposition, Parkinson’s disease and various hormonal changes, for example due to a malfunction of the ovaries or testicles, as well as the adrenal cortex. Finally, various other diseases can also be the cause of oily skin. Oily skin becomes visible through a coarse, large-pored skin texture.
The skin is shiny due to the oil film that is deposited on it and thus appears greasy. In addition, the skin tends to become blemished, as the sebaceous glands become clogged and inflamed pimples can form. Bacteria can multiply well on this floor.
The horny layer is often thickened in oily skin. As a result, the skin appears paler and has poorer circulation. Many people with oily skin also quickly develop oily hair, as the sebaceous glands on the scalp can also be overactive.