The sebaceous glands in your skin form an oil called sebum, which lubricates and protects the surface of your skin. When the glands are overproductive and form too much sebum, your skin can appear greasy, shiny and course, with large pores and more frequent breakouts. This condition is known as oily skin.

Oily skin can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including genetics, fluctuating hormone levels, dietary choices, certain cosmetics and hot, humid weather. Although oily skin is prevalent in teenagers because skin becomes dryer with age, it can occur at any age. When your skin is oily only in certain areas, this is known as combination skin. The one advantage of having oily skin is that it tends to age at a slower rate than any other type of skin.

For oily skin care treatment, it is imperative to cleanse oily skin two to three times per day. Gentle cleansers with lukewarm water work best to remove oils without stripping the surface of the skin. A gentle astringent or toner should be used after cleansing. Finally, a light moisturizer that is not oil-based can be used in areas prone to dryness, such as around the eyes and mouth. Since oily skin tends to be scaly, the use of a mask twice a week can be very helpful in deep cleansing the pores and removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Another great technique for cleansing the pores is to steam your face over hot water for several minutes twice a week. This loosens the sebum in clogged pores and makes your skin look cleaner and more vital.

Healthy living habits can also improve the appearance and condition of oily skin. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day, regular exercise and sleep and avoiding cigarettes are good ways to have beautiful skin. Supplementing your diet with vitamins A, B, C, E and zinc also promote healthy skin. With a little extra attention, you can dramatically improve the condition and appearance of your oily skin. If these ideas do not help and your skin remains prone to constant breakouts, you may have a skin condition known as acne, which requires additional care and treatment.