1. Pores of the skin are larger in size than normal skin and clearly visible.

2. The skin appears to be thicker and firmer than normal skin.

3. Skin, especially on the forehead, nose and chin has a shiny, oily sheen to it.

4. Blemishes including blackheads, whiteheads and acne occur frequently.

5. If you cleanse the skin and leave it bare for an hour then blot the skin with a tissue you will seee an oily residue left on the tissue.

6. Skin becomes oily only hours after it has been thoroughly cleansed.

7. Oil on the face after waking in the morning.

8. Can be olive in colour rather than fair and tan easily.

9. Makeup tends to ‘slide’  hours after it has been applied.

10. Fine lines and wrinkles are slow to show on the face.

Stress can cause oil production to be increased as hormones are also produced when we experience strong emotion. Although stress does not cause pimple outbreaks, people often find it makes existing outbreaks of pimples or acne worse. When we become extremely stressed or have high stress for long periods of time the adrenal glands produce a substance called cortisol which is released into the bloodstream. Part of this chemical chain reaction that is caused by the initial stress is an increase in sebum production.

Male hormones are responsible for the start of sebum production and are found in both males and females at puberty, but in differing quantities.

What we can do

• Oil production is one of nature’s responses to irritation – gentle cleansing will reduce irritation and therefore oil production.
• Avoid soap – squeaky clean is not what we want for oily skin.
• Stripping away natural oils will cause more to be produced.
• Don’t over wash – Morning and night is sufficient for even the oiliest skin.
• Clay masks may help soaking up excess oil. It can leave the skin looking fresher and less oily for some hours after.
• Use a moisturiser that is non-comodegenic.
• Reducing stress will reduce the production of hormones that signal oil production.