Skin Concern

Understanding Excess Oil and Shine

Excess oil and shine occur when overactive sebaceous glands produce more lipids than necessary to protect the skin barrier. A strategic clean-clinical routine focuses on regulating lipid synthesis at the source, absorbing surface moisture-grease imbalances, and refining the appearance of pores without stripping away essential moisture or triggering reactive oil production.

What Is Excess Oil and Shine?

Excess oil (seborrhoea) is a physiological state driven by hyperactive sebaceous glands overproducing sebum, a complex matrix of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and free fatty acids. When sebum production surges, it alters the skin's surface tension, destabilises the protective acid mantle, and accelerates follicular hyper-keratinisation, leading to visible pore dilation and a persistent lipid film.

Signs and Symptoms

Excess oil and shine present consistently across the facial plane, featuring:

  • Persistent, heavy shine across the T-zone and cheeks
  • Enlarged, visibly dilated pores (follicular openings)
  • Thickened, coarse skin texture
  • Rapid makeup slippage and poor cosmetic wear-time
  • High prevalence of non-inflammatory comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

Common Causes

Hyper-seborrhoea is multifactorial, commonly accelerated by internal biological triggers and incorrect topical routines, such as:

  • Genetic predisposition and hereditary pore size
  • Elevated androgen hormones stimulating sebaceous cell receptors
  • High-stress levels triggering systemic cortisol release
  • Harsh, stripping cleansers that dissolve the lipid barrier, inducing rebound oil production
  • Hot, humid climates or high-glycaemic diets

Self-care: use blotting papers, and avoid stripping scrubs.

Recommended Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between naturally dewy skin and excess oil shine?
Natural dewiness comes from high water content and a healthy, reflective moisture barrier that catches the light on the high points of the face. Excess oil shine is heavier, a slippery lipid layer coating the whole surface, often paired with enlarged pores and a greasy feel.
Why does my skin feel dry but look shiny and oily?
This usually means the skin barrier is dehydrated, lacking water, so it overproduces oil to compensate. Weightless, water-based hydration helps more here than heavier oils.
How can I reduce facial shine instantly without ruining my makeup?
Gently press an oil-blotting sheet or reusable bamboo pad onto the skin to lift excess oil, and avoid heavy pressed powders, which can congest the pores.
Does oily skin actually need a moisturiser?
Yes, skipping hydration only starves the skin barrier and triggers more oil production. A lightweight, non-comedogenic formula like the Balance Essential Anti-Blemish Moisturiser, with Abyssinian oil, hydrates while leaving a matte finish.
What are the best skincare ingredients to control excess oil long-term?
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps stabilise the lipid barrier and calm the oil glands, while Saw Palmetto naturally targets hormonal sebum triggers.