Why Is My Skin So Oily?

Oily skin is usually caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, lifestyle factors and how your skin regulates oil production.

Many people feel like they're constantly battling shine, enlarged pores, clogged pores or recurring breakouts without fully understanding why it's happening.

One of the most common misconceptions we hear at Kalani Clinic is that oily skin means healthy, hydrated skin. In reality, some of the oiliest skin we assess is also severely dehydrated.

The good news is that oily skin isn't necessarily bad skin. Understanding what's contributing to excess oil production is the first step towards creating long-term skin balance.

Why Does Oily Skin Look Different For Everyone?

Not everyone with oily skin experiences the same concerns.

For some people, excess oil leads to visible shine throughout the day.

For others, oil becomes trapped within the pores, contributing to congestion, blackheads or recurring breakouts.

Many people experience a combination of concerns that may change over time depending on age, hormones, lifestyle factors and skincare habits.

What Are The Signs Of Oily Skin?

Excess Shine

Skin may appear shiny shortly after cleansing.

Enlarged Pores

Pores often appear larger around the nose, cheeks and forehead.

Congestion

Build-up within pores can contribute to roughness and uneven texture.

Blackheads

Darkened plugs within the pores commonly develop in oil-prone areas.

Recurring Breakouts

Excess oil can contribute to acne-prone skin.

Uneven Texture

Congestion may leave skin feeling rough or bumpy.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is rarely caused by one thing.

At Kalani Clinic, we often find that excess oil production is influenced by a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Genetics

Some people naturally produce more oil than others.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones can influence oil production throughout life.

Over-Cleansing

Excessive cleansing may disrupt the skin barrier.

Heavy Skincare Products

Certain products may contribute to congestion.

Environmental Factors

Heat and humidity can increase oil production.

Stress & Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors may influence overall skin health.

Common Questions About Oily Skin

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Why is my skin so oily all of a sudden?

Sudden oiliness can happen for many reasons. Hormonal changes, stress, heat, humidity, changes in skincare products or over-cleansing can all influence how much oil your skin produces.

If your skin has recently become oilier, it may be worth looking at what has changed in your routine, lifestyle or environment.

Why is my face oily but still feels dry?

Oil and hydration are not the same thing.

Your skin can produce excess oil while still lacking water. This can make the skin look shiny but feel tight, uncomfortable or dehydrated.

This is one reason oily skin should not always be treated with harsh or stripping products.

Why do I keep getting blackheads?

Blackheads form when oil, dead skin cells and debris become trapped inside the pores.

They are common around the nose, chin and forehead because these areas often produce more oil.

If blackheads keep returning, the issue is usually not just surface dirt. It may be linked to oil flow, congestion, skincare habits or how well the skin is exfoliating.

Does oily skin cause acne?

Oily skin does not automatically mean acne.

However, excess oil can contribute to clogged pores, congestion and breakouts, especially when it combines with dead skin cells and bacteria inside the pore.

This is why oily skin and acne often appear together, but they are not exactly the same concern.

Why are my pores so large?

Pore size is influenced by genetics, oil production, skin congestion and skin texture.

When pores fill with oil and debris, they can appear larger and more noticeable.

The goal is not to “close” pores, because pores do not open and close like doors. The goal is to reduce congestion and support healthier-looking skin texture.

Does oily skin age better?

Oily skin may sometimes show dryness-related lines differently, but every skin type experiences ageing.
Sun protection, consistent skincare and healthy skin habits are still important, even if your skin is naturally oily.

What Actually Helps Oily Skin?

Oily skin is not something that needs to be stripped, dried out or aggressively treated.

The goal is to support balance.

At Kalani Clinic, we focus on identifying what's contributing to excess oil production before recommending the most appropriate treatment pathway.

The following treatments are commonly used to support clearer, healthier-looking skin.

HydraFacial

Deep cleansing, exfoliation and hydration designed to help remove impurities and congestion while supporting healthier looking skin.

Chemical Peels

Professional exfoliation treatments that can help improve skin texture, congestion and the appearance of oily skin.

LED Light Therapy

A non-invasive treatment often used to support acne-prone and congested skin.

Skin Needling

Recommended for clients experiencing acne scarring, texture concerns or enlarged pores associated with oily skin.

Professional Extractions

Targeted removal of congestion and blocked pores to support clearer looking skin.

Personalised Skincare

At home skincare recommendations designed to support long term skin results.

Still Not Sure What’s Causing Your Oily Skin?

Oily skin can be influenced by hormones, skincare habits, congestion, lifestyle and your natural skin type.


If you’re not sure why your skin feels oily, shiny or congested, a free skin consultation can help you understand what may be contributing to it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oily Skin

Oily skin is usually caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and overactive oil glands. While some people naturally produce more oil than others, factors such as stress, dehydration, certain skincare products and hormonal fluctuations can make the problem worse.

Many people assume oily skin is simply their skin type and nothing can be done about it. In reality, identifying what's contributing to the excess oil is often the first step towards improving shine, congestion and recurring breakouts.

Yes, oily skin can contribute to acne. Excess oil can combine with dead skin cells inside the pores, creating congestion that may lead to blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory breakouts.

Oil alone doesn't cause acne, but it can create an environment where breakouts are more likely to occur. This is one of the reasons oily skin and acne often appear together.

Oily skin is one of the most common reasons pores appear larger. When excess oil and debris collect inside the pores, the pore opening can become more noticeable, particularly across the nose, cheeks and forehead.

Genetics, ageing and collagen loss can also affect pore size, but excess oil and congestion are often major contributing factors.

Yes, oily skin still needs moisturiser.

One of the biggest mistakes we see in clinic is people trying to dry their skin out by skipping moisturiser altogether. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it can sometimes respond by producing even more oil.

The goal isn't to remove all the oil from your skin. The goal is to support a healthy skin barrier and create better balance within the skin.

Yes, oily skin can improve over time. Oil production is influenced by hormones, age, lifestyle factors and skincare habits, which means it can change throughout different stages of life.

While some people will naturally remain oilier than others, many notice significant improvements once contributing factors such as dehydration, congestion or barrier dysfunction are addressed.

The best treatment for oily skin depends on what's causing the excess oil production in the first place.

Some people benefit most from treatments that focus on clearing congestion and blocked pores, while others achieve better results by improving hydration and supporting the skin barrier. This is why there is rarely a single treatment that works for everyone.

At Kalani, we focus on understanding why your skin is producing excess oil before recommending a treatment plan, allowing us to create a more personalised approach to your skin concerns.

Yes, oily skin can still be dehydrated because oil and hydration are completely different things.

Oil is produced by the sebaceous glands, while hydration refers to the amount of water within the skin. It's possible to have skin that looks shiny and oily while still feeling tight, dull or uncomfortable.

In fact, dehydration is one of the most common concerns we identify during skin consultations for oily skin. Many people are surprised to learn that improving hydration can sometimes help reduce the appearance of excess oil.

In most cases, yes skincare is recommended. Professional treatments can help improve oily skin, but your daily skincare routine plays a major role in maintaining results between visits.

The right products can help manage oil production, support the skin barrier and reduce congestion, helping you achieve more consistent long-term improvements

While a consultation isn't mandatory, it is the most effective way to understand what's contributing to your oily skin.

Excess oil can be influenced by several factors, including congestion, dehydration, skincare habits and hormonal changes. Identifying those factors helps ensure you're treating the cause rather than simply managing the symptoms.

At Kalani, consultations are designed to assess your skin, discuss your concerns and help determine the most appropriate treatment and skincare pathway for your goals.