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Singapore weather, as we know it, can be rather unforgiving. With how humid our climate is, it’s no wonder that you, me, and that colleague on your team has oily skin. While adolescents are most prone to oily faces, a study published by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2019 found that around 41% of adults, or 4 in 10 adults, experience “adult acne”. Between genders, women are more likely than men to have oily skin due to hormonal fluctuations.
In the article below, we explore possible causes for oily skin, debunk myths commonly associated with the condition, and suggest some ways to keep that pesky sheen in check.
Oily skin is a common skin type “characterised by the production of a quantity of sebum which is excessive for the age and sex of the individual”. In the same study, it was discovered that oily skin affects 66%-75% of those aged 15-20 years in a negative way, with many feeling “unattractive” and “frustrated” as a result. If you’re unsure about your skin type, skincare professionals can help by analysing your skin using skin imaging equipment.
To kickstart your skincare journey, simply send us your contact details. We’ll be right with you.
A wide variety of factors can cause oily skin. Some of them are listed below.
Some people are simply more prone to having oily skin. If your parents have oily skin, you are genetically predisposed towards having it as well.
It’s no secret that Singaporeans love our laksa and bubble tea. However, a diet high in saturated fat and sugar could spell trouble for your skin. According to Jenna Hope, a registered nutrition consultant and founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition Consultancy, “research has shown foods high in sugar increase the production of IGF-1, a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, but also can cause an overproduction of sebum, aka excess oil”.
If you have oily skin, you might be tempted to wash your face multiple times — because more is better… right? Believe it or not, too much of a good thing can be bad. This statement certainly stands true for oily skin. Overwashing can strip your face of the sebum it needs, leading to dry skin and even the formation of premature wrinkles.
Sadly, Singapore weather doesn’t do any favors for skin that falls on the oily end of the spectrum. According to Meteorological Service Singapore, Singapore’s average humidity level stands at 83.9% — higher than that of other Asian countries like Korea (60%) and Japan (70%). When humidity levels are high, the sebaceous glands in our skin are further stimulated to produce additional sebum, leading to shiny-looking skin.
Certain prescription drugs may cause dehydration. When this happens, your skin cells are triggered to try to replenish moisture via the production of sebum, causing greasy-looking skin.
Those with oily skin should steer clear of cosmetic products with oil as their primary ingredient, as those may further clog your pores. Additionally, if makeup isn’t removed thoroughly, sebum may accumulate with time, enlarging pores and causing – you guessed it – more oil to be secreted.
Oily skin can be further divided into two subtypes: oily skin and combination skin. Here’s a simple test to determine which subtype you are: gently dab a blotting sheet over your entire face, and see which areas it picks up oil from.
People with oily skin sport a shine throughout their entire face. They also tend to suffer from acne breakouts on the cheeks and T-zone.
Combination skin is characterised by an excessively oily ‘T’ zone — that is to say, forehead, nose and chin. While those areas secrete large amounts of oil, the skin on the cheeks is dry.
While blotting paper is a handy and quick fix you could use, it neither addresses nor fixes the root of the problem. In this section, we explore the various facial treatments and cleansers available on the market. Bear in mind that everyone’s skin chemistry is different: there’s no hard-and-fast rule to skincare. The above are guidelines you may choose to follow. If you use a product and your skin breaks out, stop using it immediately and consult a professional.
Haach offers 4 treatments suitable for oily skin: the Anti-Acne Perfect Solution, Oxygeneo Classic (2-in-1) Tripolar Plus Ultrasound, Oxygeneo Classic (3-in-1) Tripolar Plus Ultrasound and Peaches and Cream.
An award-winning facial that’s especially suitable for those with acne and congested skin, experience brighter, clearer and more hydrated skin with minimal to no downtime.
Suitable for: Acne-prone skin, oily skin, sensitive skin
Duration: 90 minutes
Suggested frequency: Once every 2 weeks
Imbuing your skin with the moisture it needs, this treatment peel back your skin’s layers to unveil a clearer and more youthful complexion. Results are typically visible with just a few treatments.
Suitable for: all skin types
Duration: 90 minutes
Suggested frequency: Once every 2 weeks
Healthy, glowing skin is no longer out of reach. Revitalise your skin with the OxyGeneo 3-in-1 super facial treatment. With its three goals of exfoliating, infusing and oxygenating, this treatment exfoliates your skin thoroughly while enhancing moisture uptake.
Suitable for: All skin types, especially rough skin
Duration: 95 minutes
Suggested frequency: Once every 2 weeks
A delicious treat for your skin, this treatment is suitable for all skin types and lives up to its name: it gently exfoliates, leaving your skin soft and bouncy. Let the compliments flow in.
Suitable for: All skin types including dry, sensitive and oily skin
Duration: 75 minutes
Suggested frequency: Once every 2 weeks
According to MedicalNewsToday, an effective cleanser for oily skin may contain one (or more) of the following compounds:
On the flipside, products containing the following should be avoided as much as possible, as they can damage your skin.
Haach’s 酵素洁面凝胶 gently removes sebum from your skin without stripping away the moisture that’s crucial to its elasticity. As a follow-up, consider using Haach’s Oil Control Mattifying Moisturiser to improve moisture retention and promote collagen production.
Telltale signs that you have oily skin include (but are not limited to) the following:
Once you’ve determined your skin type, it’s important to make lifestyle changes if necessary, including committing to a skin care routine that includes a moisturiser.
Here’s a piece of bad news: if oily skin runs in your family, you might not be able to “prevent” it. Similarly, a humid climate may stimulate your skin to produce more oil, and there’s nothing you can do to change the weather.
However, there are ways to at least reduce sebum production. To start, ensure your diet is as balanced as possible. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods, fattening foods, and dehydrants like alcohol and caffeine. Instead, opt for dietary options high in moisture such as cucumber, raw fruits and vegetables and coconut water.
Excessively oily skin may be an indicator that you need to start watching your sleep, diet, and/or health in general. Without a doubt, oily skin is embarrassing to deal with. While it doesn’t affect a person’s health, oily skin can make a person feel icky and lower self-esteem.
Whatever it is, oily skin doesn’t have to hold you back from living life to the fullest. Book a consultation session with Haach today.
As of 2023, in Singapore, one session of oily skin treatment can set you back $50 to $300. We recommend that you do your research thoroughly before settling on a provider. As stated earlier, Haach offers various facial treatments, and you can learn more about facial care treatment here.
With treatments typically spaced 2 weeks apart, consistency is key to obtaining the best possible results. While results may vary from person to person, by going for treatments and adjusting your lifestyle habits, you will likely be able to see (and feel) a difference soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Oily Skin Treatment
Your face might be constantly oily due to one or more of these factors: genetics, diet, climate, overwashing, medication and/or cosmetics. When in doubt, we recommend paying a visit to a skincare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Skin treatments for oily skin come in many forms. Some studies suggest that oral contraceptives and botox may help improve oily skin. (Bear in mind, however, that their effectiveness has yet to be definitively proven, so proceed at your own risk.) If your face breaks out frequently, Haach’s Anti-Acne Perfect Solution may just be the treatment you need. For daily maintenance, consider facial cleansers such as Haach’s 酵素洁面凝胶.
Oily skin is caused primarily by androgens such as oestrogen and testosterone. These hormones are secreted in large amounts during puberty, which is why teenagers tend to have oily skin. As people age, their skin may become progressively drier due to reduced barrier function and sebum production.
Yes. A dermatologist can help assess the condition of your skin, and prescribe medications/treatments if necessary. By following a consistent regime, it’s possible to recalibrate sebum production back to normal levels.
No. One common myth people have is that moisturiser is applied to hydrate the skin. In reality, a key function of moisturisers is to retain water in the outer layer of our skin. Don’t skip that moisturiser — do, however, go for one that’s water-based as opposed to oil-based. Check out Haach’s 控油哑光保湿霜: its non-greasy formula comprises ALPAFLOR® MALVA AO, ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM and Cytobiol™ Iris A2, and can help to control oil secretion.
While oily skin itself doesn’t cause premature ageing, excessive oil production may contribute to clogged pores and acne. It’s important to manage oiliness with a proper skincare routine to prevent potential skin issues that could accelerate ageing.
Absolutely. Sunscreen is crucial for all skin types, including oily skin. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic options to protect your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging pores or exacerbating oiliness.
Yes, hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty or menstrual cycles, can influence oil production. Consult a skincare professional for personalised advice on managing oily skin during hormonal changes.
Some DIY remedies may help, but results vary. Professional skin care tailored to your skin type is often more effective. DIY masks with ingredients like clay or charcoal may temporarily control oil, but long-term solutions require a comprehensive approach.
Yes, environmental factors like humidity can affect oil production. Oily skin may intensify in humid seasons… think Singapore vs autumn or winter in a country like Japan. Adjust your skincare routine accordingly, incorporating products that control excess oil without over-drying the skin.
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