Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
When you wake up in the morning and your face feels oily, it’s not a pleasant feeling. And of your may be tempted to reach for the nearest oil-blotting sheet to soak up the oil on your skin. But what is causing your skin to be oily in the first place? And is there anything you can do to prevent waking up with oily skin?
If you wake up in the morning with an oily face, you’re not alone. In fact, about 50% of all people have some level of oiliness on their skin when waking up.
Yet while it may seem like a daunting task, managing oily skin is actually pretty easy when you know what to do. To help get you started, we’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know about waking up with oily skin.
But First, What’s Causing Oily Skin?
If you have oily skin, you know the frustration of constantly trying to find products that help control it. You might even feel like you’ve tried every product out there. But what if we told you that the best way to manage oily skin is to identify the cause and then take steps to address it.
There are numerous possible causes of oily skin, and the solution to managing it will vary from person to person. Some cases of oily skin may be due to genetics, while others may be the result of hormonal changes, an unhealthy diet, or the use of certain medications.
In some cases, excessive oil production may also be a sign of an underlying skin condition. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that could be the root cause of waking up with oily skin.
1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Sebaceous glands are tiny glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is responsible for keeping our skin soft and hydrated. However, when sebaceous glands become overactive, they can produce too much sebum, which leads to oily skin.
There are a number of factors that can cause sebaceous glands to become overactive. Some of the most common include stress, hormonal changes, pollution, diet, etc. The sebum produced by overactive sebaceous glands can also lead to acne breakouts.
2. Combination Of Sweat And Oil
Oil production on the skin is a natural process that helps keep the skin hydrated. Sweat is secreted by the eccrine sweat gland, which is then discharged through a duct in the dermis layer of the skin.
However, sometimes the sebum (oil) and sweat on the skin mix together and create an oily appearance. More lipid or fat is added to sweat when the eccrine glands act in conjunction with increased production of sebum by the sebaceous gland.
3. Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common skin condition that causes the sebaceous glands to become enlarged and produce too much oil. This can result in oily skin, acne, and other skin problems.
While sebaceous hyperplasia is not a serious health threat, it can cause cosmetic concerns due to the oily appearance of the skin.
4. Genetics
It has long been suspected that genetics play a role in oily skin. In fact if one or both of your parents have oily skin, you are more likely to experience the same issue. Additionally, hormones can also cause your skin to produce more oil.
5. Environment
There are many factors that can contribute to oily skin. One of the most overlooked causes of oily skin is your environment.
If you work in a dusty or dirty environment, your skin will produce more oil as a natural defense mechanism. The same is true if you live in a city with high pollution levels. Other environmental factors that can cause oily skin include humidity, sun exposure, and changes in the weather.
6. Incorrect Or Excessive Use Of Skin Care Products
While it is important to take care of your skin, using too many skin care products or using the wrong ones can actually make your skin oilier. Over-the-counter acne medications, for example, can cause an increase in sebum production.
Sebum is the natural oil that your skin produces to keep itself moist. When too much sebum is produced, the pores become clogged and acne lesions form. In addition, using harsh soaps or cleansers, scrubbing your skin too hard, or sleeping in your makeup can also cause an increase in sebum production and lead to oily skin.
How to Keep Oily Skin at Bay While You Sleep
It’s no secret that waking up with oily skin can be a nightmare. If you’re struggling to keep your oily skin under control, here are some tips to help you avoid oily skin in the morning:
1. Stay Hydrated!
Water is the best way to quench your thirst and keep your body functioning properly, but it also does wonders for your skin.
When you don’t drink enough water, your skin will become dry and flaky. However, if you drink enough water, your skin will become hydrated and radiant. One of the best benefits of drinking enough water is that it can help reduce the amount of oil on your skin.
2. Do Not Over-Wash Or Exfoliate Your Skin
One of the main causes of waking up with oily skin is due to over-washing your face the night before. When you strip your skin of its natural oils, it will produce more oil to compensate, which will result in an oily complexion by morning. In addition, over-exfoliation can also lead to an increase in oil production.
To avoid this, try washing your face just twice a day and use gentle products that will not strip your skin of its natural oils. Also, try to limit your exfoliation to once or twice a week.
3. Avoid Using Too Many Makeup Products
If you have oily skin, you know the importance of using a light moisturizer and primer in the morning to help your makeup look good all day. But if you use too many products, you might be making your skin worse. Over-the-counter acne medications can make your skin even oilier, as can some foundations and concealers.
It is very important to avoid using too many makeup products because it will only aggravate oily skin and make the problem worse. When you go to bed at night, your skin should be clean and free of any makeup or dirt.
4. Eat Plenty of Fruits & Vegetables, and Consider Taking Supplements
If you’re looking for a way to prevent oily skin in the morning, you may want to consider eating plenty of fruits and vegetables or taking supplements. Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and adding fruits and vegetables to your diet can help reduce the amount of oil that your skin produces.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, you may also want to consider taking supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and they can help reduce the amount of oil that your skin produces.
5. Use A Moisturizer
When you have oily skin, the temptation can be to skip moisturizing. But this is actually one of the worst things you can do for your skin! If you don’t moisturize, your skin will produce even more oil to make up for the lack of hydration. This can lead to breakouts and an overall oily complexion.
Instead, choose a light moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Look for a moisturizer that is labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means it will not clog your pores. Such as ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which help to draw moisture into the skin.
6. Use Sunscreen
If you want to prevent oily skin in the morning when you wake up, then use sunscreen. Sunscreen can help to control the amount of oil your skin produces throughout the day.
Look for sunscreens that are labeled “non-comedogenic” which means they won’t clog your pores.
7. Get Enough Sleep And Try To Avoid Stress
There are a lot of factors that can lead to oily skin in the morning. One of the most common causes is not getting enough sleep. When you’re tired, your body produces more cortisol, which is a hormone that triggers the release of oils from your skin’s sebaceous glands.
In addition to getting enough sleep, it’s also important to try to avoid stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases another hormone called adrenaline. This hormone can cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which will lead to oily skin in the morning.
Waking Up With Oily Skin: Our Final Thoughts
Oily skin can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. This article outlines the causes of waking up with oily skin and some of the best ways to deal with and even stop it.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand your skin a little bit better and has given you some ideas on how to improve it. A visit to your dermatologist may be in order if you continue to have problems with excessive sebum production.