WHY IS MY NOSE SO OILY?

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WHY IS MY NOSE SO OILY

Have you noticed your nose is overly oily and shiny? There can be a few reasons for this, but there are also ways to manage an excessively oily nose. In this article, we discuss what causes an oily nose and how you can use your skincare to manage the excess shine.

SEBACEOUS GLANDS AND SEBUM PRODUCTION

Sebaceous glands are small glands found in hair follicles that are responsible for the production of sebum, the skin's natural oil. This sebum is made up of fat molecules called lipids that hydrate and protect the skin moisture barrier. While sebum production is essential for maintaining your skin’s condition, an excess of sebum can lead to an oily sheen on the face, especially around the nose and T-zone. This sebum production also can lead to acne-prone breakouts and blemishes due to clogged pores.

What is the T-zone?

Your T-zone is made up of the T-shaped area on your face, spanning across the forehead, down past your nose to your chin. This area is where most of the sebaceous glands on the face are, and is part of why the nose pores are more prone to clogging and oiliness. This is why you’re likely to notice your nose is oilier than the rest of your skin, especially if you have a combination skin type.

REASONS FOR OILY SKIN

Large nose pores: While a skincare regime can help to tighten pores, enlarged pores are biological, making certain people more prone to clogged pores and oily skin.

Combination skin: If you have combination skin you might notice that only some parts of your skin appear oily while others are much drier. As the nose is part of the T-zone, it's where you're most likely to see excess oil production around this area.

Genetics: In the same way pores are related to your physiology, sometimes oily skin is a result of the genes you’ve inherited from your parents that cause overactive sebaceous glands.

Diet: A diet high in complex carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can cause excess sebum production that can lead to a visibly oily nose and face.

Stress: The stress hormone cortisol triggers sebum production, which is why you may notice breakouts when you’re highly stressed. The more stress, the more cortisol production and the more this causes oilier skin.

Hormones: Dramatic spikes or drops in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, causing excess oil on the nose and face.

HOW TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF AN OILY NOSE

CLEANSING FOR OILY SKIN

Wash your face morning, night and after exercise to remove excess oil and any impurities that may clog pores. You may feel inclined to look for a very strong cleanser, but this may exacerbate the problem by stripping away the skin's natural oil and drying out the skin. Instead, use a gentle foaming cleanser like the Effaclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser. A gentle cleanser that is oil free and non-comedogenic will effectively prevent excess oil on the face and nose.

HYDRATION VS OILINESS

Oily skin can dehydrate just like any other skin type, but it may be harder to notice the signs. The moisture from sebum production is not the same as moisture to hydrate the skin. If you have oily skin, you might not notice the skin is visibly dry, but it may appear dull or tight, or you may notice irritation and redness around your nose. This is why moisturiser and hydration is so important to helping an oily nose!

MOISTURISING OILY SKIN

Moisturiser is essential to balancing out the skin moisture barrier, regardless of skin type. Although it might seem counterintuitive to add more moisture to your skin, moisturiser is necessary to hydrate your skin so it doesn't overproduce sebum to compensate for dryness. If you’re worried about moisturisers adding too much shine to your skin, try a mattifying moisturiser like the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser.

GENTLE EXFOLIATION

By removing dead skin cells and tightening pores with exfoliation you reduce the chances of clogged pores that can cause the surface of the noise to appear oily. Exfoliating skin care can also help clear up blackheads on the nose, another skin concern that can be exacerbated by oily skin. Remember to only exfoliate 2-3 times a week to prevent over exfoliation.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: SALICYLIC ACID

Oilier skin types tend to be more predisposed to blemishes and breakouts. Serums containing salicylic acid can help reduce visible blemishes and manage oily skin and excess oil production. Try out the Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum to help exfoliate and reduce the chances of clogged pores.

RECOMMENDED SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING AN OILY NOSE

Here are a few product recommendations to add to your skincare regime to help with overactive sebaceous glands and an oily nose.

EXFOLIATOR

Exfoliation cleans away any aggressors and dead skin cells to unclog pores and prevent excessive oil build-up that leads to an oily nose. An exfoliating clay mask can also help to clarify the skin without completely stripping it of its natural moisture. We recommend the Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser.

MOISTURISER

Moisturiser is an important ingredient in maintaining a balanced skin moisture barrier and, in turn, excess oil production and a visibly oily nose. We recommend a lightweight, water-based moisturiser, like the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser, that won't add any excess oil or clog your pores.

SUN PROTECTION

Oily skin can be triggered by sun exposure, as UV sets off the skin’s protective function, resulting in sebum production. Make sure to combine sun protection to your skincare routine, and reapply 2-3 times a day. A sunscreen like the Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen is great for managing a visibly oily nose.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

MATTIFYING PRODUCTS

Mattifying skincare products are formulated to minimise shine by absorbing excel oil. Of course, don’t overdo it with the mattifying solution, as too much can lead to dry skin.

OIL BLOTTING SHEETS

For excess oil production throughout the day, blotting papers are a great quick-fix solution. Blotting paper can be patted on the skin without removing any product.

SPEAK TO A DERMATOLOGIST

Lastly, if you’re concerned about your oily nose, consider consulting with a dermatologist. They will be able to provide you personalised recommendations on skin care and lifestyle changes to help with excess sebum production that causes an oily nose and T-zone.

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