Why Do I Have Shiny Skin?

Shiny skin is oily skin.

This oil comes from your sebaceous glands, which produce sebum – an oil that makes up the skin barrier that protects you from sun and pollution damage, regulates moisture levels in the skin, and prevents dryness.

Shiny skin is typically not a problem and can even be a sign of healthy skin. If your skin is not shiny enough, this could indicate dehydration and dryness or an underlying nutrient issue.

One problem that may occur due to excessively shiny skin is acne. Acne happens when an overproduction of sebum oil clogs the hair follicle pores.

The T-Zone of your face – your forehead, nose, mouth, and chin – has a high concentration of sebaceous glands, which could be why acne appears commonly in these areas.

What Causes Shiny Skin?

The number of sebaceous glands you have appears to be genetically determined. So if your parents had shiny skin, it’s likely you will too.

Your hormones also play a role in how much oil your glands make. The hormone fluctuations associated with puberty and pregnancy appear to stimulate increased sebaceous gland activity. This could be why teenagers often get acne and why pregnancy is often associated with the appearance of glowing skin.

Stress, anxiety, and sweating that often come with it can lead to more skin shininess.

Tips To Help With Shiny Skin

While it may be tempting to wash or scrub off the excess oil, this might be counterproductive. It can damage the skin’s protective barrier. It may also lead to an over-reaction of the sebaceous glands – they sense the skin is too dry, so they kick into overdrive and produce even more oil.

Don’t strip your skin of all its natural oils or over-exfoliate. And avoid rough scrubbing and scalding hot showers.

Moisturize after showering and washing your hands. This will prevent your skin from drying out and overstimulating sebum production, helping you find a healthy skin hydration balance.

High glycemic foods such as bread, rice, cereals, pasta, potatoes, cookies, chips, and crackers can stimulate sebum production by increasing insulin and androgen hormones.

Reduce your intake of these foods and eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds to help your skin and improve your overall health.

Gels and creams intended for oily skin may be able to help you. If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, ask a dermatologist for advice on topical treatment options to help reduce shine and control acne.