Does Oily Skin Get Less Wrinkles?

Does Oily Skin Get Less Wrinkles?

Between perpetual shine and pesky breakouts, oily skin can be challenging to take care of — but that means you’ll get fewer wrinkles, right? Not so fast. The reality is oily skin ages just the same as other skin types. However, it may have a smoother appearance and natural glow because of the amount of sebum (oil) produced. On the flip side, oilier skin is prone to getting acne (even as an adult) and seborrhea, which is excessively oily skin condition. 

So, do people with oily skin get less wrinkles? Yes and no. Because those with an oilier complexion have a thicker dermis (the inner layer of the two major layers of skin) due to the presence of additional sebaceous glands, they may have fewer forehead lines (we’ll take it!). However, lines tend to be more prominent on the lower half of their face due to collagen loss — the skin loses collagen at a rate of one percent per year — as well as other intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We’re talking about fluctuating hormones, oxidative stress, glycation, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits. 

But it’s not all gloom and doom. Oily, aging skin can be managed. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of oily skin, including what you can do to take care of it.

Characteristics of Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to have larger, visible pores due to the overproduction of oil. It also has a shinier (or shall we say, dewier) appearance and it can be difficult to keep makeup intact. Acne can appear on the face, as well as other parts of the body. While oil isn’t the only factor that causes breakouts, it’s interesting to note that acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, so you’re not alone. Luckily, in this day and age, we’ve got top-notch skin care pros and copious over-the-counter and prescription remedies to combat breakouts at any age.

Taking Care of Oily Skin

Taking care of aging skin is an ever-changing process, so it can be frustrating to have to battle blemishes and control oil at the same time. With that in mind, it’s important that your skincare routine is balanced. You may have to occasionally tweak your routine from due to the change of seasons, your age, or if you travel to a different climate.Some additional tips: 

• Don’t Over Cleanse: Cleansing is the core step to any skincare routine as it’s important to remove dirt, oil, and makeup to keep those pores clean and the skin as blemish-free as possible. However, don’t overdo it by washing your face several times a day or by using too many harsh treatment products at once. Entirely stripping the skin of oil will only cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil as a natural self-defense mechanism, so sudsing up too much is actually counterproductive. 

Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that doesn’t foam. We know you may think all that lather will make all that oil magically disappear, but it’s actually too harsh. A formula with salicylic acid can help keep pores free from debris while gently exfoliating  dead skin cells. Oh, and blotting papers are your best friend, so blot before reaching for that cleanser. 

• Up the Ante with Antioxidants: An overproduction of oil can create an inflammatory response, resulting in swelling and (or) irritation. Since the skin becomes thinner as we age, the inflammation can become exasperated. Along with neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals, correcting the signs of age, protecting against the sun, brightening and toning, and helping the skin repair itself, antioxidants are also natural inflammation blockers. 
  
  Look for ingredients like vitamins A and C, flavonoids, niacinamide, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, green tea, coffee, and vitamin E. Serums are a great pick because they can penetrate the skin on a deeper level than a moisturizer, so you’ll get a better result. 

• Moisturize Correctly: Lots of oily-skinned folks are timid about moisturizing because they think they’ll be overly greasy, but here’s the thing: Oil and moisture aren’t one in the same. Even oily skin needs proper hydration, especially in terms of battling the aging process. In fact, oily skin is often dehydrated, which means it’s lacking water. Opt for an oil-free moisturizer versus a thick cream. Ideally, use one with hyaluronic acid because it’s lightweight while packing a serious hydrating punch. 

• Exfoliate Regularly: Enlarged pores and blemishes can still be a challenge with oily skin as it ages. Exfoliating two to three times a week can prevent clogged pores while promoting a healthy complexion. Opt for a chemical exfoliation (like the aforementioned salicylic acid) versus a mechanical formula like a scrub because it can aggravate breakouts and irritate the skin. 

• Don’t Forget About Your Eyes: The delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of age — it’s also one spot that oiliness can’t help. There’s evidence that lines around your eyes pop up regardless of skin type so give your peepers some TLC with a gel or gel-cream formula that targets fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness (caffeine is key.)

• And of Course, SPF: The same fear of moisturizer lies with sunscreen too, but wearing an SPF of at least 30 every day (even on cloudy days), will protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays that contribute to aging skin. As with your moisturizer, go oil-free.