The forehead is part of what’s known as the “T-zone,” which consists of your forehead, nose, and chin. These areas typically produce more sebum, also known as your skin’s natural oil.
We’ve all experienced it. You look in the mirror midday and discover your shiny forehead staring back at you. An oily forehead may be the number one skin complaint worldwide and can happen at any age.
You may wonder…
“What causes an oily forehead?”
Or maybe even…
“Why does my forehead get so oily while the rest of my face feels normal?”
You’re not alone!
Sebum isn’t bad! In fact, it helps moisturize and protect your skin. But when there’s too much oil production, you can end up with an oily face, clogged pores, and shine you can’t control.
Let’s take a look at what causes an oily forehead and how you can care for it.
Why Does My Forehead Get So Oily?
The primary reason your forehead gets oily is because it produces excess oil. Your forehead is home to thousands of sebaceous glands that produce sebum. When too many oils are produced, they sit on top of your skin and give you that shiny appearance.
Things like genetics, hormones, stress, weather, cleansing habits, and certain cosmetic products can cause forehead skin to produce more oil.
Many people naturally produce more oil than others and tend to have oily skin. This is usually determined by genetics and will likely stay that way for their whole life.
The good news is you don’t have to live with excess oil production and shine if you use the right skin care for oily skin.
Why Is My Forehead Oilier Than the Rest of My Face?
Have you ever noticed that your forehead gets oily, but the rest of your face doesn’t?
That’s because your forehead is part of your T-zone, an area of your skin that tends to have more active oil glands than your cheeks and jaw.
Many people with combination skin find that their forehead production gets oily while the rest of their face feels fine or even dry. This is perfectly normal!
Knowing your skin type is one of the first steps to determining what skin care to use for oily skin.
Does Oily Skin Mean My Face Is Dirty?
No, having oily skin doesn’t mean you have a dirty face.
Oil is produced by your body to help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. While it may make your face feel like it needs a wash, everyone produces oil—even those who wash their face multiple times per day.
Some people will find that washing their face more causes more oil to produce. Face washing should be part of your skincare routine, but over-washing can do more harm than good.
Healthy skincare is about finding a happy medium and not stripping your skin of all its natural oils.
Can Hormones Cause an Oily Forehead?
Yes, hormones are one of the leading causes of excess oil production. When our hormones are active, they can send signals to our oil glands to produce more sebum.
Teenagers are notorious for having oily skin because hormones are all over the place during puberty. However, hormone changes can occur well into adulthood due to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, etc.
If you notice your forehead becomes oilier at certain times of the month, hormones could be the culprit.
Can Stress Make My Forehead More Oily?
Stress can also play a factor in excess oil production.
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that could tell your sebum glands to produce more oil.
Stress is also linked to breakouts so if you notice you’re having a stressful week, be sure to take extra care of your skin.
Everything you put into your body affects your skin, so try to relieve stress with healthy habits.
Does Weather Affect Oil on Face?
Yes, weather plays a huge role in excess oil production.
If you live in a warm, humid climate, you’re probably used to having a shiny forehead. This is because when it’s hot outside, our bodies tend to produce more sweat.
Sweat and oil combined create the perfect recipe for a greasy appearance. If you live somewhere humid, you may experience more oil production than those with drier climates.
It may also change with the seasons. Spring and summer tend to produce more oil while winter usually lessens it.
Can Overwashing Make an Oily Forehead Worse?
Over-washing your face can also cause your forehead to produce more oil.
Your skin produces oils to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. When you over-wash your face, you’re stripping your skin of its natural oils. In return, your skin will produce more oils to compensate.
Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you should wash your face with harsh cleansers all day long. You may find temporary relief from shine, but it will produce even more oil in the long run.
Look for a gentle cleanser that helps fight excess oil.
Our favorite is Down to Earth Gel Cleanser by Eight Saints.
Our Down to Earth Gel Cleanser is formulated with everything you need to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil while helping your skin look and feel healthy. Its lightweight gel formula is great for those struggling with oily skin and shiny foreheads.
Cleansing your face in the morning and evening is enough to keep excess oils at bay without drying your skin out.
What Is the Best Cleanser for an Oily Forehead?
As mentioned before, you want to look for a gentle cleanser that can help remove excess oil without stripping your skin. Cleansing your skin should make your skin feel clean and balanced, not tight or stripped.
Our favorite facial wash is Down to Earth Gel Cleanser
Our Down to Earth Gel Cleanser is formulated to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil while helping your skin look and feel healthy. Its lightweight gel formula is ideal for those who struggle with oily skin.
Make sure to cleanse twice a day to keep excess oils under control!
Should I Use Toner If I Have Oily Skin?
Yes, using a toner can actually benefit those with oily skin.
Using a toner helps remove any residual impurities left on your skin after cleansing. It also preps your skin to absorb your other skincare products.
Our favorite is the Coast Is Clear Toner
Our Coast Is Clear Seaweed Toner was designed to help refresh and balance your skin after cleansing. Using a toner is a great way to improve the appearance of oily skin.
Many people love using toners if they struggle with shiny foreheads throughout the day.
Can Niacinamide Help Reduce Oil Production?
Yes! Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the most common skincare ingredients for those with oily skin.
It helps regulate sebum production and helps improve the look of enlarged pores.
Our top choice is the Original Cin Niacinamide Serum
Our Original Cin Niacinamide Serum contains niacinamide, an ingredient loved by those with excess oil and shine. Many people who suffer from oily skin love using this serum to help improve the appearance of oily foreheads over time.
It’s also great at helping your skin appear smoother.
Should People with Oily Skin Use Moisturizer?
Yes, you should always use moisturizer, even if you have oily skin.
When you think of oily skin, you may think that putting a moisturizer on will make it worse. But in reality, if you don’t use moisturizer, your skin may produce more oil to compensate.
We suggest using Daydreamer Face Moisturizer
Our Daydreamer Face Moisturizer gives off lightweight hydration that will help your skin feel moisturized without feeling heavy or greasy.
What Is the Best Nighttime Moisturizer for Oily Skin?
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to opt for a lightweight gel moisturizer at night.
Gel moisturizers are known for being lightweight and absorbing quickly into your skin.
Our Night Shift Hydration Gel not only provides you with hydration but also maintains a lightweight feel that many love with oily skin. Applying moisturizer at night is great for skin recovery and helps you avoid over cleansing.
Balancing hydration is one of the many steps you can take to achieve the best skin care for oily skin.
Can Clay Masks Help an Oily Forehead?
Clay masks are known for helping absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
Clay masks are a great addition to your weekly skincare routine if you have an oily forehead.
Our No Plans Antioxidant Clay Mask helps draw out impurities and absorb excess oil from your skin. Using a clay mask 1-2 times a week can help improve the appearance of a shiny forehead.
Clay masks should be used once or twice per week, not daily.
Can Diet Affect Oily Skin?
Everything you put into your body can affect your skin, yes. That includes diet!
While there’s no solid proof that certain foods can cause excess oil production, some foods can cause inflammation and hormone production that might trigger excess oil.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is also key to helping your skin function properly.
Does Makeup Make an Oily Forehead Worse?
Yes, some makeup can contribute to excess shine if it’s not for oily skin.
Heavy makeup products will sit on top of your skin and mix with your natural oils. They will then create a greasy appearance all over your face.
If you struggle with oily skin, you’ll want to try oil-free products and lightweight formulas that are made for oily skin.
Makeup should always be removed at the end of the day. Leftover makeup can clog your pores and create unwanted shine.
How Can I Reduce a Shiny Forehead Throughout the Day?
If you want to reduce a shiny forehead throughout the day, there are a couple of things you can do.
Consistently following a skincare routine and using products that are made for oily skin can help.
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Use oil control products
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Blot with blotting papers
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Avoid touching your face
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Use non-comedogenic makeup
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Stay hydrated
Keep up with your skincare routine
Small things can add up throughout the day. Paying attention to your skin and what you’re putting on it can make a huge difference!
Is It Possible to Completely Eliminate Oil on Face?
No, you will never be able to 100% eliminate oil on your face.
Your body produces oil for a reason, so instead of trying to eliminate it, you want to maintain balance.
Oil is good for your skin, but too much of anything can be bad. Find a skincare routine that helps you achieve balance and you’ll have healthy-looking skin in no time.
What Is the Best Skin Care for Oily Skin?
Everyone’s skin is different, but typically the best skin care for oily skin includes:
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Gentle cleanser
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Toner
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Vitamin-infused serum
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Facial moisturizer
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Nighttime hydration
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Clay mask
Our skin care recommendations for oily skin are:
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Down to Earth Gel Cleanser
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Coast Is Clear Seaweed Toner
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Original Cin Niacinamide Serum
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Daydreamer Face Moisturizer
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Night Shift Hydration Gel
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No Plans Antioxidant Clay Mask
Our Skin Care For Oily Skin Set has everything you need to target common skin concerns associated with oily skin.
Why Is My Forehead So Oily?
Now that you know the answer to, “Why does my forehead get so oily?” you can start taking steps to prevent it!
An oily forehead is extremely common due to the concentration of glands that produce oils on your forehead.
Using skincare products that help fight excess oil can make all the difference! Pay attention to what you’re putting on your skin, and remember not to over cleanse.
Trying to keep your forehead shine-free and your T-zone oil-free all day can be a struggle. But finding the right skin care products can give you a great start to cleansing, balancing, hydrating, and nourishing your skin in order to achieve a healthy-looking glow, without any harsh ingredients.
Shop Eight Saints' full line of products and start washing away your skin care struggles.