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Oily Skin and Oily Hair


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

People with oily skin and hair have an oily sheen to their skin or hair, sometimes within minutes of washing.

What is going on in the body?

Androgens, or male hormones, control the production of oil by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Higher relative levels of androgens can make the skin more oily. For example, this can occur during puberty and when taking performance-enhancing steroids. Some people have oilier skin because they have larger numbers of oil glands that produce more oil.

What are the causes and risks of the symptom?

Oily skin and hair are caused by an excess of androgens. The amount of oil in a person's hair and skin varies, depending on:

  • time of year
  • sun and wind
  • temperature and humidity. Skin looks the oiliest in hot, humid weather.

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