Have you noticed that your nose often appears shinier and oilier than the rest of your face? Many people experience this common skin concern, and while a little oil on the face can be healthy, overproduction of oil can lead to other skin issues.
The nose area, in particular, tends to be more oily than the rest of the face for some individuals. Understanding the causes of this excess oiliness can help you find the right solutions. Today, we’re dedicating this post to discussing the reasons for an excessively oily nose.
Why Is My Nose So Oily?
Genetic Factors
Ever heard the phrase, “It runs in the family”? Well, it turns out your skin’s sebaceous script may have been written long before your debut. If your parents’ skin is oily, there’s a strong chance you’ve inherited the trait[1]. Genetics can pass down an affinity for oily skin, and yes, that includes the central character in today’s post: your nose.
Hormonal Changes
Life’s a rollercoaster with hormones as one of the main operators. An increase in androgens (i.e., during puberty, menstruation, or stress) can lead to an increase in sebum production. And what happens when these fluctuations hit? Yep, that’s when you see an increase in oil production around your T-zone, including your forehead, nose, and chin, but most of the time, especially on your nose.
Excess Sebum Production
Your sebaceous glands are working overtime, and they’re all about the excess sebum life. “Sebum,” by the way, is just a fancy word for the natural oil your skin produces. A little is great for keeping your skin hydrated and protected. But when “a little” turns into “a lot,” you end up with too much oil on your nose.
This overproduction of excess oil is often a tag-team effort between genetics and the aforementioned hormonal upheavals. It’s also worth noting that men’s noses tend to be oilier than women’s[2] due to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Environmental Factors
When the weather’s serving up a buffet of strong winds, scorching sun, or high humidity, your skin sometimes reacts by producing more oil. Think of it as your skin trying to adapt but maybe getting a bit overzealous.
Even your diet plays an environmental role in this greasy saga. Foods high in sugars and fats can march straight to your T-zone and claim it as their greasy fortress.
15 Tips On How To Reduce Oily Nose
Use A Face Wash In The Morning And Night
You’ve likely heard the basic skincare mantra: wash your face twice a day. But when your nose resembles a shiny apple by noon, this step’s importance can’t be overstated. Start and end your day with a mild cleanser, removing makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping your skin. And no, a splash of water just won’t cut it.
I really recommend checking out the following cleansers (which are great for oily skin or combination skin!): CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser, and True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser.
Exfoliate Twice A Week
It’s all about balance with exfoliation. Too little and those dead skin cells chill on your face like unwanted guests, but too much and your skin screams for mercy. Aim to exfoliate twice weekly to keep pores clear without kicking oil production into overdrive. Choose a product with salicylic acid for that gentle, deep clean feeling.
I really recommend checking out the following exfoliators (they’re gentle yet effective): Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, and CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment.
Don’t Skip The Moisturizer
Moisturizing might feel counterintuitive when you’re battling oil, but listen up: hydrating your face can actually decrease oil production. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic options that hydrate without clogging your pores or adding to the grease fest.
Here are my personal favorite non-comedogenic and oil-free moisturizers: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Farmacy Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, and Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream.
Don’t Forget Toner
Adding a toner to your routine could be a game-changer. It can remove lingering impurities and minimize the look of large pores without the overdrying havoc that astringents can cause. A little dab on a cotton pad post-cleanse sets the stage for a less oily performance.
The best toners for reducing pores and oil you should check out Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner, Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner, and the Fenty Beauty Fat Water Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner Serum.
Integrate These Ingredients In Your Skincare Routine
When scanning skincare products, keep an eye out for Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. Niacinamide regulates oil, while hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration. And AHA/BHA exfoliants help keep pores clear from the depths within.
Use Oil Blotting Sheets
Blot away midday sheen with blotting sheets. They’re your discreet, pocket-sized secret weapon, ready to absorb excess oil on the go without messing up your makeup or over-drying your skin. Adding translucent powders can also help give your skin a mattified, shine-free appearance.
Opt For Oil-Free Makeup
Your makeup should help you look and feel fabulous, not fuel the oil slick. Switch to oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup, which sits lightly on the skin and keeps your pores clear and happy. Moreover, using a primer can help create a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing your pores from becoming clogged and reducing the appearance of oil (aka preventing an oily nose!).
When choosing a primer, look for one that is silicone-based and specifically designed for oily skin. To avoid confusion between applying primer or moisturizer first, always apply your moisturizer before the primer.
Try A Nose Strip
Pulling out gunk from your pores can be oddly satisfying and functional. Nose strips can help remove blackheads and excess oil, giving your nose a break from the shine. These are the ones I love to use every once in a while: Sephora Collection Clean Charcoal Nose Strip and Bioré Nose + Face Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.
Use A Clay Mask
Imagine your nose as a vacation spot for oil – clay masks are the “No Vacancy” sign. They absorb oil and impurities, plus they’re great for that all-important self-care Sunday ritual. My favorite clay masks are Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask, Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask, and Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask.
Avoid Using Harsh Ingredients
Scrutinize your skincare like it’s a first date. Harsh ingredients can aggravate oil production, so ditch any product that leaves your skin feeling tight or red. If you want to, you can opt for home remedies such as honey, oatmeal, aloe vera, and tomatoes[3].
Take Care Of Your Diet
Less grease on the plate can mean less grease on your face. Start by reducing your sugar intake, as it can contribute to increased oil production. Replace sugary foods with healthier options, such as fruits and vegetables. And maybe cut back on the fries – your nose will thank you.
Drink Plenty Of Water
It is really important to stay hydrated, not just for your body – it benefits your skin too. Drinking enough water helps moisturize your skin from the inside out, preventing overcompensation with oil.
Managing Stress Levels
Your mind/body connection is legit. When you’re stressed, your skin can get stressed, too, leading to a Niagara Falls situation on your T-zone. Find chill-out techniques that work for you, whether it’s yoga, meditation, or good old-fashioned napping.
If you didn’t know and needed an extra reason to hit the gym – Physical activity can help you manage stress, improve blood circulation, and balance hormone levels in your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, most days of the week to reap the benefits.
Protecting From Sun Exposure
Sunscreen is a must, even for oily skin. Ensure that you apply sunscreen[4] daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause damage and premature aging. It shields your nose from the sun, helps prevent long-term damage, and, believe it or not, can help regulate oil production. Opt for an oil-free sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 that is designed for your skin type.
Never Sleep With Makeup On
Late nights happen, but your makeup shouldn’t be hitting the pillow with you. No matter how tired you are, take the extra few minutes to remove your makeup and cleanse. Your pores will be grateful for the midnight snacking break.
Final Thoughts On Why Is My Nose So Oily
You’ve got this! Tackling your oily nose[5] can be straightforward with the right habits and products. Remember to cleanse regularly, exfoliate, moisturize, and use those oil-blotting sheets when needed. Embrace ingredients that love your skin back and make oil-free choices where possible.
Don’t forget the impact of a good diet, hydration, stress management, and proper sun protection. And, of course, letting your skin breathe at night by removing makeup is a must. Stick with these tips, and you’ll likely see a noticeable difference in the shine on your nose. Stay consistent, and your skin will thank you for it!
