Why your nose is oily: Causes of an oily face
Despite what you might think, your oily skin is not a flaw. An oily nose is one of the most common skin concerns, and it's totally manageable, so don’t let it get you down.
Your nose is oily because your skin’s actually too good at doing its job (total slay). Sure, your lifestyle plays a part, but some of us have skin that produces more oil than others.
The good news is you can get ahead of oily skin with a proper skincare routine supported by high-quality products. In this guide, we’re breaking down the science behind why your nose is oily, and giving you the tools — and expert-backed tips — to help restore balance to your complexion.
Key Takeaways
• An oily t-zone or nose comes from sebaceous glands overproducing sebum.
• There is a high concentration of sebaceous glands in the nose and face. They produce sebum naturally, but they can produce too much when overstimulated.
• A skincare routine designed for oily skin and supported with high-quality products can dramatically improve your skin.
• Lifestyle changes like a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and drinking enough water could help to balance your body’s sebum production.
• Cutting moisturizer out of your skincare routine isn’t the answer. Dehydrating your skin could make your oiliness problem worse.
What causes oily skin on the face?
Skin produces a natural oil called sebum--essential for maintaining a healthy, supple, lubricated complexion. Sebum, which is made in the sebaceous glands, helps protect the skin’s barrier function by keeping moisture in and pollutants and bacteria out.
While the right amount of sebum helps keep skin from becoming dry, too much oil production can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge. Since your nose and t-zone have high concentrations of sebaceous glands, these areas can appear oily if the glands are overproducing. This also leads to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne.
There can be
• Genetics
• Age
• Over-frequent cleansing
• Harsh skincare products
• Hormonal changes
• Skipping moisturizer
• Heat, humidity, and perspiration
• Excessive face touching
• Not removing
Whatever the underlying causes, you can improve the look and feel of oily skin. Find out how to tell you have oily skin from the Clarins Beauty Experts and discover an expertly-curated oily skin routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing, once in the morning and once at night.
What causes an oily nose?
When the high concentration of sebaceous glands in your nose and T-zone gets overstimulated, they secrete excess oil, attracting dirt and bacteria that lead to all the common skin problems we’re all too familiar with. The shape of the nose, especially around the nostrils, traps perspiration and can lead to oil buildup and clogged pores, resulting in a greasy nose and an oily T-zone.
While oily skin may have a shiny appearance, there are subtle differences between the two skin types. As the saying goes, “sebaceous glands gonna sebum.” (That’s not really a saying.) But it is true that sebaceous glands are going to produce oil, even when they’re healthy.
When comparing oily skin vs. shiny skin, shiny skin has a natural, healthy glow from the right amount of sebum on the face, nose, and t-zone. Oily skin occurs when we get into the “overproduction zone.” This is when skin goes from being healthily shiny and crosses over into being greasy. You’ll usually see blemishes like blackheads, clogged pores, and acne if this is the case.
How to manage an oily nose—without drying it out
The good news is, with a few lifestyle adjustments and Clarins’ plant-powered beauty routine for oily skin, there’s plenty you can do to achieve a clean, clear complexion with a healthy shine. Here are some steps you can take to keep your skin moisturized with the right amount of sebum, but avoid an oily nose or t-zone:
Cleanse with care
First, avoid harsh cleansers or overwashing your face—two mistakes that will aggravate your skin and promote oiliness. Aggressive cleansing dries out the skin, causing the sebaceous glands to kick into high gear and produce even more oil.
Remove makeup before bed
Second, always remove makeup before bed. Leaving your makeup on only adds to the natural oil buildup during sleep, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Consistently leaving your makeup on while you sleep can also speed up the aging process.
Do a skincare product audit
You’ll be doing your skin a huge favor by choosing high-quality
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• Count on Clarins
• Clarins
Don’t dump moisturizer
Even the oiliest skin needs hydration. You can’t solve this problem by eliminating moisturizer. Without maintaining skin’s moisture balance, your sebaceous glands will rev up oil production to compensate. Opt for
Additional tips to help prevent an oily nose and face
Here are some additional tips you can easily incorporate into your everyday life to maintain a healthy glow to your skin:
1. Avoid touching your face - if you do, make sure that your hands are clean. Dirty hands can spread bacteria and introduce pore-clogging grime.
2. Sun protection - A common cause of oily skin is sun exposure, which can increase the size of sebaceous glands and trigger oil production. Wearing a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more is a good oily nose fix.
3. Diet - Spicy foods and alcohol can cause perspiration and lead to oily nose pores. Similarly, sugar and dairy increase oil production. If an oily nose is your issue, cut back on all of the above, and fill up on fruits and veggies rich in vitamin A, like watermelon, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, and carrots--all clean foods that help slow down oil production.
4. Get moving - If you’re looking for a good excuse to exercise, oily skin might be it. Exercise helps boost the circulation of nutrients and oxygen throughout your bloodstream, flushes out toxins, and helps regulate sebum production for a smoother complexion, reduced stress, a good night’s sleep, and that radiant, post-workout glow.
Read this article to learn correct
5. Water - Be sure to drink plenty of water—at least 8 glasses a day. Dehydration causes oil glands to produce excess sebum—exactly what you’re working so hard to avoid.
Final thoughts: embrace the glow, manage the excess
Oily noses are nothing to worry about and are totally normal. Follow the oily skin tips in this guide and consider adjusting your skincare routine to be more aligned with Clarins’ skincare routine for oily skin – or switch to it entirely if it’s a fit for you. Not only will you be taking the steps necessary to care for your skin and bring out that healthy glow, but each step will be backed by
Any Questions
What causes excessive oil production on the nose and face
Excess oil is usually the result of overactive sebaceous glands, which are especially concentrated in the T-zone. Genetics, hormones, weather, and even harsh skincare can all send those glands into overdrive, leading to greasiness and clogged pores.
How does diet influence facial oiliness?
Certain foods—like sugar, dairy, and spicy dishes—can trigger oil production or increase inflammation in the skin. Eating a balanced diet can help support a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Can sun exposure affect the oiliness of my skin?
Yes, sun exposure can dehydrate the skin and cause sebaceous glands to compensate by producing even more oil. Wearing daily SPF helps protect your skin and keeps oiliness in check.
What skincare routine is recommended for managing an oily nose and face?
Stick to a twice-daily routine with gentle cleansing, hydrating toners, and lightweight moisturizers that won’t clog pores. Avoid over-cleansing, and choose products formulated for oily skin to help balance and refine the look of shine without stripping moisture.
Are there specific products that can help reduce facial oiliness?
Look for mattifying serums, rebalancing masks, and plant-based treatments like Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil or SOS Pure Clay Mask. These formulas help visibly tighten pores, reduce excess shine, and leave skin looking fresh and refined.
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