Why Does Skin Become Oilier in Summer and How Can You Control It?
For many people, summer is associated with sunshine, relaxation, and a beautiful tan. However, when it comes to skincare, this season often brings new challenges. If you notice that your face becomes shiny just a few hours after your morning skincare routine, your pores appear more visible, and breakouts occur more frequently, you are not alone.
So why does skin become oilier during summer, and what can you do to keep it looking fresh and healthy throughout the day?
Why Does Sebum Production Increase in Summer?
When air temperatures rise, our bodies try to cool themselves down. At the same time, the sebaceous glands become more active and start producing more sebum, the skin's natural oil.
In addition, your skin is affected by several summer-related factors:
☀️ Higher temperatures and humidity
☀️ Increased sweating
☀️ The use of SPF products
☀️ Dust and environmental pollution
☀️ More frequent touching and wiping of the face
As a result, the skin may become shinier, pores can become clogged, and the risk of inflammation and breakouts may increase.
A Common Mistake Many People Make
When dealing with oily skin, many people try to remove as much oil as possible.
They often use harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, or wash their face too frequently.
Unfortunately, this often produces the opposite effect. When the skin becomes overly dry, it starts producing even more sebum in an attempt to restore its protective barrier. This creates a vicious cycle: the more aggressively you strip away oil, the oilier your skin becomes.
How to Control Oily Skin During Summer?
1. Choose Gentle Cleansing
Your skin needs effective yet gentle cleansing that removes excess sebum and impurities without damaging the skin barrier.
It is also worth considering products containing probiotics, which help maintain a healthy skin microbiome and reduce the risk of irritation.
2. Choose Skincare Products with Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients for oily and combination skin.
It helps to:
✔️ regulate sebum production;
✔️ visibly reduce the appearance of pores;
✔️ minimize redness;
✔️ strengthen the skin barrier;
✔️ even out skin tone.
That is why niacinamide is an excellent choice for summer skincare.
3. Tea Tree Extract for Problematic Skin
If you experience more frequent breakouts during hot weather, tea tree extract can be a valuable ally.
It helps to:
✔️ reduce inflammation;
✔️ calm redness;
✔️ keep the skin clearer;
✔️ soothe irritated skin.
Tea tree extract is particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
4. Don't Forget About Zinc
Zinc is an ingredient that is often underestimated.
It helps:
✔️ regulate sebum production;
✔️ reduce inflammation;
✔️ support skin regeneration;
✔️ maintain clearer-looking skin.
That is why zinc is commonly found in products designed for oily and acne-prone skin.
5. Moisturize Oily Skin Too
One of the biggest skincare myths is that oily skin does not need a moisturizer.
In reality, dehydrated skin often becomes even oilier.
Choose lightweight gel moisturizers or lotions that provide hydration without feeling heavy on the skin.
6. Choose Lightweight SPF Products
Sun protection is essential for every skin type, including oily skin. However, during summer, rich and heavy SPF creams may feel uncomfortable and contribute to excess shine.
Look for:
✔️ lightweight fluids or gel creams;
✔️ non-comedogenic formulas;
✔️ mattifying SPF products designed for oily and combination skin.
A properly chosen SPF helps protect the skin from photoaging and pigmentation without feeling heavy.
7. Salicylic Acid for Cleaner Pores
During summer, pores are more likely to become clogged due to excess sebum, sweat, and environmental impurities. That is why products containing salicylic acid (BHA) can be especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid helps:
✔️ unclog pores from within;
✔️ reduce blackheads;
✔️ minimize breakouts;
✔️ improve overall skin texture.
It is important to use salicylic acid according to your skin's needs and avoid excessive exfoliation.
The Summer Formula for Balanced Skin
If you want to reduce unwanted shine and keep your skin comfortable throughout the day, look for products containing:
• Niacinamide
• Tea Tree Extract
• Probiotics
• Zinc
• Salicylic Acid
• Lightweight SPF Filters
This combination of ingredients helps balance sebum production, support a healthy skin microbiome, and reduce the risk of breakouts.
Important to Remember
Oilier skin during summer is a completely normal response to heat and increased humidity. However, the right skincare routine can help control excess shine, reduce clogged pores, and keep your skin fresh, healthy, and comfortable throughout the season.
The goal is not to eliminate sebum completely, but to help the skin maintain a healthy balance.
Looking for products for oily and combination skin? Explore the 7skin.lv selection of products containing niacinamide, tea tree extract, probiotics, zinc, and salicylic acid — ingredients especially suitable for summer skincare.