Several hormones can contribute to oily skin, but androgens are the primary culprits. Androgens, such as testosterone, stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, the oily substance that lubricates the skin. This can lead to acne and other skin issues.
Other hormones can also influence oil production, including:
- Progesterone: This hormone can increase oil production, leading to acne and oily skin.
- Cortisol: Stress can increase cortisol levels, which can also contribute to oiliness.
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect skin oiliness. For example, many women experience oily skin during their menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
