The primary hormones responsible for making your face oily are oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, especially during periods of hormonal fluctuations.
Here's a breakdown:
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Testosterone: This androgen hormone is a major contributor to sebum production. It stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. While present in both men and women, higher levels of testosterone can lead to increased oiliness.
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Oestrogen & Progesterone: These hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause in women. These fluctuations can either increase or decrease sebum production depending on the specific hormonal balance. Dramatic drops in oestrogen, for example, can sometimes lead to increased relative androgen levels (like testosterone), resulting in more oil production.
Hormonal fluctuations that influence sebum production are common during:
- Puberty: As hormone levels surge during puberty, increased sebum production is a common cause of acne and oily skin.
- Menstrual Cycle: Many women experience oilier skin around their period due to hormonal shifts.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect oil production, with some women experiencing increased oiliness and others experiencing drier skin.
- Menopause: As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, the relative androgen levels can increase, potentially causing oilier skin in some women.
- Certain Medical Conditions and Medications: Certain medical conditions (like PCOS) and medications (like hormonal birth control) can disrupt hormone balance and affect sebum production.
