Does Oily Skin Age Better and Get Fewer Wrinkles?

Anyone with oily skin knows how frustrating it is to have an overly glowing face that can appear shiny and greasy. There is the challenge of getting your makeup intact throughout the day and the issue of clogged pores, which can increase your likelihood of having breakouts and worsen existing acne. 

Despite all these issues, many think oily skin fares better than other skin types when it comes to aging. Some also think that it ages better, mainly due to the natural oil or moisture that can help slow down the aging process. Oily skin, furthermore, is believed to get fewer wrinkles or have reduced appearance of fine lines.

How many of these things about oily skin are true? Does oiliness really have an effect on how likely you are to develop fine lines and wrinkles? Continue reading as we find out the truth about oily skin and aging. 

Do people with oily skin age better or get fewer wrinkles? 

The answer to this goes beyond just a simple yes or no. It is true that oily skin has a thicker dermis (the skin’s middle layer) because of the additional or higher density of sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil or sebum, which is responsible for providing moisture and protecting your skin from environmental aggressors. 

Sebum from oily skin can somehow act like a moisturizer that can reduce the look of fine lines. The thicker dermis, meanwhile, provides a natural cushion that can make the skin less vulnerable to wrinkling and folding. Both are beneficial in preventing the formation of lines, as well retaining moisture, which is an ability that the skin loses as we age. 

The combination of a thicker dermis and an oiler complexion may lead to fewer or less apparent forehead lines. It is important to remember, however, that lines and wrinkles also happen on the lower half of the face. One of the main culprits is the loss of collagen as we age, along with other factors such as sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, oxidative stress, and certain lifestyle habits. 

When it comes to the area around the eyes, crow’s feet or the fine lines on the side of the eyes can appear regardless of your skin type. Check out our previous blog for a few tips and tricks on reducing signs of aging around the eyes. 

Aging is more than about wrinkles

While it is true that many of us are concerned about lines and wrinkles, they are not the only ones that can give the skin an older appearance. It is common for oily skin to have enlarged pores and breakouts, which may lead to uneven skin texture, acne marks, and scarring. These too can give the skin a dull, tired, and aging look. 

Other signs of aging include:

• Skin laxity 
• Thinning of the skin
• Dark spots or pigmentation 
• Broken blood vessels or spider veins on the face (telangiectasia)
• Loss of firmness and tone
• Rough skin texture

Taking care of oily skin

If excess oil and blemishes are a concern for you, make sure to mind both your skincare routine and habits. Don’t engage in things that could make your skin appear shinier or greasier. Below are a few tips on taking care of oily skin. 

Don’t over wash your face – While cleansing is important in removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities, make sure not to overdo it or use harsh formulas. Doing so strips your skin and prompts your sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil, which then negates the purpose of cleansing.

Include an antioxidant in your regimen – Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are known to cause oxidative stress and trigger cell damage. Dr. Sylvia Skin Care’s 20% Vitamin C, B, E, and Ferulic Acid has potent antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients that can protect the skin and improve its overall quality. Benefits include:

• Brightens complexion
• Protects the skin from environmental damage
• Improves the look of lines and wrinkles
• Reduces redness and soothes the skin
• Hydrates and nourishes the skin
• Helps improve skin elasticity and firmness

Moisturize – Yes, oily skin still needs to moisturize. This is to hydrate the skin and help regulate oil production. Just make sure to pick a formula that is right for your skin type, like a water-based gel moisturizer. Avoid those that are oil-based and heavy creams or products that contain mineral oil, petrolatum, or petroleum. 

Don’t forget to exfoliate – To prevent clogged pores, reduce excess oil, and improve skin tone, those with oily skin can exfoliate two to three times a week. You might want to go with chemical exfoliants rather than physical ones, as they are usually milder and don’t involve rubbing or manually removing the skin.

Always apply SPF – Sun protection is a must regardless of the weather. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and make sure to wear protective clothing, shades, or sunglasses when the sun is shining bright. It is also advisable to choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and labeled non-comedogenic. 

Consider aesthetic treatments – At Cutis, we have a few non-surgical treatments that can help manage oily skin and associated skin concerns. We have Meso-Tox, which is a combination of professional microneedling with small doses of botulinum toxin (mixed with formulated serums). This helps reduce sebum production and pore size, improve wrinkle appearance, and give you glass-like glowing skin.

We also have VI Peel Purify, which is a chemical peel specifically formulated for acne- and blemish-prone skin. It has a unique formula that can reduce comedones, kill acne-causing bacteria, speed up cellular turnover, and calm redness and inflammation. It is ideal for active acne, oily skin, and other concerns associated with acne symptoms. 

Approach aging the right way with a good skincare routine, healthy habits, and undergoing aesthetic treatments. Get in touch with Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help reach your beauty and skincare goals.