While oily skin is more susceptible to acne, enlarged pores, and blackheads, it’s not all bad news! Having skin with very active sebaceous glands also has some advantages and is said to age more slowly than normal or dry skin.
So does oily skin age better?
Yes, oily skin does have a plus - the oils it releases help to keep your skin plump and hydrated, and thus your skin will be less likely to show signs of aging.
How Does Oily Skin Alter Skin Aging?
Many people consider oily skin a problem that they should fix and although excessive oil might contribute to issues like breakouts, having this type of complexion is not inherently bad. The oil promotes the health of your skin, which serves as a ‘bridge’ between the outside and inside of your body. It aids in maintaining body fluid levels and protects us from viruses, bacteria, and infections. Additionally, vitamin E, which protects against the environmental harm that causes skin aging, is abundant in sebum. If you have oily skin, you will age more gracefully and develop fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
Is It Good To Have Oily Skin?
The sebum from oily skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental aggressors like wind, sun, and dust. Its natural moisture also protects you during the winter season, making you less likely to suffer irritations typical of other skin types. As you can see, having oily skin is not as bad as you thought, but you should still give it proper care. Always use products formulated for oily skin, and do not try to remove excess sebum with harsh products because you will end up causing damage.
Benefits of Having an Oily Skin
Oily skin may be one of the least desired skin types because it is more prone to acne breakouts than other types and individuals with this skin type usually don't like having a shiny complexion with pimples and enlarged pores. Still, despite these issues, oily skin has many advantages, including the following:
UV Resistance
Sunscreen is vital throughout the year; however, those with oily skin have an advantage over dry skin because the oil it produces contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that fights against free radicals and cell oxidation. Sun rays may damage the skin, but this damage will be greater in dry skin than in oily skin. However, that does not mean that if you have oily skin, you should stop putting on sunscreen - our Hydrating SPF Daily Moisturizer combines SPF protection with lubrication that will maintain your skin's hydration and give you a smooth, youthful complexion.
Fewer Wrinkles
Oily skin is thicker than dry skin so it may wrinkle less while appearing firmer and plumper. However, not all areas of the face produce the same amount of sebum. For instance, the area around the eyes is thinner than anywhere else on the body, even for individuals with oily skin, making it prone to wrinkle development.
Lengthy Hydration
Everything needs water to survive, plants and humans alike, and without proper hydration, your skin will not function optimally. In other words, hydration is the food your skin needs to make it beautiful and healthy. Oily skin ages slower than normal and dry skin because the dermis is properly hydrated all the time, reducing the formation of fine lines. Natural moisture gives a healthy shine to the skin and if you use products made for oily skin, you could have a dewy appearance all day long without needing to moisturize your skin constantly.
Vivid Glow
You don't have to use fake tanners to enjoy glowing skin. If you properly care for your skin, it will look youthful and healthy rather than excessively greasy. Along with a good skincare routine, the oil that your face produces can actually help make your skin shine and glow.
Delays Aging
Getting older is not a bad thing in itself, but having your skin look old and tired can be disheartening. Wrinkles and fine lines are a result of a lack of elastin and collagen in the skin. However, one factor that produces elastin and collagen is oil, so if you have oily skin, then it can be an advantage for you. Additionally, oily skin produces moisture, thereby slowing down aging and reducing fine lines. Since your skin is naturally thicker, you have higher protection against environmental factors than those with dry skin too.
Ideal Ways to Prevent Skin Aging (For All Skin Types)
Eat Healthily
The skin requires special nutrition for optimal health. Although no studies confirm that any particular diet can prevent skin aging, a good quality diet that’s full of antioxidant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients will promote healthy skin. Therefore, your diet should include nourishing foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts.
Don't Smoke
If you are a smoker, you’ll tend to age faster than those who lead a healthy lifestyle. Various purifying organs of your body can absorb the toxins from cigarettes, affecting your body's cells, therefore quitting can help prevent skin aging.
Choose Natural Skincare Products
It is important to maintain a skincare routine with natural products. They will nourish your skin and stimulate cell repair and also help reduce and prevent wrinkles and blemishes to a certain degree. Look for natural products that aid in removing dead cells, tone, provide deep hydration, and preserve the firmness of your skin.
Get Adequate Sleep
During sleep, the body secretes various substances (such as melatonin) that support cell regeneration, keeping your skin young and revitalized. Consequently, with inadequate sleep, this activity may be disrupted, and over time, you will begin to notice a difference in the appearance of your skin. Sleeping seven or more hours daily, without interruptions, will allow your body to repair itself. This helps prevent premature aging and the development of unwelcome issues such as dark circles and puffiness.
FAQs
Question #1: Does Oily Skin Delay Aging?
Oily skin may delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and with the right skincare products, you can worry less about premature aging.
Question #2: Which Type of Skin Tends to Age More Quickly?
Overall, the aging process has little to do with skin type and many factors are at play, including your genes, environment, and how you care for your skin.
Wrapping Up
Even though there are numerous benefits to having oily skin, you need to avoid products that could cause breakouts or clog the pores. Following a good skincare routine will help keep your skin healthy, so check out our great range of Solvaderm products to create one that works for you!
Melissa Feldman
Melissa Feldman lives in Toronto, Canada and works as an independent research writer. She has undergraduate degrees in both Teaching and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Immigration. Melissa is skilled at writing compelling articles and producing academic, marketing, and creative content. She writes about a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, beauty and nutrition. She has more than two decades of experience reviewing and editing publications intended for both public and professional audiences.
