Oily Nose: Is It Normal or a Sign of an Underlying Health Issue

  • An oily nose is usually not a sign of an underlying health issue unless paired with inflammation, skin scaling, etc. 
  • The typical causes of oily skin include genetics, environmental factors, and hormonal changes. 
  • From home remedies to hydration, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and proper hygiene, several things can help reduce skin oils.
  • Proper skincare products, professional treatments, and prevention tips can limit the oil production on the nose. 

If you look at yourself in the mirror and think, “Why is my nose oily,” do not be worried – you are not the only one. Many people deal with excess skin oils around the t zone, particularly on the nose. They try various treatments and products only to find that you cannot eliminate an oily nose – you can only control the oils!

If you want to learn more about why your nose is oily or how to know if you should visit a dermatologist, stick around for the rest of this detailed guide. Let’s get right into the topic!

Why Is My Nose Oily? – Causes and Triggers

There are five main reasons why your nose could be oily. From genetics to hormonal changes, here are the common causes of oily skin on the nose:

Genetics

If your parents have oily skin and their parents do too, chances are you have inherited that skin type and will deal with oily skin throughout your life.

Environmental Factors

Sometimes, drastic changes in the weather, too much sun, strong winds, or even humidity can cause your skin to get oilier than usual.

Hormonal Changes

pregnant woman looking at her baby bump

Hormonal changes caused by stress, pressure, pregnancy, or any other life event can also cause a significant change in your skin, such as excess oils around the nose or even acne breakouts.

Skin Type

If your nose is always oily no matter what kind of products you try using, it might be that you have a skin type prone to producing more oils.

Diet

Finally, consuming lots of unhealthy, overprocessed foods can cause your skin to be oilier and break out more frequently, especially in problematic areas such as the forehead, chin, and – you guessed it – the nose!

Why Is The Nose Particularly Prone to Oiliness?

Many people deal with oily skin on the nose and surrounding area. That is because the nose contains many oil glands that always produce oils to create a protective layer between the skin and the outside world. That way, no bacteria or other infections can reach the skin and affect it negatively.

How to Get Rid of Oily Nose: Home Remedies and Professional Treatments 

If you want to try and limit the oiliness on your nose, here are a few things you can try doing:

Washing Your Face the Right Way

After waking up in the morning and before bed at night, wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Do not rub the cleanser on the skin; just make gentle circular movements and then wash the cleanser off thoroughly.

Moisturizing Your Skin

Keep the skin moist by using a small amount of moisturizer daily. It should be enough to keep the skin from becoming dry because an oily nose doesn’t mean that the skin is hydrated.

Using Sunscreen

You can choose to use powder or cream sunscreen, with the former being recommended for people with oily skin. If you want to, you can skip the sunscreen but get a moisturizer containing SPF.

Applying a Clay Mask

woman applying clay mask

Try using a clay mask two to three times per week. It should be enough to absorb the oils while cleansing the skin to prevent acne, blackheads, and other skin imperfection.

Using Oil-Blotting Sheets

Oil-blotting sheets are a great way to wipe the excess oils from your face. You can use the sheet as often as needed, but remember to gently wipe your skin instead of rubbing it with the sheet.

Prevention Tips for an Oily Nose

Could you be causing your skin to produce more oils? There is a good chance you are doing this if you see your nose getting oilier with time. Here is how to prevent an oily nose and oily skin in general:

Choosing the Right Skincare Products for Your Skin Type

If you know that your skin is generally oilier, you should use products specifically for oily skin. Most products nowadays list the type of skin they are meant for, so you can easily find a suitable one.

Avoiding Over-Washing Your Face

Overwashing your face to remove oils can only cause the skin to produce more oils. As mentioned above, you should limit thorough face washes to once or twice daily.

Removing Makeup Before Bed

Never go to bed with makeup on. That will cause your pores to clog, and that will only cause the skin to produce more oils as it will feel like it needs to purify the pores. Try removing makeup as soon as you do not need it, as having it on throughout the day is not recommended.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Maintain a balanced diet based on fruit and vegetables instead of overprocessed foods. You should also eliminate stress, get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and exercise to eliminate toxins.

Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

woman drinking water in the kitchen

Also, remember to drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated and prevent drying.

Using a Humidifier During Dry Season

If your skin gets too dry during the dry season, try using a humidifier, especially during the night, to keep the air moist. 

Best Products for Managing an Oily Nose

If you’re still troubled by the question, “Why is my skin so oily,” or wish to know how to get rid of nose acne, you should only apply skin care products for oily skin.

  • Recommended Cleansers for Oily Skin – We recommend choosing cleansers for oily or combined skin, depending on your skin type.
  • Best Toners for Removing Excess Oil – Always go for toners with soothing ingredients, which can eliminate skin impurities without irritating the skin.
  • Serums for Controlling Oil Production -The best serums are oil-free ones based on active ingredients.
  • Moisturizers for Oily Skin – Choose a gel or lotion moisturizer that contains no oils. You should avoid creams as they make the skin look even oilier.
  • Sunscreens for Oily Skin – Powder sunscreen is recommended for daily use to keep your skin protected.
  • Masks for Reducing Congestion – Clay or charcoal masks containing tea tree extract or salicylic acid are best for oily skin.
  • Oil-free Primers – Primers without oils are best for oily skin, but you should apply them only after all other skincare products.
  • Non-comedogenic Products – Base your skincare routine on non-comedogenic products that will not clog your pores but keep the skin flawless.

Home Remedies for Oily Nose

If you want to learn how to get rid of an oily nose naturally, we recommend focusing on home remedies such as honey, yogurt, sandalwood, baking soda, lemon, etc. When used regularly but in moderation, these products can help improve your skin, eliminate impurities, and limit skin oils.

When to See a Dermatologist for an Oily Nose

Usually, an oily nose is not a sign of an underlying health issue, but it is caused by the oil glands in the skin. However, if your oily nose is also irritated, red, or scaling, you should see a dermatologist and ask them about products or medication you can use to improve the state of the skin.

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