Why Is Your Skin Always Oily in Mumbai? Dermatologists Explain the Real Reasons
Living in Mumbai and constantly blotting your face? You’re not alone. Oily skin is one of the most common concerns in this city and the reasons go beyond just your skin type. In fact, the weather, environment, and even your skincare habits could be making things worse.
Let’s break it down.
Humidity is a Major Trigger
Mumbai’s tropical climate means high humidity almost year-round. When the air is heavy with moisture, your skin tries to balance things out. This often leads to an increase in sebum (natural oil) production. The more humid it is, the oilier your skin may feel.
Add sweating to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for clogged pores, greasiness, and breakouts.
Pollution Makes it Worse
Mumbai’s air isn’t always skin-friendly. Dust, smoke, and particulate matter settle on the face throughout the day. This layer traps oil and sweat, leading to blackheads, dullness, and acne. And if you frequently touch your face or wipe it with tissues, the irritation only adds fuel to the fire.
Over-Washing Can Backfire
It’s tempting to wash your face multiple times to get rid of the shine. But doing this too often strips away the skin’s natural moisture. Your skin sees this as a threat and responds by producing even more oil to compensate.
Moral of the story? Stick to cleansing twice a day with a gentle, sulphate-free face wash.
Skipping Moisturiser = Big Mistake
Here’s a myth worth busting: “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser.”
Wrong. If you skip moisturiser, your skin becomes dehydrated and tries to fix it by producing more oil. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. It will hydrate your skin without clogging pores.
Hormones Play a Role Too
Sometimes, the issue isn’t external at all. Hormonal changes – especially during your period, pregnancy, or due to conditions like PCOS – can increase oil production. The result? More breakouts, especially around the chin, jawline, and cheeks.
If the oiliness comes and goes with your cycle or is paired with acne, it may be time to look at internal causes.
Watch Out for the Wrong Products
Using heavy creams or oily sunscreen in hot weather can trigger oiliness. So can alcohol-based toners, scrubs, and bar soaps. These might feel refreshing at first but disrupt your skin barrier over time.
Look for oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic labels on your skincare products.
So What Actually Works?
Here’s a simple approach:
And most importantly: Be patient. Oily skin can be managed, it just needs the right approach.
Need Help with Oily Skin in Mumbai?
If your skin stays persistently greasy or you’re breaking out often, it may be time to get expert advice. For safe and customised oily skin treatment in Mumbai, feel free to contact us and book a consultation.
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