Dermatologist Questions Dermatology

Does oily skin cause blackheads?

I am a 27 year old female and I have oily skin and blackheads. Does oily skin cause blackheads?

1 Answer

Oily scan does not "cause" acne, but can certainly contribute to acne. For example, there are people that have oily skin complexion but do not have acne. Acne is caused by the interplay between bacteria that lives in the hair follicle, sebum (oily skin), hyperkeratosis (loose skin cells that clog pores), and inflammation with factors such as genetics, hormonal factors, and diet as overlying factors. There are various treatments for acne aimed to target the various etiologies. Please visit your board certified dermatologist for treatment consideration.
Thank you.

Dr. Vaidya