Why Skin Gets Oilier in Summer & How to Control It?

Your skin gets oilier in summer because rising temperatures and humidity directly stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology confirmed that outdoor summer exposure significantly increases sebum secretion and skin greasiness compared to indoor environments. If you’ve ever wondered why skin gets oilier in summer and how you can control it, the answer lies in understanding this heat-triggered oil response. It should also be followed by building a smart, dermatologist-designed routine using top-quality skincare products that match your skin type and texture. 

The good news? Oily summer skin is manageable. The key is choosing the right face wash (for dry or oily skin), lightweight face moisturizer and body lotion, and non-greasy sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ that keeps sebum in check without over-stripping your moisture barrier. A 2025 randomised crossover trial in Environmental Research found that at 32°C, participants reported significantly oilier, stickier skin, with elevated inflammatory biomarkers. 

This proves that summer oiliness is a measurable biological response and can be controlled by following a personalized skincare regimen. Below, we break down the science and share actionable steps designed by dermatologists.

The Science Behind Summer Oiliness

Heat and humidity trigger sebum overproduction: Sebaceous glands sit just beneath the skin’s surface and are highly sensitive to temperature. When ambient heat rises, infrared radiation from the sun can raise skin temperature beyond 40°C, activating lipid biosynthesis pathways in sebocytes. Your oil glands may increase sebum production in response to heat.

High humidity compounds this by reducing sweat evaporation, leaving a persistent layer of moisture and oil. Indian summers are characterized by temperatures over 40°C and humidity exceeding 70%. Skincare experts know that this may directly cause excessive greasiness, clogged pores, and breakouts for people with oily skin.

The combination of sweat and oil clogs your pores : This is why understanding why skin gets oilier in summer and how to control it matters beyond cosmetics. Sweat and sebum mix on the skin’s surface, but since oil and water don’t blend, the oil sits in visible droplets, giving the appearance of even more greasiness. This oily film traps dirt, dead cells, and bacteria inside pores, fuelling acne and fungal infections. A study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that high humidity stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil output and directly worsening acne.

5 Dermatologist-Backed Ways to Control Oily Skin in Summer

1. Switch to a gentle and pH-balanced cleanser : Overwashing or using harsh soaps strips the skin’s natural barrier, triggering compensatory oil production. Choose a mild and gel-based salicylic acid face wash that removes excess sebum without dryness. Cleanse twice daily and once after heavy sweating.
   
2. Layer lightweight hydration, don’t skip it : This is the most common summer skincare mistake. Skipping face moisturizer because your skin ‘feels oily’ signals to sebaceous glands that the barrier is compromised, causing them to produce even more oil. Swap heavy products for a lightweight, water-based face cream or gel that contains hyaluronic acid for deep hydration without grease.
   
3. Choose non-comedogenic sun protection : Heavy and cream-based sun protectant formulas clog pores and worsen summer breakouts. Opt for gel-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with SPF 50 and PA++++ coverage. Dermatologist-designed sunscreen for dry or oily skin with Zinc PCA and Niacinamide helps actively control sebum while shielding skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light. Knowing why skin gets oilier in summer and how to control it starts with making your SPF work for you.
   
4. Add a Niacinamide-based face serum to your routine: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a gold-standard active for oily skin. A well-formulated face serum with 5-10% niacinamide regulates sebum production, minimizes enlarged pores, and reduces post-acne marks. Apply after cleansing and before SPF. We recommend trying niacinamide-powered serums that are designed by dermatologists, as they are suitable for people with acne-prone and oily skin types.
   
5. Use a mattifying face toner to balance oil: A face toner with witch hazel, salicylic acid, or AHAs removes residual impurities after cleansing and tightens pores. It preps skin to absorb serums and SPF more effectively, especially useful in the summer PM routine to dissolve accumulated oil and sweat.
   

Summer Oily Skin Routine: Morning Checklist

A quick reference for your complete summer AM routine designed by dermatologists to keep oiliness under control throughout the day.

Best The Derma Co Sun Protection Picks for Oily Summer Skin

Welcome to a new era of science-backed skincare. Designed by dermatologists, The Derma Co brings professional, clinic-like results directly to your daily routine. We use transparent, highly effective percentages of potent active ingredients (like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid) to safely target stubborn acne, uneven pigmentation, and enlarged pores. Demystify your regimen with medical-grade solutions that deliver visible, long-lasting skin health right at home.

Every product below is designed by dermatologists and formulated to tackle summer oiliness while delivering broad-spectrum UV protection. Here are some of our SPF 50 sunscreens that you can use for your oily skin regimen:

1. 1. 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel: SPF 50 & PA++++
   Powered by Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Titanium Dioxide, this In-Vivo tested Hyaluronic Sunscreen with SPF 50 delivers deep hydration with a feather-light, dewy finish and zero white cast, ideal for all skin types seeking clinical-grade daily protection.
2.  1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Oil-Free Gel: SPF 50 & PA++++
   Infused with Zinc PCA and Niacinamide in a Sebocontrol Formula, this non-comedogenic oil free sunscreen (for oily, dry, and combination skin) regulates sebum and minimises pores while offering In-Vivo tested broad-spectrum protection, built specifically for oily and acne-prone skin.
3.  Ultra Matte Sunscreen Gel: SPF 60 & PA+++
   Crafted with advanced European UV filters, Uvinul® A Plus, Tinosorb® S, Uvasorb®, and PARSOL® TX, this oil-free ultra matte sunscreen absorbs instantly and keeps skin shine-free for hours, making it perfect for long outdoor exposure.
4.  1% Hyaluronic Long Lasting Sunscreen: SPF 50 & PA++++
   Equipped with Heat Shield Technology, this water- and sweat-resistant formula provides up to 6 hours of uninterrupted UVA/UVB defence. This long lasting sunscreen contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, so no reapplication is needed during your workday. 
   Now that you understand why skin gets oilier in summer and how to control it, the right SPF becomes the final and most crucial step.

Stop Fighting Oil, Start Managing It

Summer oiliness is your skin’s natural response to heat, and it can be managed with the right approach to skincare. The biggest mistake most people make is stripping their skin with harsh products, which only triggers a rebound cycle of even more oil. Instead, work with your skin: cleanse gently, hydrate smartly, and protect with a lightweight, dermatologist-designed SPF that controls sebum while shielding against UV damage.

Every product in The Derma Co’s summer range is built on this principle: designed by dermatologists, clinically tested, and formulated with active ingredients that target oiliness at the source. Start with one swap today, whether it’s switching to a gel-based SPF or adding a niacinamide serum, and your skin will thank you before the monsoons arrive. 

Explore the full range on our website and build a routine that’s backed by science and made for Indian summers!

FAQs
Q1. Why does my skin produce more oil in summer?

Heat and humidity activate sebaceous glands, increasing sebum output. Infrared radiation raises skin temperature, triggering lipid biosynthesis. Sweat compounds this by mixing with oil and creating a greasy film.

Q2. Should I skip moisturiser if my skin is oily in summer?

No. Skipping moisturiser signals skin to compensate by producing even more oil. Use a lightweight, gel-based face cream with hyaluronic acid to maintain barrier health without grease.

Q3. Can oily summer skin cause acne breakouts?

Yes. Excess sebum mixes with dead cells, sweat, and bacteria, clogging pores and causing whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne. A non-comedogenic routine with salicylic acid and niacinamide is essential.

Q4. What type of SPF is best for oily skin in summer?

Gel-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with SPF 50 and PA++++ are ideal. Ingredients like zinc PCA control sebum while protecting against UV and blue light. The Derma Co’s range, designed by dermatologists, offers options tailored for oily and acne-prone skin.

Q5. How often should I wash my face in summer?

Twice daily plus once after heavy sweating. Over-washing disrupts the barrier and triggers rebound oiliness. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is key.

Q6. Does diet affect summer oiliness?

Yes. High-glycaemic foods and dairy can stimulate sebum production. Staying hydrated, eating antioxidant-rich fruits, and reducing processed sugar help skin stay balanced from the inside.

References: 

1. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.15745 
2. Environmental Research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935125026295