Do you find yourself washing your face several times daily, using blotting papers constantly, or buying endless skin care products in the hopes of figuring out how to get rid of a shiny forehead? You’ll be happy to learn that you’re not alone in this struggle. 

While the oils on your skin protect the outer layer from the elements, excess oil can also attract dirt, clog pores, and lead to acne breakouts or irritation. So, how can you get rid of a shiny forehead? 

In this article, we’ll explain the causes of this problem, and give you some easy solutions for preventing and eliminating that extra forehead shine. We’ve got all of the answers, so read on! 

What Causes Your Forehead To Be Shiny?

If you’ve asked yourself, ‘Why does my face look shiny?’ you should read this section carefully. Several factors can make your forehead appear brighter, including having oily skin. The excess oil is usually caused by overactive sebaceous glands.

Another common reason is sweating, which usually happens when your body temperature increases or when you experience stress. The sweat from your glands contains moisture and oil that can make the skin on the forehead look brighter. Other factors include:

Medical Conditions

Certain skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne can make the skin on the forehead look shiny.

Medications

Unfortunately, medications like birth control pills, acne treatment, or complexion boosters may lead to a glossy-looking forehead. This occurs because some of these treatments may create a new layer of skin cells that appears bright under light during the healing process. Check with your doctor if you suspect that your medications may be contributing to the issue.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes may result from puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation. A shift in these levels can trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, causing a shiny t-zone. Even if you naturally have dry skin, hormonal shifts could make your forehead greasy.

Oily Cosmetics and Skin Care 

Some cosmetics and skincare products, particularly those that are oil-based, can trigger an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands possibly leading to a greasy forehead. 

Humidity

A hot, humid environment can cause you to sweat excessively, and this will make all areas of the skin appear shiny, particularly the forehead.  

Genetics

Some people are genetically predisposed to having oily skin, which can contribute to the appearance of a shiny forehead.

How To Get Rid Of A Shiny Forehead

If you’re wondering how to get rid of an oily forehead, there are a few different strategies you can try to correct the problem and improve the health of your complexion.

Tone and Moisturize

Toner helps remove excess oil and tighten the pores, which reduces forehead shine. For best results, choose a refreshing, purifying product like Maxatone which soothes and cleanses deeply, and decreases the risk of acne breakouts and shine. 

After toning, apply a lightweight, deeply hydrating moisturizer. A product such as Infusoderm nourishes and moisturizes the skin, revitalizing, smoothing signs of age, and keeping your complexion fresh all day.

Use A Purifying Mask

Several types of face masks are effective for purifying oily skin, including those made of clay, charcoal, gel, or enzymes. They all contain natural minerals or compounds that absorb excess oil and reduce shine.

Whichever mask you choose, ensure that you follow the directions carefully for best results. Follow up with a toner to close your pores and remove any remaining impurities, and then use a rich, hydrating moisturizer to complete the process.

Build your Skincare Routine

Following a consistent skincare routine is essential for glowing, healthy skin. If you have a greasy complexion, use products that combat excess oil without stripping your skin of moisture. A basic skincare routine should include a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF sunscreen, to gently balance your complexion and keep it well-hydrated throughout the day.

Try Clinical Treatments

Several treatments can help stop an oily forehead sheen, including some of the following:

  • Topical Medication: These are medical ointments you apply on your skin such as over-the-counter and prescription creams, gels, and lotions that help reduce oil production, unclog pores, and prevent acne.

  •  Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive treatment uses fine crystals to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. It helps shrink the pores, decrease oil production, and improve the texture and tone of the skin.

  • Microneedling: The microneedling process involves pricking your skin with tiny needles to stimulate a healing response, boosting collagen levels. The added collagen tightens and smooths the skin and improves tone. This method also slows oil production.

  • Chemical Peels: These are topical treatments that use a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and enhance its appearance. They can help reduce the size of the pores, limit oil production, and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.

Bonus Points To Prevent Having A Shiny Forehead

Here are some additional but equally important tips that explain how to make your forehead less shiny.

Select Lightweight Skincare Products

Avoid using heavy creams or oils on your forehead, as they can make your skin look shiny. This is particularly important if you already have an oily complexion. 

Never Over Wash Your Face

If you suffer from sebum overproduction leading to oily skin, you may be tempted to wash your face as often as possible during the day. However, this immediately triggers the sebaceous glands to work overtime, leaving your complexion even greasier than before you washed it. Cleanse your face twice a day, and don't over-exfoliate your skin. 

Use Blotting Papers

These are thin sheets of paper that absorb excess oil on the skin. Simply press the paper against your forehead to remove the shine.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A diet high in processed foods and sugars can contribute to oily skin and forehead shine. Try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily regimen to keep your skin healthy and shine-free.

FAQs

Is a shiny forehead bad?

No, a shiny forehead is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a normal and harmless occurrence caused by various factors, such as sweating, oily skin, or the use of certain products. While you may not like the way it looks, it’s not a medical problem in and of itself.

In most cases you can manage a shiny forehead by following basic skin care and hygiene practices such as washing your face regularly, using oil-free moisturizers, and avoiding heavy or greasy hair products.

However, if your shiny forehead is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, inflammation, or acne, this could indicate a skin condition or underlying health issue. In this case, we recommend that you consult with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Bottom Line

We have discussed some of the most prevalent causes of excess oil production, how to reduce the shine of your forehead, and ways to prevent it from happening. 

As you’ve seen, a shiny forehead may be a common feature of oily skin, but it’s far from being an insurmountable problem. You can easily limit oil production, prevent breakouts, and make your forehead less greasy with the tips and information we have provided in this article. 

We have a wide range of treatments specifically designed to reduce excess oil and improve the appearance of an over-shiny complexion, so take a look through our collection and keep the greasy sheen away for good!

Melissa Feldman

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.

Written by Melissa Feldman

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