Oily skin (Copy)
The Holistic Perspective
on Oily skin
Oily skin reflects excess sebaceous activity tied to terrain imbalances in moisture, pace/energy, and tone. It commonly overlaps with endocrine dysregulation (androgens, insulin, cortisol), digestive sluggishness, or barrier dysfunction. Affinities most often include the endocrine system (androgens, cortisol, insulin), the digestive system (liver and gut), the integumentary system (sebaceous glands and barrier), and the immune system (inflammatory acne states).
Root Causes & Triggers by Patterns
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👉 Moisture patterns describe whether tissues are too dry, too boggy, or congested with fluid.
Primary Root Causes
👉These are terrain-level imbalances that set the foundation for the symptom and why the imbalance exists. They create a body environment where this particular ailment is likely to appear and thrive.
Excess intake of greasy foods and dairy overstimulating sebaceous activity.
Secondary Root Causes
👉Secondary Root Causes show how that imbalance expresses physiologically (e.g., reduced oil and sweat production).
Overactive sebaceous glands producing thick oil.
Pore blockages from oil and keratin buildup.
Poor fat metabolism or sluggish liver detoxification increasing sebum excretion.
Gut dysbiosis leading to toxin excretion through skin.
Hepatic sluggishness causing compensatory skin excretion.
Common Triggers
👉Triggers are external or situational sparks that worsen or bring forward the symptom, but they do not create the terrain imbalance on their own.
Dairy, fried foods, processed oils.
Hot/humid weather.
Harsh cleansers causing rebound oil.
Remedies (Practitioner Use Only)
Herbs: Burdock, dandelion, milk thistle, Oregon grape, spearmint.
Foods: Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, lemon, cucumber.
Functional Agents: Gentle cleansing, liver detox support, probiotics.
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👉 Pace/Energy patterns describe whether the metabolism and cellular functions are overactive, underactive, or unstable.
Primary Root Causes
👉These are terrain-level imbalances that set the foundation for the symptom. They create a body environment where dry skin is likely to appear.
Secondary Root Causes
👉Secondary Root Causes show how that imbalance expresses physiologically (e.g., reduced oil and sweat production).
Common Triggers
👉Triggers are external or situational sparks that worsen or bring forward the symptom, but they do not create the terrain imbalance on their own.
Remedies (Practitioner Use Only)
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👉 Tone patterns describe whether tissues are too tight, too weak, or unstable in their structural integrity.
Primary Root Causes
👉These are terrain-level imbalances that set the foundation for the symptom. They create a body environment where dry skin is likely to appear.
Secondary Root Causes
👉Secondary Root Causes show how that imbalance expresses physiologically (e.g., reduced oil and sweat production).
Common Triggers
👉Triggers are external or situational sparks that worsen or bring forward the symptom, but they do not create the terrain imbalance on their own.
Remedies (Practitioner Use Only)
Types of Oily Skin
Oily skin is not just “oily skin.” It shows up in different terrain-driven expressions, each with its own character. Recognizing the subtype helps you see which root causes are most active. Oily skin isn’t a one-size category. Each subtype ties back to a different terrain pattern (moisture, pace/energy, tone, or immune activity). This also means remedies differ: what helps “hormonal oily skin” (endocrine modulation, blood sugar balance) won’t be enough for “reactive oily skin” (where barrier repair and gentle cleansing are most important).
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A constitutional tendency toward higher oil production, often lifelong. Sebaceous glands are naturally more active, creating a persistent sheen and larger pores. Not inherently pathological, but can become problematic when combined with poor diet, stress, or environmental triggers.
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Oiliness tied to fluctuations in hormones, especially androgens like testosterone and DHEA. Common in puberty, menstrual cycles, PCOS, or high-stress states. Presents as shiny skin, often in the T-zone, with a tendency toward breakouts when hormone shifts are abrupt. Driven by pace/energy imbalances in the endocrine terrain.
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When zinc, vitamin B6, or essential fatty acids are deficient, sebum quality changes, becoming thicker, waxier, and more pore-clogging. This isn’t just “too much oil,” but “oil of the wrong quality.” Skin may appear greasy yet still inflamed or congested, showing the link between tone terrain weakness and altered sebum balance.
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Sebaceous glands overcompensate when the skin barrier is stripped by harsh cleansers, frequent washing, or overly drying treatments. Oil rebounds in excess, creating cycles of shine and breakouts. This type is a tone-driven reaction, where the skin is trying to “patch” a leaky barrier with oil.
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Linked to insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation. High insulin increases androgen activity, stimulating sebaceous glands. Presents as diffuse oiliness with acne or clogged pores, especially along the jawline or chin. Often seen alongside weight gain, fatigue, or cravings, showing a pace/energy driver rooted in metabolism.
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Excess oil combines with immune overactivity, leading to inflamed, red, or acne-prone skin. This type is less about the quantity of oil and more about its interaction with immune terrain imbalances. Skin may appear shiny but also irritated, swollen, or painful.
Oily skin is a reflection of your inner terrain, not just a surface shine. While root causes create the environment for it to develop, triggers like stress, diet, or skincare habits often make it worse.
It’s important to know when professional medical care is needed: if your oily skin is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by painful cystic acne or scarring, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can rule out underlying conditions and provide immediate medical support if necessary.
For ongoing, non-emergency concerns, like persistent shine, breakouts, or oil imbalance that doesn’t respond well to products, that’s where I come in. I’ll help you uncover the terrain-level root causes and guide you toward foods, herbs, and practices that restore balance from within. If you want terrain-specific solutions tailored to your body, book a consultation with me today.
Practitioner Notes
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Client Script (Simplified)
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