What are the bumps on my oily skin?

If you have oily skin and your face has a bumpy texture, that could be caused by sebaceous hyperplasia.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common, harmless condition that tends to become more frequent as we age. It arises when our sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing oil (sebum) to lubricate our skin and hair, go into overdrive. This excess sebum gets trapped beneath the surface, forming small bumps.

What does sebaceous hyperplasia look like?

Sebaceous hyperplasia presents itself as small, typically painless bumps on our skin. These bumps can be yellowish or flesh-coloured.

They commonly appear on our forehead and nose, where we have a naturally higher concentration of sebaceous glands.

While these bumps are generally harmless, they can sometimes resemble basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. To properly diagnose and rule out any concerns, we highly recommend consulting a dermatologist to conduct a skin check and determine if any treatment is needed.

What are the causes of sebaceous hyperplasia?

As previously mentioned, the bumpy texture associated with sebaceous hyperplasia is caused by an overgrowth of the very sebaceous glands that keep our skin lubricated. Factors contributing to this overgrowth are:

• Age. As we age, our androgen levels decrease. These changes can disrupt the normal turnover of cells within the sebaceous glands.
• Genetics. If sebaceous hyperplasia runs in your family, you may be more predisposed to developing it.
• Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in our hormone levels, such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also influence sebaceous gland activity and contribute to sebaceous hyperplasia.
• Sun exposure. While not the primary cause, sun exposure is thought to play a role in some cases.
• Medications. Certain medications, like those that suppress the immune system or some hormonal therapies, may increase your risk of developing sebaceous hyperplasia.
• Muir-Torre Syndrome. This rare genetic condition can cause sebaceous hyperplasia, along with other skin growths. If you have sebaceous hyperplasia and a family history of certain cancers, consult your doctor to rule out Muir-Torre syndrome.

How do I treat sebaceous hyperplasia?

If you find the bumps cosmetically bothersome, consult a dermatologist. They will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the severity and your individual needs. The potential treatment options are:

• Topical retinoids. These creams or gels, derived from vitamin A, can help regulate oil production and promote skin cell turnover, potentially reducing the size and appearance of the bumps.
• Oral tetracycline antibiotics. These antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with sebaceous hyperplasia.
• Oral isotretinoin. This medication is typically reserved for severe cases. It works by shrinking the oil glands and reducing sebum production. 
• UltraPulse CO2 laser. This type of laser treatment delivers a focused beam of energy to precisely target and vaporise the sebaceous hyperplasia bumps.
• Erbium laser. Another laser option, the erbium laser, uses a different wavelength to gently ablate the top layer of the skin to reduce the prominence of the bumps.

How do you get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia naturally?

There’s no guaranteed way to eliminate sebaceous hyperplasia naturally, but you can try the following to help manage the bumps and potentially minimise their appearance:

• Topical treatments. Look for products containing retinol or salicylic acid. Retinol helps regulate oil production and promotes skin cell turnover, while salicylic acid has gentle exfoliating properties that can unclog pores.
• Warm compresses. Applying warm compresses to the affected area for a few minutes at a time, a couple of times a day may help soften sebum blockages and make the bumps appear less prominent.
• Dietary changes. Some believe that a diet lower in refined carbohydrates and sugars may help regulate hormone levels and potentially reduce sebum production. 
• Sun protection. Sun exposure can worsen the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia. To protect your skin, make sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
• Avoid oil-based products. Oil-based skincare products and cosmetics can clog pores and potentially exacerbate bumps. Opt for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free formulations instead.

What happens if you pick sebaceous hyperplasia?

Those little bumps might be tempting to pick at, but picking or squeezing sebaceous hyperplasia can make them worse.

1. You might irritate the surrounding area, which can lead to inflammation and redness that lingers far longer than the bumps themselves. Sebaceous hyperplasia isn’t filled with pus waiting to be extracted, so picking can only inflame the delicate skin.
2. Your fingers can introduce bacteria into the open wound created by picking. This can lead to an infection, making the area even more swollen, red, and painful than before.
3. These bumps have a blood supply, and picking at them can cause bleeding.
4. The worst-case scenario is scarring. Persistent picking can damage the deeper layers of your skin which can leave permanent marks.

These are the reasons why we recommend consulting a dermatologist. They know exactly the treatment options that minimise the bumps’ appearance without harming your skin.

Sebaceous hyperplasia treatment at ENRICH

We offer personalised treatment options to address your concerns. Book a consultation with us.

During a consultation, our dermatologists will thoroughly examine your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for you.