Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Tops Taiwan Dermatology Consultations, Surpassing Anti-Aging and Whitening

Acne and oily skin have become the most pressing dermatological concerns for Taiwanese patients, with consultation rates reaching 98% in 2026. This figure surpasses previously dominant issues such as sensitive skin, pigmentation, and anti-aging, establishing oily and acne-prone skin as the primary reason for clinic visits. The trend reflects a growing market for specialized skincare products aimed at controlling oil and combating acne.

According to a Barometer 2026 Taiwan survey, acne/oily skin has held the top spot for two consecutive years. Following closely are atopic dermatitis/eczema and damaged or injured skin. Other significant concerns include dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, scalp and facial seborrheic dermatitis, skin infections, rosacea, pigmentation, pre- and post-medical aesthetic care, sensitive skin, severe dryness, hair loss, and anti-aging.

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Acne/oily skin is the most common consultation indication in dermatology clinics, reaching 98%, an increase from 94% in 2025, and has consecutively ranked first in consultation volume for dermatology clinics, surpassing issues like sensitive skin, pigmentation, and anti-aging, reflecting the continuous heating up of the oily and acne-prone skin care market.

Dr. Zhuo Hui-en, a dermatologist, notes that many patients seeking treatment for oily and acne-prone skin are adults aged 20 to 40. He attributes this to incorrect skincare habits and lifestyle choices. Excessive oil production signals an imbalance in sebum regulation, a primary cause of acne and blackheads. However, modern approaches focus not just on suppressing oil but also on reducing excess sebum while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

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Excessive oil secretion is often a warning sign of imbalanced sebum regulation and is the main cause of oiliness and acne formation.

Misconceptions about "internally oily, externally dry" skin can lead to over-application of products, frequent use of acidic treatments, or excessive exfoliation. These practices can damage the skin barrier, reduce tolerance, and worsen sebum imbalance, creating a vicious cycle. Furthermore, diets high in sugar and oil, refined carbohydrates, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, and high temperatures can all stimulate excessive sebum production, leading to recurrent acne.

To effectively manage oily and acne-prone skin, Dr. Zhuo advises professional dermatological treatment combined with correct sebum management concepts. Avoiding over-cleansing or over-treating the skin, maintaining a regular schedule, and adopting a balanced diet are crucial for fundamentally improving skin health and reducing the recurrence of acne. In response to this growing demand, L'Oréal Group's La Roche-Posay has launched new products focusing on "sebum management," utilizing "supermolecular penetration technology" to combine salicylic acid and niacinamide for enhanced efficacy in treating oily and acne-prone skin.

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The goal is not just to simply inhibit oil secretion, but to achieve both 'reducing excessive oil secretion' and 'maintaining the health of the skin barrier'.