Background Sebum secretion is affected by many internal and external factors. Objective To identify risk factors in terms of family history, body mass index, selected dietary factors, personal habits, and menstrual history that may be associated with oily skin in young women. Participants and Methods We conducted a case-control study of young women aged 18-35 who came to Beijing Tongren Hospital for attending a health checkup. Cases were subjects with subjective skin type as oily skin. Control subjects were people with normal or dry skin. A standardized questionnaire on subjective skin type, family history of oily skin in first-degree relatives, menstrual history, personal habits, and selected dietary factors was administered to 540 subjects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for risk factors associated with oily skin. Results A family history in first-degree relatives and a body mass index of more than 24 kg/m(2) were risk factors that increases likelihood of oily skin in young women (odds ratio 3.281, 95% confidence interval 2.204-4.882; odds ratio 1.677, 95% confidence interval 1.081-2.600, respectively). For those who consumed more than three servings of milk or sweets per week, the risk increased with the diet (odds ratio 1.634, 95% confidence interval 1.126-2.370; odds ratio 1.970, 95% confidence interval 1.034-3.754, respectively). There was no correlation between smoking, drinking alcohol, or menstrual variables and the risk of oily skin. Conclusions Family history, overweight and obesity, and a diet rich in milk or sweets are risk factors that increase likelihood of oily skin in young women. These findings may provide an opportunity to better guide skin care for patients.