The Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

• Cleanse
• For acne
• All natural
• Keep it cheap
• For men
• To avoid
• Safety
• See a derm
• FAQ
• Takeaway

Oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns. It presents unique challenges, like a shiny complexion and acne breakouts. With the right skin care routine and products, you can reduce these issues.

To help take the guesswork out of how to care for an oily complexion, we turned to a couple of skin care experts. We specifically asked them to share their top tips for developing a daily skin care routine for oily skin.

The result is a simple four-step routine you can use in the morning and evening to keep your skin healthy, clear, and shine-free.

The best skin care routine for oily skin 

• Cleanse with an exfoliating cleanser morning and night.
• Use a toner that contains salicylic acid ,  glycolic acid , or lactic acid .
• Treat your skin with benzoyl peroxide or retinol.
• Moisturize morning and night with a lightweight moisturiser.

Step 1: Cleanse in the am and pm

The most important step of any skin care routine is cleansing your skin.

“If your skin tends to be oily, you can likely tolerate more cleansing,” said Sandra Lee, founder of SLMD Skincare, known as Dr. Pimple Popper.

“Though most people should be washing their face morning and night, it’s especially important for those with oily skin to give their face a complete cleanse in the morning,” Lee said.

Even though you might feel like your skin is still clean from the night before, Lee notes that during the night, your skin is busy shedding skin cells and producing oils.

That’s why washing with a good exfoliating cleanser, both in the morning and evening, is recommended. Lee likes to use a cleanser or wash with salicylic acid.

Step 2: Use a toner

Once your skin is clean and free from any makeup, dirt, and oil, follow with an exfoliating toner that contains either:

• salicylic acid
• glycolic acid
• lactic acid

Step 3: Treat your skin

This step will depend on your specific skin concerns.

If you’re prone to acne, use benzoyl peroxide or sulfur in the daytime to help curb oil production and prevent breakouts. In the evening, a retinol product can help keep pores clear and skin glowing.

People with oily skin may be lucky in the long run. “If you have more oils in your skin, you’re likely to ward off wrinkles and fine lines for a bit longer than someone with dry skin,” Lee said.

Step 4: Moisturize in the a.m. and p.m.

Moisturizing is a very important step if you have oily skin.

Some people think that if you have oily skin, you don’t need to or shouldn’t moisturize, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

All skin types need moisturizer, but if you have oily skin, you should be more careful about what kind you use.

Look for a moisturizer that’s:

• lightweight
• oil-free
• noncomedogenic
• water-based

Any moisturizer that’s formulated for acne-prone skin should meet these criteria.

For acne

Acne and oily skin often go together. One of the biggest challenges for oily skin types when it comes to cleansing is removing dirt, sebum, and bacteria without stripping the skin of moisture.

Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and prevent future breakouts. It also reduces pimples by decreasing swelling and inflammation, and sloughing off dead skin cells.

Benzoyl peroxide can also help, but it can be drying and irritating, so if you do choose a cleanser with this ingredient, it’s a good idea to start slowly and check for signs of irritation.

If you’ve tried topical solutions like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid and they don’t seem to help, ask a dermatologist about a medication called isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane).

Some women also find that their oiliness and acne improve when taking the contraceptive pill.

»MORE: How to get rid of pimples FAST

Natural ingredients for oily skin

When it comes to skin care, the term “natural” can mean different things to different people.

Many oily skin products are labeled “natural,” but it’s important to remember that this term isn’t regulated across the industry.

If home remedies are what you’re after, honey may be a good choice for oily skin due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Oatmeal is another store cupboard ingredient that could prove beneficial, as it calms inflamed skin and absorbs excess oil.

Meanwhile, jojoba adds moisture and is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

Keep it cheap 

Good news! You don’t have to spend a fortune when it comes to treating oily skin.

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) options that are affordable. If you’re on a budget, look for drugstore products that include effective active ingredients.

And don’t forget to check the reviews before purchasing.

For men

Surprise! Treatment for oily skin in men is the same, with one exception: Unless you have a uterus, you can’t take oral contraceptives to target acne.

Things to avoid

Experts recommend avoiding the habits below.

Forgetting to blot away excess oil

If your skin seems to shine all day long, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using blotting papers to control excess oil.

To do this, gently press the paper against your skin for a few seconds. This should help absorb most of the oil. Repeat throughout the day as needed.

Skipping skin cleansing after you exercise

In addition to your morning and evening routine, the AAD recommends washing your face after you exercise. This is especially important if you don’t plan on showering soon.

Washing your face will help remove sweat, oil, and dirt that may build up while you’re exercising. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate process — simply wash your face with your regular cleanser and apply a light layer of moisturizer.

The sooner you can do this after exercise, the better.

Choosing the wrong products

When it comes to purchasing skin care products, choose wisely.

Try to avoid products that contain alcohol, which can cause increased oil secretion, and anything thick or greasy, like cocoa butter, shea butter, and Vaseline.

Skipping sunscreen

Protecting your skin from sun damage is an important part of your routine, whatever your skin type.

When outdoors (or even when in a car or sitting near a window), be sure to wear sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. To make things easier, try to wear a daily moisturiser with sunscreen in it so you’ll always be protected.

Using sunscreen that contains either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can help prevent acne breakouts.

Safety

Some treatments for oily skin, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can irritate. It’s important to use them as instructed.

Oral treatments like isotretinoin should only be taken on the advice of a dermatologist.

When to contact a dermatologist

Oily skin and acne breakouts can really get you down. If you’ve tried OTC products to little avail, it may be time to see a dermatologist. Excessive oiliness to one person may be perfectly acceptable to another person.

Bottom line, if oily skin is bothering you, it’s OK to seek the help of a professional.

Frequently asked questions about oily skin

Can oily skin types only use oil-free products?

It might seem counterintuitive, but using products with lightweight oils can actually be beneficial to oily skin and help reduce sebum production.

The oil cleansing method can help lift sebum from the pores and help reduce breakouts.

Are grainy face scrubs OK to use on oily skin, or will they cause breakouts?

It’s a good idea to steer clear of grainy face scrubs, as they can irritate. Products that contain exfoliating agents such as AHAs and BHAs may be a good alternative.

How can oily skin types manage enlarged pores?

You may have seen many products that claim to shrink your pores or minimise their appearance. However, the only way to reduce the size of your pores is to reduce the amount of oil produced. The only medication that does that is oral isotretinoin.

Does washing your face more help or hinder oily skin?

Overwashing, especially with harsh cleansers, can lead to dryness and irritation, which may cause your skin to produce more oil. Stick to cleansing in the morning and at night, and after working out.

Can makeup block the pores and make oily skin worse?

You may have heard that makeup makes oily, acne-prone skin worse. In some cases, maybe. But if you’re using noncomedogenic makeup and applying it with clean makeup brushes and clean hands, then this should not be an issue.

Takeaway

If you have oily skin, following a daily skin care regimen is the best way to reduce breakouts and control shininess. Cleansing, toning, treating your skin, and moisturising both morning and night are key steps in a daily skin care routine.

Choosing the right products, wearing sunscreen, using blotting papers, and washing your face after exercising can also reduce oiliness and help keep your skin clear and healthy.

Working with a dermatologist is the best way to address skin concerns if OTC products don’t seem to be working for you.