How to reduce oily skin

What skincare routine is good for oily skin?

Build the routine around gentle cleansing, moisture and sun protection, not drying your skin out. Oily skin still needs moisturizer, and oil free, noncomedogenic products are practical choices for cleansers, moisturizers and makeup.1

1. 1In the morning, wash gently with a mild foaming cleanser and warm, not hot, water. Wash after sweating too, and do not scrub.
2. 2After cleansing, apply an oil free, water based moisturizer. For daytime, a moisturizer with broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher can cover both steps.
3. 3When you are outdoors, wear sunscreen. Choose one without fragrance or oils; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are options for skin prone to breakouts. Shade and a wide brimmed hat add protection.
4. 4At night, remove all makeup before bed, then cleanse gently and moisturize.
5. 5If you exercise or sweat, wash your face afterward rather than trying to scrub the oil away later.

Noncomedogenic means intended not to clog pores. For makeup, choose oil free, water based products; matte products can reduce visible shine. A matte makeup label describes the finish; it does not dismiss moisturizer from its shift.13

Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but they can also be too harsh for some skin. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it or use it less often. Avoid oil based and alcohol based cleansers, which can irritate skin, and skip rough scrubs and washcloths.1

How to control oily skin throughout the day

For shine that appears between washes, gently press blotting paper against the oily area and leave it for a few seconds. Do not rub it around, because that spreads oil across the face. Press blotting paper against oily areas to absorb oil; the sheet has one job and it is already in the name. Mattifying primers, moisturizers, sunscreens and powders may help reduce shine in the moment. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, which can spread dirt, oil and bacteria. Keep your hands clean before cleansing, moisturizing, applying sunscreen or putting on makeup.12

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin happens when the skin's oil glands produce a lot of sebum, the natural oil on the skin's surface. Sebum helps reduce water loss and protect skin, so the aim is to manage excess shine rather than strip away all oil. Sebum is a clinical name for the oil your face has been making without a press release. Genes and hormones play a major role. Hormones called androgens stimulate oil glands, and oil production can change with puberty, other hormone shifts and some medicines. Oil production also changes with age and often declines over time, particularly after menopause. Warm weather and humidity can increase oiliness. Stress can also signal the oil glands to produce more sebum. These factors can change how oily skin feels without making a cleanser a permanent fix. Diet is a less reliable lever. Dietary factors probably have little effect on oily skin, though eating a lower GI diet may help. Greasy food itself is not well supported as a cause of oily skin.245

Can oily skin become less oily?

Yes. Oil production changes with age and hormones, and it can shift with the weather. Genes also play a role, so skin care can help manage shine without changing every factor behind oil production. A routine will not change oily skin overnight. Give a new routine a month or two; if you see no positive change, consider getting advice from a dermatologist. A health care provider may also recommend or prescribe creams that absorb oil or limit its production. Some medicines change oil production, so ask a clinician if you think a medicine is involved.245

What if oily skin comes with clogged pores?

Excess oil can combine with dead skin cells and clog follicles, which can lead to acne. If you also have blackheads or whiteheads, acne care can take longer than reducing surface shine: with persistent skin care and treatment, a change in comedonal acne may take eight to 12 weeks to appear, and clearing can take many months. Do not pick or squeeze spots, since that can damage pores and cause scars or infection.6

When should I get medical help?

Oily skin by itself is natural. Talk with a health care provider if it is upsetting you or if home care is not helping. See a GP if acne is not improving, or if you have many spots, deep or painful spots, or spots that are causing scars. A GP can offer treatment or refer you to a skin specialist.23