How to take care of oily skin

Why is your skin oily?

Oily skin happens when oil glands produce large amounts of sebum, the skin's natural oil. Genes and hormones play a key role. Diet probably has little, if anything, to do with whether your skin is oily. The medical name for excessive oiliness is seborrhoea, which most commonly affects the face and scalp. Cleansing removes excess oil from the surface; a clinician can recommend creams that absorb oil or limit its production if daily care is not enough.13

What should your daily routine look like?

In the morning:

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, even if your face looks clean.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after washing to replace moisture removed during cleansing.
3. 3Apply a separate facial sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Do not rely only on the SPF in foundation or concealer.

In the evening:

1. 1Remove makeup first if you wear it. Micellar water or a cleansing balm are options; choose fragrance free wipes if you use wipes.
2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser. An oil based cleanser followed by a water based cleanser is an option for oily skin, rather than a requirement.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after cleansing.

Toner is optional, despite having a name that sounds like a compulsory office supply. It can help remove leftover makeup or dirt, but alcohol based toners can strip natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. Introduce new products one at a time so you can identify which addition causes trouble.2

How should you wash oily skin?

Start with a mild, fragrance free liquid cleanser. Liquid soap is generally gentler than bar soap, and the word "gentle" on a label is not a regulated standard. Water alone is less effective at removing oily particles because oil and water do not mix. A cleanser helps lift those particles away. If you also have acne, a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help, but acid cleansers can irritate sensitive skin.4

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can damage the skin's protective barrier and cause dryness.
2. 2Gently massage cleanser over your face, jaw and neck with your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing brushes, loofahs and harsh washcloths.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly until the cleanser and any bubbles are gone.
4. 4Pat dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing, especially if a medicated cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight.

Twice daily is the usual cleansing schedule for oily skin. Frequent washing can cause irritation and increased oil production, so repeated washing is not a useful response to every return of shine. Cleansing should remove excess oil and dirt without turning the wash into a scrubbing session.13

Does oily skin still need moisturizer?

Yes. Cleansing removes some natural oils and moisturizing substances along with dirt, so apply moisturizer after washing. Moisturizers help trap water in the skin and improve hydration. Oiliness does not make that step unnecessary, especially when a medicated cleanser leaves your face tight.45

Texture matters for comfort. Ointments are greasy and are intended for very dry or thickened skin. Creams mix oil and water and feel less greasy than ointments. Lotions contain the least oil and most water, but they are also less effective at moisturizing. Choose a texture that meets your moisture needs rather than assuming the lightest option always does the best job. Smooth moisturizer onto your skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Stop using a moisturizer if it makes your skin itchy or sore.5

Can masks help with oil and shine?

Clay masks containing kaolin or bentonite can help absorb oil. Niacinamide can help reduce shine and acne. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid are chemical exfoliators that help unclog pores and improve texture. Lightweight moisturizing ingredients such as aloe or hyaluronic acid help prevent overdrying without adding extra oil. A mask can support a routine, but it cannot replace acne treatment.6

Test a new mask on small areas first, apply it gently with your fingertips and follow its label for frequency and how long to leave it on. More frequent use or extra time can cause irritation. Avoid masks with fragrance, essential oils, rubbing alcohol or rough particles such as walnut shells. Strong exfoliating masks need particular caution on sensitive skin. Do not add an exfoliating mask that duplicates acids or other active ingredients already in your routine, especially alongside retinol. Wash a mask off immediately if it causes itching, burning or stinging, then moisturize after rinsing. See a dermatologist if your skin feels worse after using it.6

What if oily skin also has breakouts?

Oily skin can lead to acne, but acne involves more than surface oil: blocked follicles and inflammation also play a part. Blackheads and whiteheads are blocked pores; inflamed bumps and deeper nodules need a different approach from managing shine alone. Acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin. These are treatment options, not a shopping list to start all at once. Severe acne needs a dermatologist, and persistent acne can need prescription treatment rather than more cleansing.7

When should you get medical help?

Redness with greasy, scaly patches can be seborrhoeic dermatitis, a skin condition that needs more than oil removal. Most people with excessive oiliness have no other health problems, but severe oiliness can need medical treatment. A doctor can consider prescription retinoids or other medicines to manage it. For sensitive skin, test a new skincare product behind your ear or along your jawline and wait a day or two before applying it across your face. Get medical advice for unusual skin symptoms rather than adding another product to cover them up.12