Oily skin care routine

Why is your skin oily?

Oily skin happens when sebaceous glands, the skin's oil glands, produce large amounts of oil. Genes and hormones play a major part. Diet probably has little effect on whether your skin is oily, so changing your food is not the main route to controlling shine. Excess oil can contribute to acne, but a routine should balance oil control with keeping skin hydrated.24

Your morning routine

1. 1Cleanse gently. Choose a mild foaming face wash. Wet your face with lukewarm water, massage the cleanser with your hands, rinse and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing with a towel or washcloth.
2. 2Apply moisturizer. Moisturizer helps hold water in your skin even when the surface feels oily. Choose a product labeled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.
3. 3Finish with sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance. Apply it after skincare and before makeup, 15 minutes before going outdoors. Cover your face, neck, ears and other exposed skin.

For oily skin, look for sunscreen labeled noncomedogenic or "won't clog pores." Reapply sunscreen during outdoor exposure, and use shade and protective clothing as well. A separate facial sunscreen is a straightforward choice rather than relying on foundation or concealer with SPF. If you prefer a combined moisturizer and sunscreen, choose one with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher. A tinted sunscreen can help avoid a white cast on darker skin tones.235

Your evening routine

1. 1Remove makeup if you wear it. A cleanser does not always remove all makeup. Use a makeup remover first when needed, and choose fragrance free wipes if wipes are your preferred option.
2. 2Wash with your gentle cleanser. Use the same gentle technique as in the morning. Start with one cleanse rather than making double cleansing a routine requirement.
3. 3Apply an optional treatment for a specific concern. Acne spot treatments belong after cleansing and before moisturizer. Follow the product's directions rather than adding several treatments at once.
4. 4Apply moisturizer. Use it as the final step in the basic evening routine. Sunscreen is not needed at night.

Avoid oil based or alcohol based cleansers if they irritate your skin. Double cleansing is optional, not a requirement for oily skin; a gentle cleanse is the starting point. Avoid regular bar soap and facial scrubs with particles, which can strip moisture or irritate skin. A harsh face wash can also trigger increased oil production.1257

Do you still need moisturizer?

Yes, moisturizer belongs in a practical oily skin routine, especially if treatments leave your skin dry. Moisturizers limit water escaping from the skin and support its outer protective barrier. Apply moisturizer after washing while skin is still damp. Choose a formula with few ingredients or one labeled for sensitive skin if irritation is a concern. Adjust the texture when needed: skin that becomes drier in winter can need a thicker moisturizer. Ceramides or hyaluronic acid are options when your routine needs more hydration.57

Which extra products are worth considering?

Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but they can also be too harsh. For acne prone skin, a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is an option. Choose an active cleanser or a separate exfoliant rather than automatically using both. Exfoliating means removing dead surface skin cells; overdoing it can damage the skin barrier and leave skin raw and irritated. Reduce use or stop if an acid product irritates your skin.1235

A retinoid, a vitamin A based skincare ingredient, is another option when oiliness comes with acne, uneven texture or dark spots. Retinoids can reduce oil gland production and improve acne. They are an optional treatment, not a replacement for the basic routine. Prescription retinoids and products bought without a prescription are different choices; use prescribed treatment as directed rather than building a second treatment routine around it.13

General retinoid guidance is to use a pea sized amount over the face before bed, beginning every three days and increasing only as your skin tolerates it. After washing, wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying. If dryness is a problem, apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer immediately after washing, then the retinoid 20 to 30 minutes later. Watch for redness, significant peeling or irritation. Product strengths and directions differ, so follow your label or prescription.37

A toner can be left out, even if the bottle considers itself essential staff. Alcohol based toners can strip natural oils and cause dryness or irritation. An antioxidant serum is optional too. If you choose vitamin C for dark spots or sun related damage, apply it after morning cleansing and before sunscreen. Vitamin C supports sun protection; it does not replace sunscreen. Avoid mixing it with chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids.15

What can you do about shine during the day?

Press blotting paper gently against shiny areas for a few seconds to absorb oil. Do not rub it across your face, which spreads oil around. Choose water based, oil free makeup; a matte finish can reduce visible shine. Avoid touching your face throughout the day, and clean your hands before applying skincare or makeup.2

How long should you try the routine?

Give a product at least 30 days of consistent use to judge whether it is helping, unless it causes irritation. That is a general evaluation period, not a deadline for clearing acne or stopping oil production. Introduce new products one at a time. Constantly replacing products makes progress harder to assess, even if the shopping part is going beautifully. A higher price does not mean a product will work better.35

When should you stop or get help?

For sensitive skin, try a pea sized dot of a new product behind your ear along the jawline and wait a day or two before using it across your face. Stop a product that causes irritation. Arrange a dermatologist appointment for a rash or ongoing irritation, troublesome blackheads or acne, or oiliness that remains a concern. A clinician can recommend or prescribe creams that absorb oil or limit its production.145