Skincare routine for oily skin

A simple morning and evening routine

1. 1Wash gently with a mild, foaming cleanser and warm water. Keep your total to two face washes a day, with an extra wash after sweating.
2. 2Pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer. A gel moisturizer is one option for oily skin; do not skip moisturizer just because your skin feels slick.
3. 3Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher each morning. A moisturizer that includes broad spectrum sunscreen can combine those steps.

1. 1Remove all makeup before bed, then cleanse gently. If you already washed twice, avoid adding another wash unless you have been sweating.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Choose oil free and noncomedogenic products, meaning products designed not to clog pores.

Keep cleansing gentle

A mild, gentle foaming wash is a better starting point than a strong cleanser marketed for oily skin. A face wash is not more serious because it leaves your skin irritated; irritation can make oil production worse. Avoid oil based or alcohol based cleansers, scrubbing, and rough tools such as loofahs or washcloths. Washing more than twice daily can irritate skin, while rubbing can spread oil and aggravate irritation.134

When an ingredient for oil or clogged pores makes sense

Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but they can also be too harsh. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it or use it less often. If blackheads or clogged pores are also a concern, a cleanser with salicylic acid may help; some are gentle enough for daily use. If it dries or irritates your skin, alternate it with a mild cleanser instead of forcing your face to accept the assignment.12

How to handle shine during the day

Press blotting paper gently against an oily area for a few seconds, then lift it. Blotting paper is a blot, not a tiny face mop: rubbing spreads oil to other areas. If you wear makeup, oil free, water based products are a practical choice, and a matte finish can help reduce shine. Matte makeup can reduce shine, but it still needs to come off before bed; a finish is not a bedtime pass. Try not to touch your face, and wash your hands before applying skin care or makeup.1

What to expect and when to get help

Blotting can reduce shine in the moment, but oily skin will not change overnight. Give routine changes time; if you see no positive change after a month or two, or the amount of oil bothers you, a dermatologist can help you choose products and discuss other options. Get advice if blackheads or acne are difficult to manage. If an exfoliating ingredient irritates your skin, stop or cut back rather than adding more products to counter it.14

Why oily skin is not a reason to wash harder

The oil produced by skin glands is called sebum. Oily skin can reflect active oil glands, and factors such as family traits, age, hormones and warmer or humid weather can affect oil production. Oil helps preserve the skin; oily skin also tends to be thicker and have fewer wrinkles. Acne is not a sign that you have failed to clean your face, and more washing is not a fix for oil production.1345

Why is my skin oily and dehydrated?

Oily skin and a dehydrated feeling can happen together. Skin can produce excess sebum while still needing moisture, and parched skin can produce more sebum. Keep using a light moisturizer after cleansing instead of trying to dry your skin out.14

Do not make slugging, or coating your face in petroleum jelly overnight, the default fix for oily or acne prone skin. Slugging is discouraged for oily skin, and it can make acne worse. If a moisturizer leaves your skin irritated or a rash develops, stop using it; ongoing irritation is a reason to get advice from a dermatologist.6