What to use for oily skin

Is your whole face oily, or just the middle?

To check your skin type, wash your face, pat it dry and wait an hour. Press a tissue against your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Shine and an oily residue suggest oily skin. An oily forehead, nose and chin with normal or dry cheeks suggest combination skin. Skin that feels tight or flaky without oily residue is dry. Sensitive skin stings easily, especially during or after cleansing, so pay attention to comfort as well as shine.3

What face wash should you use for oily skin?

Choose a mild, unscented foaming cleanser labelled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores. Avoid harsh cleansers that leave your face excessively dry: irritation can trigger more oil production. A label saying "for oily skin" is not enough to choose a cleanser, even if the front of the bottle considers the matter settled. Judge the gentleness and formula rather than the promise to remove oil. Avoid alcohol based cleansers and rough washcloths, loofahs or mechanical scrubs.4

How to build your morning and evening routine

1. 1Cleanse in the morning and evening, and after sweating. Wet your face, apply cleanser with your hands and massage gently using warm, not hot, water.
2. 2Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Do not scrub your face or rub it with a towel.
3. 3Apply an oil free, noncomedogenic moisturizer after cleansing. Use moisturizer in the evening as well as the morning.
4. 4Finish your morning routine with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, or use a moisturizer that includes that protection. Remove all makeup before going to bed.

What moisturizer should you use for oily skin?

Look for an oil free, noncomedogenic moisturizer rather than skipping moisturizer altogether. Visible oil does not mean your skin has enough moisture, despite shine doing a convincing impression of a completed skincare routine. Moisturizer helps keep skin hydrated after washing and through the night. A daytime moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher combines hydration and sun protection in one step. For evening use, focus on moisturizing rather than choosing a rich night cream simply because the name says "night".136

Which sunscreen works for an oily skin routine?

Choose broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. For oily skin, look for an oil free formula without fragrance; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are useful options. Apply sunscreen every day, including cold or rainy days. Sun damage reduces skin firmness, which can make pores more noticeable.12

Apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply every two hours during exposure. Use enough to form adequate coverage: applying too little can leave you with less protection than the SPF suggests. SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, the rays primarily responsible for sunburn; broad spectrum protection also covers UVA. No sunscreen blocks all ultraviolet radiation, so use shade and protective clothing as well.7

Should you add salicylic acid or retinol?

If oiliness comes with blackheads or whiteheads, salicylic acid can help unclog pores. Some salicylic acid cleansers are gentle enough for daily use. If one causes dryness or irritation, try a mild cleanser in the morning and the salicylic acid cleanser before bed. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but reduce use or stop if irritation develops. Acne can need more treatment than a salicylic acid cleanser alone.12

Retinol or retinyl palmitate can help make pores less noticeable when oily skin, mild acne or reduced firmness makes them look larger. Apply before bed. If irritation is a problem, washing your face and waiting 30 minutes before application can help. Do not use retinol or retinyl palmitate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you already use a prescription or another acne treatment, be cautious about adding an acne cleanser: combining treatments can cause excessive dryness and irritation.23

What toner should you use for oily skin?

If you want a toner, choose a soothing formula rather than a harsh astringent. Avoid alcohol based products, which can irritate skin and increase oil production. Test a new toner on your inner arm before putting it on your face. Toners have moved beyond harsh astringents, although the category has spent considerable effort recovering from its own reputation.4

How do you use Cetaphil oily skin cleanser?

Cetaphil recommends cleansing morning and evening, then patting skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel. Use the gentle washing sequence above as general cleansing guidance, and follow your bottle for product specific directions. Cetaphil names DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash as an example for oily skin; that example is not a reason to treat every Cetaphil cleanser as the same product.6

What helps with shine during the day?

Gently press blotting paper against an oily area for a few seconds, then lift it away. Rubbing spreads oil rather than absorbing it where you want. If you wear makeup, choose oil free, water based products; matte formulas can reduce visible shine. Blotting papers absorb surface oil, which gives them a smaller job than the entire cosmetics aisle would prefer. Avoid touching your face throughout the day, and clean your hands before applying skincare or makeup.1

What should you avoid if your pores clog?

Oil, dead skin cells and dirt can collect in pores, and very oily skin is more prone to clogged pores. Choose noncomedogenic skincare and makeup, and avoid applying coconut, olive or jojoba oil to a face prone to clogged pores. Do not pick or pop pimples. More oil can increase the risk of clogging, but enlarged pores and clogged pores are not the same thing.5

How long should you try the routine?

Blotting papers help with oil already on the surface; changes to your routine take longer. If you see no improvement after a month or two, consider seeing a dermatologist to review your products and treatment options. Oily skin alone is a cosmetic concern, not a health problem. Seek medical advice sooner for acne that is painful, inflamed, infected or filled with pus, or for an unusual skin growth or lesion.45