Oily skin can be a bit of a challenge. From unwanted shine to frequent breakouts, it often feels like a never-ending battle. However, with the right skincare routine, you can manage oily skin effectively and even enjoy a balanced, glowing complexion.

I have oily skin. It’s not unusual to see my skin drenched in oil, as if you could collect it from there. The area around my nose is mostly affected by oil. It is sticky and shiny. I often find myself soaked in oil on a midsummer day. It breaks my makeup and causes other issues. The main difficulties I face due to my oily skin are:

Acne breakouts
Blackheads
Whiteheads
Patchy makeup
Difficulty finding suitable products
Enlarged pores

But nowadays, it’s kind of stable. All of these problems are mostly solved as I follow a routine of several steps. Performing these steps regularly has helped me a lot.

Let me guide you through the routine

Cleansing

Gel cleansers work best for my skin. They are gentle and fragrance-free. Since my skin gets oily frequently, I prefer a cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping away natural moisture. Dehydrated skin produces more oil, so you need to stay hydrated and use a mild cleanser.

Ingredients like salicylic acid work well for oily skin as a cleanser. Don’t be harsh when washing your face. I gently massage my face, covering the entire area for 2 minutes. This helps clean my face thoroughly.

At night, I double cleanse my skin. Since I wear sunscreen throughout the day, cleansing alone isn’t enough to remove all debris. First, I use an oil cleanser, and then I follow up with my face wash.

Pro Tip: Makeup removal wipes are not as effective as oil cleansing. Always cleanse your skin with something that breaks down the oils in your makeup products.

Toner

I prefer natural toners for my skin because they are chemical-free and inexpensive. Natural rose water toner is my favorite. After cleansing, I pat dry my face with a cotton towel. I take a few drops on a cotton pad and apply it to my face. Toner helps clean extra debris from your skin’s surface.

Toners are essential for oily skin as they help balance the skin’s pH levels and tighten pores. Opt for an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide, which can help control oil production and soothe your skin.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a mandatory step for my skin. Since I tend to have build-up more often, exfoliating helps remove dirt and dead skin cells.

For oily skin, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are particularly effective. These ingredients penetrate deep into the pores to clear out excess oil and prevent blackheads and breakouts.

I exfoliate my skin twice a week, as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation. I take a generous amount of exfoliant on my hand and massage it gently into my skin. After that, I rinse my face with water.

Pro Tip: Never exfoliate if you’re going out during the day. Exfoliating can make your skin vulnerable to sunlight, resulting in sun damage. Try exfoliating at night. This will prevent sun exposure right after exfoliating and save your skin from several harms. Also, exfoliating at night helps the products you’re using to absorb better.

Serum

I tend to assess my skin condition and choose a serum accordingly. For example, if I have acne, I use a serum that helps reduce acne, like tea tree oil. Find out your skin concern and select your serum based on that.

Serums are concentrated formulas designed to target specific skin concerns. For oily skin, look for serums containing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or retinol.

Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and reduces the appearance of pores, while hyaluronic acid provides lightweight hydration without adding grease. Retinol is great for controlling acne and improving skin texture.

Apply 2-3 drops of serum to your hand and gently press it all over your face. Wait a couple of minutes to let it absorb. Serums can be used both in the morning and at night.

Moisturizer

You have to understand one thing: Just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean it doesn’t need hydration. When your skin feels dehydrated, it produces more oil to protect itself. That’s why you need a moisturizer that can lock in moisture and prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated.

It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In fact, skipping this step can cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging your pores. Gel-based moisturizers are an excellent choice for oily skin types.

I use a ceramide-based moisturizer for the best moisture lock-in. I use a generous amount both day and night.

Sunscreen

I use a gel-based sunscreen with SPF 50++. Lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreens are best for oily skin types.

Sunscreen is a must for all skin types, including oily skin. However, the wrong sunscreen can feel greasy and cause breakouts. Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

You don’t need to apply sunscreen at night, but during the day, it’s essential. Use a generous amount daily and reapply it regularly.

Pro Tips:

After every two hours, you must reapply sunscreen to maintain its effectiveness throughout the day. You can use a stick sunscreen, which is very user-friendly.
You should wait at least 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before going outside. It needs time to properly set on your skin.
Double cleansing at night is a must after applying sunscreen all day. Otherwise, buildup and dirt will cause acne breakouts.

Masks

Incorporating a face mask into your routine can provide a deep cleanse and help manage excess oil. Clay masks are particularly beneficial for oily skin as they absorb excess sebum and impurities from the pores.

Use a clay mask once a week to keep your skin clear and reduce shine. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to prevent over-drying.

Additional Tips for Oily Skin

Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers handy during the day to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Avoid Over-Washing: While it’s important to cleanse your skin, over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to more oil production.
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your skin clear. Avoid excess sugar and processed foods, which can trigger oil production.

Managing oily skin doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. By following a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type, you can keep excess oil in check, prevent breakouts, and enjoy a healthy, radiant complexion. Remember, the key is consistency and choosing products that work with your skin, not against it.