Oily Skin: Control shine while keeping your skin nourished and smooth.

Managing oily skin isn’t about stripping away all the oil—it’s about balancing your skin so it stays fresh, clear, and shine-free throughout the day. Here is a complete, dermatologist-approved routine that keeps excess oil under control while protecting your skin barrier.

Morning Routine

1. Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Choose a mild gel or foam cleanser with:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)

• Niacinamide

• Tea Tree Extract

These ingredients dissolve excess sebum and clear clogged pores without over-drying your skin.

2. Alcohol-Free Toner (Optional but helpful)

Look for:

• Witch Hazel (alcohol-free)

• Green Tea

• Niacinamide

This step helps tighten pores and keep oil production balanced.

3. Lightweight Serum

The best morning serums for oily skin include:

• Niacinamide  – reduces shine and minimizes pores

• Vitamin C – brightens and protects from environmental damage

• Hyaluronic acid - helps retain the skin’s natural moisture.

You can layer these if your skin tolerates it.

4. Moisturizer

Avoid skipping moisturizer—oily skin still needs hydration.

• Gel-based

• Non-comedogenic

  Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

5. Sunscreen (Most Important!)

Choose:

• SPF 30+

• Gel or water-based formula

• Matte or anti-shine finish

Sunscreen reduces oiliness long-term by protecting your skin barrier and preventing inflammation.

Night Routine

1. Double Cleanse (Optional for heavy sunscreen/makeup)

• Step 1: Oil cleanser or micellar water

• Step 2: Your morning foaming cleanser

This removes dirt, SPF, pollution, and excess sebum.

2. Treatment Step

Pick ONE active per night to avoid irritation:

On Acne Nights:

• Salicylic Acid

• Benzoyl Peroxide

On Texture/Clogged Pores Nights:

• Retinol or Retinoid

On Hydration/Barrier Nights:

• Niacinamide

• Centella or Ceramides

Alternate active nights to keep skin balanced.

3. Lightweight Night Moisturizer

Choose something soothing and gel-based.If using strong actives like retinol, pair with:

• Ceramide moisturizer

• Peptide cream

This prevents irritation and keeps the skin smooth and balanced.

Weekly Add-Ons

1. Clay Mask (1–2× per week)

• Kaolin or bentonite clay helps draw out oil and deeply clean pores.

2. Gentle Exfoliation (1× per week)

Pro Tips for Oily Skin

• Avoid harsh scrubs—they increase oil production.

• Do not skip moisturizer (this causes more oil!).

• Use blotting papers instead of adding more powder.

• Stick to non-comedogenic products.

References:

– American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Care for Acne-Prone/Oily Skin.”

– Mayo Clinic. “Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment.”

– Cleveland Clinic. “Skin Care Ingredients and Their Benefits.”

– Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD).

– National Institutes of Health (NIH), PubMed Articles on Acne/Oily Skin.

– British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Acne & Skin Care Guides.