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

Managing oily skin isn’t about removing all oil—it’s about helping balance the skin so it looks fresh, healthy, and less shiny throughout the day. Here is a complete, dermatologist-recommended skincare approach 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 help remove excess oil and help improve the appearance of clogged pores without over-drying the skin.

2. Alcohol-Free Toner (Optional but helpful)

Look for:

• Witch Hazel (alcohol-free)

• Green Tea

• Niacinamide

This step helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and supports a more balanced-looking complexion.

3. Lightweight Serum

The best morning serums for oily skin include:

• Niacinamide – helps reduce the appearance of excess shine and enlarged pores

• Vitamin C – helps improve the appearance of radiance and provides antioxidant support against environmental stress

• 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 helps protect the skin from UV-related environmental stress, which can contribute to visible signs of irritation and uneven skin appearance.

Night Routine

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

• Step 1: Oil cleanser or micellar water

• Step 2: Your morning foaming cleanser

This helps remove sunscreen, makeup, impurities, and excess surface oil.

2. Treatment Step

Pick ONE active per night to help minimise the risk of irritation.

On Acne Nights:

• Salicylic Acid

• Benzoyl Peroxide

On Texture/Clogged Pores Nights:

• Retinol or retinoid products (where suitable)

  On Hydration/Barrier Nights:

• Niacinamide

• Centella Asiatica (CICA)

• Ceramides

Alternate active nights to help maintain a balanced-looking complexion.

3. Lightweight Night Moisturizer

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

• Ceramide moisturizer

• Peptide cream

This helps reduce the feeling of irritation and supports a smooth, balanced-looking complexion.

Weekly Add-Ons

1. Clay Mask (1–2× per week)

Kaolin or bentonite clay helps absorb excess surface oil and improve the appearance of pores.

2. Gentle Exfoliation (1× per week)

Pro Tips for Oily Skin

Avoid harsh scrubs, as they may contribute to irritation and discomfort.

Skipping moisturizer may leave some oily skin types feeling dehydrated, which can affect skin comfort.

Use blotting papers instead of adding more powder.

Stick to non-comedogenic products.

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES FOR OILY SKIN, SEBUM CONTROL & SKINCARE

Dermatology Textbooks

Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018.Provides comprehensive information on oily skin, sebaceous gland function, acne pathophysiology, skin barrier function, and evidence-based skincare.

Draelos ZD. Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2015.Reviews evidence-based skincare ingredients including salicylic acid, niacinamide, cleansers, moisturisers, and non-comedogenic formulations for oily and acne-prone skin.

Peer-Reviewed Studies

Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016;74(5):945–973.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037.Provides evidence-based recommendations for acne management, including topical skincare and cleansing practices.

Dreno B, Pecastaings S, Corvec S, Veraldi S, Khammari A, Roques C. Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: A brief look at the latest updates. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2018;32(Suppl 2):5–14. doi:10.1111/jdv.15043.Reviews oily skin, acne development, sebum production, and the role of the skin microbiome.

Draelos ZD. The effect of a daily facial cleanser for normal to oily skin on the skin barrier of subjects with acne. Cutis. 2006;78(1 Suppl):34–40.Discusses gentle cleansing and maintenance of skin barrier function in oily and acne-prone skin.

Gehring W. Nicotinamide in dermatology. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2004;3(2):88–93.Reviews the cosmetic benefits of niacinamide for improving the appearance of excess oil, enlarged pores, and skin barrier support.

Kircik LH. The role of skin care in optimizing treatment of acne and rosacea. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2011;10(6):586–590.Highlights the importance of gentle cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreen, and non-comedogenic skincare in oily and blemish-prone skin.