Skincare Routine for Oily Skin – An In-depth Easy to Follow Guide

Every person is different, has a unique set of DNA, an individual personality and of course special skin type that requires a specialized regimen, our skincare routine for oily skin guide will show you the specific steps to achieve beautiful radiant skin.

The type of skin you have can largely be organized into five different categories such as; normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive, with Oily skin being particularly difficult to deal with.

Our Oily Skincare Guide is based on Dermatologists recommendations. Dr. Joshua Fox, founder and director of New York & New Jersey based Advanced Dermatology P.C., and the American Academy of Dermatology whom both advise taking specific steps to combat the occurrence of Oily Skin. 

Oily skin can be caused by genetics, diet, the climate and multiple other factors and impacts the production of sebum. Therefore, the ideal skin texture has enough natural oil production to give the skin a ‘glow’. However, too much sebum clogs pores and causes oily skin, acne, blackheads or enlarged pores. So, without further ado here’s our skincare routine for oily skin filled with tips that will give you the clear skin you desire without eliminating your natural glow!

You can Also check out:

• The Best Soaps for Oily Skin

The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Oily Skin  – The Essential Steps

1.0 – CLEANSE – Twice a day keeps the Dermatologist away

Oily skin is prone to breakouts due to the increased sebum production, therefore it’s best to use a cleanser that clears the pores and fights blemishes before they begin.

When it comes to cleaners they are specialized formulas for each skin type and level of sensitivity, so don’t go using just any product, ensure it’s meant for your skin! If you don’t have sensitive skin, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

For those with sensitive skin, try cleansers without harsh chemicals. A good option would be Cetaphil Dermacontrol Foam Wash. This cleanser fights the excess oil on your skin while simultaneously soothing your skin due to it’s magical ingredient it contains licorice root extract.

A cleansing method that has become increasingly popular for oily skin is actually oil-based cleansers. While, in this skincare routine for oily skin, it may sound counterproductive to put oil on oil, its actually one of the most effective ways to cut through the buildup of sebum, bacteria and other pollutants without stripping your skin completely of its natural oils.

Cleanse twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Even though your skin may feel oily, don’t overwash it because it can actually make sebum production increase to overcompensate.

Product Review of  – Cetaphil Dermacontrol Foam Wash

Cetaphil is known to be one of the most gentle, effective skincare brand in the market. Therefore, this cleanser is great if you have irritated, oily skin. It is a foam wash which is perfect if you are using the double cleansing method as mentioned in the article.

It controls oil without being over-drying for the skin, which is important to balance the pH rather than stimulating increased sebum production to overcompensate.

• Specifically for oily, acne prone skin
• Contains zinc to help skin look and feel less greasy and shiny
• Gentle and non-irritating, an important aspect in a Skincare Guide for Oily Skin
• Paraben free, non-acnegenic (won’t aggravate breakouts) and non-comedogenic (won’t block pores)

2.0 – EXFOLIATE – Liberate your pores from all impurities

The next part of your skincare routine for oily skin is exfoliating.

Exfoliating is a key component of your skincare routine because it offers a deeper clean that cleansing alone.

The skin problems associated with oily skin (acne, clogged pores, etc.) can cause a poor skin texture and create a dull sheen over the skin surface.

Exfoliating breaks up the impurities leading to overall smoother skin texture and unclogs congested pores.

However, it is crucial that you do not over-exfoliate and strip the skin’s barrier. This is due to the fact that it can actually cause your skin to dry out and produce more oil. 

Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times weekly, rubbing a small amount into your skin in circular motions, however you need to be sure to moisturize after exfoliating to restore some hydration in your skin. Exfoliating can be truly damaging to your skin if not done correctly!

Try La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub, because it is particularly great if you are suffering from sensitive skin.

The best scrub for oily skin provides just the right amount of grit to exfoliate without feeling scratchy and leaving your skin dry. Therefore, it is viable remedy. 

Product Review of  – La Roche Posay Ultra Fine Scrub for your Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

This product guarantees soft, smoother skin. Using a gentle exfoliator will aid in unclogging pores and breaking down bacteria build up on the skin’s surface without damaging the skin’s barrier then causing over-drying. Using this exfoliator will rid your skin of its rough, uneven texture and reveal a clear, even complexion. 

The product contains diatomic and polyethylene powders to buff away the dead skin and a chemical exfoliant boosts cell turnover for increased radiance. The product also provides antioxidant protection and is designed for sensitive skin.

• Gentle exfoliation from ultra fine pumice particles – doesn’t damage the skin barrier
• Water based – doesn’t add excess oil
• Great for sensitive skin
• Soap free, alcohol free and paragon free
• Created and approved by dermatologists

3.0 – TONE – Restoring the pH balance and control oil production

Toner is definitely a game changer and a great step especially in an oily skincare routine. It helps to maintain the skin’s natural oil balance.

It helps to restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing, which is particularly important for those who tackle oily skin and is a key step in your skin routine.

 We recommend the Pixi Glow Tonic with Aloe Vera and Ginseng!

 Toner removes all the dirt and impurities left behind on your skin after cleansing, or even residue of your cleanser.

By ensuring that there is nothing left on your skin, there is nothing left to clog the pores leading to acne breakouts and increased sebum production.

 Some toners also include astringents, which are also water-based substances that contain alcohol, used to control excess oil and minimize pores.

However, toners that contain astringents completely strip the skin of oil and can lead to increased sebum production to overcompensate, making the matter worse.

 Toners also help your skin absorb more active ingredients from the products you apply to your skin afterwards, which leads us onto step 4 of your oily skin routine.

Product Review of  – Pixi Glow Tonic with Aloe Vera and Ginseng

This oxygenating tonic helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving skin healthy and radiant. The combination of the products (5% glycolic acid, aloe vera and ginseng) mildly exfoliates the skin at the same time as soothing any irritation involved and reveals soft, glowing skin. 

• Mild exfoliant due to the 5% glycolic acid
• Helps to firm and tighten skin
• Removes dead skin cells
• Aloe vera and ginseng soothe skin
• Makes skin glow
• Reduces oil and shine throughout the day by improving skin complexion
• Alcohol free

4.0 – ANTIOXIDANT SERUM – Giving your skin the nutrients it needs

Serums are a vital step in your skincare routine that shouldn’t be ignored! Therefore, they are concentrated treatments aimed at unclogging and minimizing pores and balancing natural oils to keep the skin clear.

Try the Alpha Skincare Intensive Renewal Serum, that is why it is great for oily skin thanks to its water-like consistency, which absorbs right away and doesn’t feel the least bit sticky or greasy.

It contains 14% glycolic alpha hydroxy acid which is an exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells and sebum, combined with aloe vera that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Product Review of  – Alpha Skincare Intensive Renewal Serum

This product guarantees youthful looking, softer skin. The anti-aging serum is formulated with the optimal balance of 14% glycolic alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and breaks down the oily surface of the skin to leave smoother, less greasy skin, the ultimate goal in a skincare routine for oily skin. 

The product has a pH level of 3.7 which is great for naturally oily skin, restoring the pH balance will help to decrease the over-production of sebum.

• 14% glycolic acid removes dead skin cells
• Natural ingredients
• Encourages collagen production reducing lines and wrinkle
• Free of parabens, fragrances and oils

5.0 – MOISTURIZER – Staying Hydrated  – Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

As aforementioned, adding moisture to your skin sounds counterproductive but it still important to keep your skin well hydrated. Choosing the right type of moisturizer is key. Opt for oil-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.

Non-comedogenic means that it doesn’t block pores, exacerbating the issues associated with this skin type. Threfore, we recommend Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Face Gel as your moisturizer.

In addition, look for ingredients that include glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and niacinamide to help even out the skin tone. Moisturize the skin every time you wash your skin, both morning and evening and use a small amount of moisturizer and see how your skin responds.

Product Review of  – Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Face Gel

The product is water based and is a gel so goes on the skin very easily and absorbs quickly. In addition, it leaves skin hydrated without feeling greasy as opposed to creams. However, the moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in the skin and is responsible for the skins moisture and fullness.

Therefore, this moisturizer will not irritate your skin and will help to re-balance sebum production.

• Water-based so does not leave unnecessary greasiness.
• Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin which is helpful in an oily skin routine to restore hydration after cleansing so the skin doesn’t overcompensate on sebum production.
• Alcohol free, dye free, oil free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic.
• Quick absorption due to gel properties.

6.0 – EYE CREAMS -Protect from dryness – Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

The skin around the eyes is more sensitive, more prone to dryness, and the first place to show signs of aging. Therefore, squinting and constant movement of the eyes also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles.

Eye creams combat these issues.

For oily skin, look for eye creams that are lightweight and contain hyaluronic acid. Richer creams are likely to clog pores and make skin look even shinier.

For example Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream is great for oily skincare.

Product Review of  – Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

The ingredients in this product are unbeatable. In fact, a very popular skin brand in Korea has made its way to the US when we discovered how amazing Korean skincare is! The watery based formula is great for oily skin and provides key ingredients to improve the all over tone, texture and balance of skin properties.

• Natural ingredients
• 70% snail mucin will brighten skin containing hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, proteoglycans and antimicrobial and copper peptides
• Encourages collagen and elastin production
• Light watery cream formula hydrates skin
• Won’t cause breakouts
• Doesn’t leave oily residue
• Anti-inflammatory

7.0 – SUNSCREEN – Spend your days protecting your skin from the rays

Sunscreen is particularly important for individuals with oily skin. Besides, it provides sun protection and offers defense against harmful UV rays that cause premature aging, wrinkles, pigmentation, skin cancer and a loss of natural skin radiance.

The more sun exposure your skin gets, the larger your pores become. This is a common concern for oily skin because it often leads to more clogged pores. Therefore, we recommend EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46 to take care of this problem like a pro.

Sunscreen is typically thicker and can leave the skin very oily and greasy, even for those without naturally oily skin! Go for a water-based product that is lightweight and nongreasy, and at least factor 30.

Product Review of  – EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46

This product is a best seller for sunscreen and skincare globally and is approved by dermatologists. The sunscreen contains 9% transparent zinc oxide to protect against the sun, thus leaving no greasy residue. Therefore, oily skin complaints are typically exacerbated when wearing sunscreen but this product contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid that help to improve skins hydration and texture to avoid over-drying and clogged pores.

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin Conclusion

All in all, now that you know the best skincare routine for oily skin, you can start implementing it into your daily life. After a couple of weeks of using the mentioned products and the specific skincare routine. You will notice a decrease in oil production in your skin, leading to better skin texture. Moreover, you will enjoy a much smoother and brighter skin with ultimately less oily skin.