Oily Skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum, leading to shine, enlarged pores, and a higher tendency for breakouts. The good news: oily skin tends to age more slowly because the natural oil keeps it hydrated and supple.
Characteristics
- •Visible shine, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), often within hours of cleansing
- •Enlarged, visible pores — particularly on the nose and cheeks
- •Prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts
- •Makeup tends to slide off or break down during the day
- •Skin feels greasy or heavy by midday
- •Fewer visible fine lines compared to dry skin types
What Causes It
Genetics is the primary driver — sebaceous gland size and activity are largely hereditary. Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycle, PCOS) increase sebum production. Paradoxically, over-cleansing and harsh products strip the skin, triggering a rebound effect where the skin produces even more oil to compensate. Humidity and heat increase oil production, which is why oily skin often worsens in summer.
Best Ingredients
Regulates sebum production at 2-5% concentration. One of the best-studied ingredients for oil control. Also shrinks the appearance of pores.
Oil-soluble BHA that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs and prevent blackheads. Use 0.5-2% concentration 2-3 times per week.
Normalizes cell turnover, reduces pore size over time, and decreases sebum production. Start low (0.25%) and build tolerance.
Lightweight hydration without adding oil. Even oily skin needs hydration — dehydrated oily skin overproduces sebum to compensate.
Mineral sunscreen that provides a matte finish and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Less likely to cause breakouts than chemical sunscreens.
Reduces sebum production, unclogs pores, and fades post-acne marks. Effective at 10-20% concentration.
Ingredients to Avoid or Limit
Heavy oils (coconut, mineral oil)
Comedogenic — they clog pores and worsen breakouts. Lighter oils (squalane, jojoba) are better tolerated.
Alcohol-heavy toners
Temporarily reduce shine but strip the barrier, causing rebound oil production. The short-term mattifying effect is not worth the long-term damage.
Rich, occlusive creams
Heavy moisturizers with petrolatum or shea butter can feel suffocating and trigger breakouts on oily skin. Use gel or gel-cream textures instead.
Recommended Routine
Morning (AM)
- 1.Gentle gel cleanser
- 2.Niacinamide serum (oil control)
- 3.Lightweight gel moisturizer
- 4.SPF 30+ mattifying or mineral sunscreen
Evening (PM)
- 1.Oil-based cleanser (dissolves SPF and sebum)
- 2.Gel cleanser (double cleanse)
- 3.Salicylic acid (2-3x/week) or Retinol (alternate nights)
- 4.Lightweight moisturizer or HA serum
Routine Tips
- ✓Use a gentle, foaming or gel cleanser — never soap, which is too alkaline and stripping
- ✓Do not skip moisturizer. Oily skin needs lightweight hydration (gel moisturizers, HA serums) to prevent compensatory oil production
- ✓Blotting papers during the day remove shine without disturbing products
- ✓Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free formulations — look for this on the label
- ✓Apply sunscreen daily — mattifying or mineral sunscreens work best for oily skin
Common Mistakes
- Over-cleansing: Washing your face 3+ times a day strips the barrier and triggers more oil. Twice daily is enough.
- Skipping moisturizer: Dehydrated oily skin overproduces oil. A lightweight moisturizer actually helps control shine.
- Using physical scrubs daily: Harsh exfoliation irritates skin and can spread acne bacteria. Use chemical exfoliants (BHA) instead.
- Piling on mattifying products: Multiple mattifying layers can cake, clog pores, and look worse by afternoon.