Who doesn’t love some extra shine on their lids, lips and cheekbones? But some extra shininess all over your face can double up as a problem. There are a number of culprits that lead to oily skin–think pollution, genetics, diet, stress, weather change, using products not suited to your skin type and more. Oily skin is caused by the over secretions of the sebaceous glands on the face. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to control the slickness of your skin and the best place to start is your skincare routine.
Causes of oily skin
Genetics: If your parents have sebaceous glands that get in a frenzy, leading to oily skin, you’re more likely to have them too. (support with study or research)
Environment: Where you live matters. If you live in a place where the weather is hot and humid, your skin may be oilier.
Incorrect skincare routine: If you skip moisturiser or over exfoliate skin, you will end up with more problems than you began with. Cue oiliness, blackheads and a compromised skin barrier.
What to keep in mind
• Look for lightweight, hydrating skincare products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• Stay away from harsh cleansers that leave skin feeling squeaky clean or tight.
• Try using oil-based cleansers as these break down the oil that may clog pores.
Morning routine for oily skin
To up your skin health, make sure you at least stick to cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, and applying SPF regularly. These steps are non-negotiable. A common myth that people often believe is that if they have oily skin, they don’t need to moisturise. This is far from the truth as by not applying moisturiser, your making your skin produce excess oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.
Cleanser: For oily skin, it is recommended you use a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Not only will this gently get rid of any excess oil from the skin but it’ll also keep acne at bay.
Exfoliator: Too much exfoliation can cause oily skin to get red and irritated. Make sure you use an exfoliator twice a week and see how your skin fares. Look for acids such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid as these are an excellent skincare ingredient for oily skin.
Moisturiser: When picking a moisturiser, make sure the formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free and contains ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
SPF: Using sunscreen every day is important for all skin types. The trick lies in picking a formula you like wearing every single day. Find a texture that works for oily skin and look for words like ‘matte’, ‘lightweight’, ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘oil-absorbing’ on the packaging.
Night routine for oily skin
When it comes to treating oily skin, it is best to keep your routine pared back. At night, make sure you clean your skin thoroughly with an oil-free cleanser. If you wear make-up in the day, you might want to consider double cleansing to ensure your skin is free from dirt and gunk. Apply a retinol serum and then seal it off with a moisturiser.
5 best products for oily skin
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser
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Re’equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++
![](/hcm/EngageImage/3A23E45C-4A33-4770-BFCB-846D71EBF2D3/D/F6518B94-FAAB-4FF2-B5EB-81633B0EDD3F.jpg)
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
![](/hcm/EngageImage/3A23E45C-4A33-4770-BFCB-846D71EBF2D3/D/02715ADC-DEB6-4777-9E97-BBC2541BCDD3.jpg)
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
![](/hcm/EngageImage/3A23E45C-4A33-4770-BFCB-846D71EBF2D3/D/A19E173B-85AC-4CEA-A8B3-97F5A294205C.jpg)
Paula's Choice-Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
![](/hcm/EngageImage/3A23E45C-4A33-4770-BFCB-846D71EBF2D3/D/012D59C7-2D2B-45BD-8FB2-0D5FFBC8CC4C.jpg)
Ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine
Alcohol
Certain alcohol-based products like harsh toners can temporarily zap the excess oil from skin but over time, these will disrupt your skin barrier and cause inflammation.
Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly)
Using greasy formulas on oily skin is something you just should NOT do. These will clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Make sure all the products you use are lightweight in texture.
Harsh scrubs
When you have oily skin, gently exfoliating it is key. Make sure you don’t over-exfoliate as that can lead to irritation.
How to reduce oiliness
• Wash your face every morning and night, without fail. If you sweat during the day, rinse your face with water.
• Avoid scrubbing your face. This irritates the skin and makes it oilier.
• Choose products that are lightweight and won’t clog pores. This goes for skincare as well as make-up.
• Apply moisturiser and SPF every day. This will protect your skin from the sun’s rays and keep it healthy.
• Remove your make-up before your head hits your pillow. Leftover sweat and make-up on the surface of the skin is a breeding ground for bacteria which eventually leads to breakouts.
Conclusion
Everyone has different skin and there is no one formula that works for every person. If your skin is very oily and that worries you or if you’re dealing with any skin concern, it is best to consult a dermatologist. Nipping the skin concern in the bud is always the approach one should take when it comes to skincare!
FAQs
What can I do if my skin gets oily in the day?
Don’t overwash it. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. If you find your skin getting oily mid-day, you can always rinse it with water and pat dry.
Which ingredients suit oily skin?
In your cleanser, look for oil-balancing and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and clay.
In moisturisers, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine.
In serums and toners, you can look for ingredients like tea tree oil, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinols and AHAs.