Oily skin can be a lot to handle, am I right? If you’ve ever felt like you need to blot your face every hour or wash your face 10 times a day, you’re not alone!
Oily, acne-prone skin has its own set of challenges, and finding the perfect routine can seem impossible.
But don’t stress—we’re here to help you build an oily skin care routine that actually works!
Whether your skin’s slick with shine or breaking out like it’s high school all over again, we’ve got tips, tricks, and hacks to keep your skin in check.
Best Skin Care Products for Oily Skin
- JUNO & Co. Clean 10 Cleansing Balm
- ELEMIS Superfood Facial Wash
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin
- PCA SKIN Daily Face Exfoliant Cleanser
- Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Pore Therapy Exfoliating BHA Toner with 2% Salicylic Acid
- TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner Light with 4% Niacinamide
- Paula’s Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Daily Face Moisturizer
- Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
- Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Mattifying Primer
Morning Routine
1. Cleanse Your Face
First things first—start your day with a clean slate (literally). Use a gentle, foaming cleanser to wash away that excess oil your skin produced overnight.
Look for a cleanser with salicylic acid, which helps break down oil without stripping your skin completely dry. That way you can skip the exfoliating step (next up).
Otherwise, go for a gentle gel cleanser for your morning routine.
2. Exfoliate (1-2 Times a Week—don’t overdo it!)
I know exfoliating sounds like the ultimate oily skin hack, but let’s not go crazy. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week is perfect for sloughing off dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
Choose a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid (if you’re not very sensitive) to keep blackheads and breakouts at bay.
3. Apply a Toner
After cleansing, it’s time to bring back some hydration.
Surprised? Yep, even oily skin needs moisture.
Cleansing can sometimes overdo it, leaving your skin dry, so a toner helps restore balance. Grab a hydrating, PH-balanced toner to help lock in that much-needed hydration while also controlling shine.
KBeauty toners are where it’s at!
4. Serum for Acne-Prone Skin
Okay, this is where the magic happens. A good serum is like a superhero for your skin.
Want to brighten dark spots? Niacinamide’s got you.
Dealing with redness or dark spots? Vitamin C and azelaic acid to the rescue.
Find a serum that tackles your skin’s specific needs and layer it on right after toner.
Serum Ingredient Breakdown:
- Niacinamide: Reduces oil and shrinks pores.
- Vitamin C: Brightens skin and fades dark spots.
- Azelaic acid: Reduces redness, evens out skin tone, and treats acne.
5. Moisturize
Now, I know you’re thinking, “Why on earth would I put more moisture on my already oily skin?”
But here’s the thing: oily skin is often oily because it’s dehydrated.
Your skin overproduces oil to compensate. So, don’t skip this step!
Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer (bonus points if it’s gel-based!) to hydrate your skin without adding extra shine.
6. Apply Sunscreen
SPF isn’t optional—it’s a must! Oily skin needs protection from UV rays just as much as any other skin type.
Opt for a broad-spectrum lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50 that won’t clog your pores.
There’s a huge selection of the most a-mazing Korean skincare SPFs that are lightweight and sit well on oily skin.
7. Use a Mattifying Primer
Before you head out the door, smooth on a mattifying primer to keep that oily T-zone in check.
It’ll not only help your makeup stay put all day, but it also controls shine like a pro. Bye-bye, oily forehead!
Throughout the Day
Blotting Papers
Let’s face it—oil happens. Keep blotting papers in your bag for those shiny emergencies.
They’re a total lifesaver for absorbing oil without wrecking your makeup. Just press and blot—don’t rub!—to keep your skin looking fresh and matte.
Avoid Touching Your Face
This one’s tough but essential. Touching your face can transfer oil, dirt, and bacteria from your hands to your skin, which leads to more breakouts. So hands off!
Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s about what you put in your body, too. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and may even reduce oil production over time. So, grab that water bottle and sip, sip, sip!
Evening Routine
1. Remove Eye Makeup
Before you hit the sheets, take off the day—literally. Firstly, use an eye makeup remover and a cotton ball to gently remove all the eye makeup, making the next step less messy.
2. Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is key for oily skin. Start with a nice oil cleanser or cleansing balm – this will break down all leftover makeup, sunscreen, and grime accumulated throughout your day.
Follow up with your morning cleanser (water based) to ensure you’ve gotten rid of every last bit of oil and dirt.
Lastly, use a fresh facecloth every night to dry your face off, or you can even opt for disposable face towels.
You don’t want any bacteria on your freshly cleaned face, do you? Clean skin is happy skin!
3. Exfoliate (if not done in the morning)
Don’t have time to exfoliate in your mornings? No worries!
Do it now to make sure your pores stay clear and your skin smooth. Just remember, exfoliate gently and only a couple of times a week.
Look for products like BHA toners, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, depending on your skin sensitivity.
4. Apply a Toner
Just like in the morning, follow up your cleanse with a hydrating toner to prep your skin for the next steps. You want to keep that balance going strong!
5. Use a Treatment Serum
Nighttime is the best time to use those powerful serums!
Apply a treatment serum with retinol or niacinamide to help regulate oil production and tackle any stubborn acne.
6. Moisturize
Again, stick with that lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin balanced while you sleep. It’ll prevent your skin from freaking out and overproducing oil.
7. Spot Treatment
Got a breakout brewing? Zap it with a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil. Just a little dab on the pimple, and you’re good to go.
Additional Oily Skin Tips
- Choose Non-Comedogenic Products: Avoid clogging your pores by sticking to non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products.
- Avoid Heavy Makeup: Lightweight, mineral-based foundations work best for oily skin and won’t clog your pores like heavier products.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Omega-3-rich foods and antioxidants are your secret weapons for happy, healthy skin.
- Manage Stress: Stress leads to more oil production, so find ways to chill out—whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just binging your favorite show.
- Clean Your Makeup Tools: Keep your brushes and sponges squeaky clean to prevent bacteria from causing breakouts.
- Do a Face Mask Weekly: Give your skin some extra love with a clay or charcoal mask to absorb excess oil and deep clean your pores.
- Consult a Dermatologist: If nothing’s working, it might be time to call in the pros for a tailored skincare solution.
Enjoyed this? Also read:
Unveiling the Secret to Korean Glass Skin: Your Ultimate Guide
9 Biggest Skincare Mistakes You Can Make
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