Skinectomy

The Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

October 13, 2024 | by A Skincare Enthusiast

skincare-for-oily-skin

If your skin is oily, you must know how to control shine, clogged pores, and unannounced breakouts. Although oily skin’s natural moisture helps it age more slowly, this skin type needs a proper skincare routine designed to regulate sebum production without stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

But don’t you worry; we’ll go into great detail about the best skin care products for oily skin and also help you with everything from picking the best cleansers to toners to serums and, ultimately, sunscreens!

The Ideal Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

To develop the best skincare routine for oily skin, you must always opt for products that effectively regulate oil production, avoid clogged pores, and preserve the skin’s moisture balance. Below is a step-by-step guide on creating the ideal routine for your skin.

What is the Best Cleanser for Oily Skin?

Best Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin:

Good cleanser is the foundation of every skincare routine, particularly for oily skin. The ideal cleanser should remove extra oil without depleting the skin’s natural moisture content.

Always go for:

  • Foamy or oil-free cleansing products: These cleansers refresh your skin while removing debris, oil, and makeup.
  • Avoid aggressive cleaners. Using cleansers that cause skin irritation or strip off natural face oil may raise sebum production.

Top Pick: Foaming or gel-based face cleansers are the best for oily skin. Look for specific ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help clear pores and combat acne.

What is the Most Suitable Toner for Oily Skin?

best toner for oily skin

Best toner for oily skin:

Using a quality toner after face cleansing helps to regulate the skin’s pH and reduces the appearance of pores. To avoid overdrying your skin, use an alcohol-free toner.

Why it works?

Toning removes lingering impurities and excess oil, preparing your skin for the next skincare steps.
Top Tip: Look for toners that contain witch hazel, niacinamide, or green tea extract to minimize oiliness and soothe your skin.

In addition, the best toner for oily skin with great exfoliating characteristics is the one with BHAs (either salicylic acid or glycolic acid). However, dermatologists do not recommend using two BHAs in the same routine, so if you are already using an SA cleanser, go for a mild glycolic acid or a hydrating toner instead. 

What is the Best Serum for Oily Skin?

best serum for oily skin

Most ideal serum for oily skin:

Serums are concentrated treatments that penetrate active substances deep into the skin. A lightweight, oil-free serum is ideal for oily skin since it provides hydration without adding excessive oil.

Opt for:

  • Hydrating serums: Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides/peptides will moisturize your skin without making it too oily.
  • Acne and oil-control serums: If you have frequent breakouts and excessively oily skin, try a niacinamide or salicylic acid serum to decrease blemishes and excess oil production.

You can incorporate more than one serum into your routine. The best combination is niacinamide and salicylic acid for optimal oily skincare.

Do I need a Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

best moisturizer for oily skin

Many people with oily skin skip the moisturizer without a second thought. This is a big blunder. Proper hydration can effectively control oil production. Drying your face out, in turn, produces more oil on your face than before. Hence, look for non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizers that leave a shine-free and refreshed finish on your skin.

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin:

Gel-based or water-based moisturizers are ideal since they moisturize without leaving a greasy finish behind.

What ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer?
Water, dimethicone, glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and squalane are all lightweight and suitable for this skin type.

Is Sunscreen important for an Oily Skin type?

best sunscreen for oily skin

Sunscreens for Oily Skin types:

You should use sunscreen every day, even if you have oily skin. Without sunscreen, your entire routine mentioned above will be pointless. 

Choose an oil-free, gel/water-based sunscreen that reduces shine while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Select a lightweightnon-comedogenic gel-based SPF that does not clog pores and keeps oil away.

Top recommendation: Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide usually provide broad-spectrum protection without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Some other Best Products for Oily Face:

sunscreen for oily skin

Gentle Exfoliation:

Dead skin cells and excessive sebum are more likely to accumulate on oily skin, clogging pores and causing significant breakouts. It will always be in your favor to include exfoliating products in your routine 1-2 times per week.

  • Use chemical exfoliants: Products with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are wonderful for dissolving dead skin cells and preventing the appearance of clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads).
  • Completely abandon physical scrubs: Exfoliants that physically remove skin might irritate it and increase oil production. Avoid scrubs with microbeads or harmful substances that can potentially damage your skin barrier.

Incorporate a Face Mask in your Skin Care Routine:


A clay mask once or twice weekly can purify your skin and absorb extra oil. Kaolin and bentonite clay are good ingredients to look for.

Summary | The Best Oily Skin Products: What to Look for

Whenever you’re assembling your skincare collection, make sure to use items marked:

  1. Noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores)
  2. Oil-free (are not rich or cream-based)
  3. Mattifying (shine-free)

The following are some of the top products for oily skin:

  1. Face cleansers with salicylic acid and niacinamide
  2. Hydrating toners
  3. Niacinamide containing serums
  4. Water-based moisturizers
  5. Gel-based and mineral sunscreens

Final Comments on an Oily Skincare Routine:

Trust me, it is challenging to maintain oily skin, but with a properly balanced skincare routine, your skin can stay healthy and refreshed. Always use oil-free, lightweight products, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen. This will minimize the likelihood of breakouts and a greasy texture.

You’ll discover that managing oily skin can be a lot simpler than you would have imagined if you used these best products in your routine.

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