If you’re constantly reaching for blotting papers or struggling with a shiny complexion by midday, you’re not alone. Oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages. While oily skin can help keep the skin looking youthful for longer, excess oil production can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and an unwanted greasy appearance.
The good news is that with the right skincare for oily skin, you can control excess shine without stripping your skin. In this guide, we’ll explain how to reduce oily skin effectively, the causes behind an oily face, and the best products to include in your daily routine.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Before learning how to treat oily skin, it’s beneficial to understand what causes it. Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, a natural oil that helps protect and hydrate the skin. While sebum is important for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, too much can leave the skin looking shiny and increase the risk of acne.
Common causes of oily skin include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Hot and humid weather
- Using harsh skincare products
- Over-cleansing the skin
Many people try to remove all oil from their skin, but this can actually make the problem worse by encouraging the skin to produce even more oil.
Use a Gentle Cleanser Twice Daily
One of the most important steps in any oily skin treatment routine is cleansing. Washing your face morning and evening helps remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can clog pores throughout the day.
Look for cleansers containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, or zinc, which help control oil without drying out the skin.
We would recommend:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel: this gel helps tp unplug pores to prevent spots, as well as reducing the appearance of blemishes
These products help cleanse oily skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Don’t Skip Moisturiser
One of the biggest myths about oily skin is that moisturiser isn’t necessary. In reality, skipping moisturiser can leave the skin dehydrated, causing it to produce even more oil to compensate. If you’re wondering how to reduce oily skin, hydration is a key part of the solution.
Choose lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that hydrate without feeling greasy.
We would recommend:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: this is a lightweight, invisible and non greasy gel that helps moisturise the face.
A good moisturiser helps balance oil production and keeps your skin comfortable throughout the day.
Use Salicylic Acid to Keep Pores Clear
Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients for oily skin because it penetrates deep into pores and removes excess oil and dead skin cells. Adding a salicylic acid treatment to your routine can help reduce shine and prevent breakouts.
We would recommend:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: this solution treats blemishes by exfoliating the skin surface and penetrating pores to control blemishes.
Start by using these products a few times per week before gradually increasing frequency if your skin tolerates them well.
Choose a Lightweight Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen is essential, regardless of your skin type. However, many people with oily skin avoid SPF because they worry it will make their skin feel greasy.
The key is choosing a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula designed for oily skin.
We would recommend:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Fluid: this adapts perfectly to sensitive skin prone to sun intolerance with strong sun exposure
These sunscreens provide protection without adding unnecessary shine. For more information on sunscreen, click our Sunscreen Blog Here
Add Niacinamide to Your Routine
Niacinamide has become one of the most popular ingredients in skincare for oily skin, and for good reason.
It helps:
- Regulate oil production
- Minimise the appearance of pores
- Improve skin texture
- Support the skin barrier
We would recommend:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: this product visibly improves skin radiance and smooths texture in one week
Regular use can help create a more balanced complexion over time.
Avoid Over-Cleansing Your Face
If you’re searching for how to get rid of oily skin, it may be tempting to wash your face several times a day. Unfortunately, over-cleansing often strips the skin and causes the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil.
Stick to cleansing:
- Once in the morning
- Once in the evening
- After heavy sweating or exercise if needed
A gentle, consistent routine is usually more effective than aggressive cleansing.
How To Reduce Oily Skin
Use oil-absorbing products throughout the day. Even with the best oily skin treatment, some shine during the day is completely normal. Blotting papers and mattifying powders can help absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup or skincare.
We would recommend:
Teenitor Oil Blotting Sheets: this product includes green tea and acts as a fast but temporary solution to oily skin.
These are quick fixes that can keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
If you’re unsure where to start on training your skin to produce less oil, here’s a simple routine.
Morning
- Cleanser
- Niacinamide serum
- Lightweight moisturiser
- Sunscreen
Evening
- Cleanser
- Salicylic acid treatment (2–3 times weekly)
- Moisturiser
Keeping your routine simple and consistent is often the most effective approach.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to treat oily skin isn’t about removing every trace of oil from your face. Instead, it’s about creating balance. By using the right products and following the best skincare routine for oily skin, you can reduce excess shine, minimise breakouts, and achieve a healthier-looking complexion.
Remember that results take time, so stay consistent and give your skincare routine several weeks to work. With the right approach, managing an oily face can become much easier.
FAQ’s
How can I reduce oily skin naturally?
Using a gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturiser, and daily sunscreen can help keep excess oil under control. It’s also important to avoid over-washing your face, as this can make oiliness worse.
What is the best skincare routine for oily skin?
A simple routine of cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and SPF is usually enough. Ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid can be especially helpful for oily skin.
Should I moisturise if I have oily skin?
Yes! Skipping moisturiser can actually cause your skin to produce more oil. The key is choosing a lightweight, oil-free formula.
Why is my face so oily all the time?
Oily skin is often caused by genetics, hormones, stress, or hot weather. While you can’t completely stop oil production, the right skincare routine can help manage it effectively.
Can oily skin cause acne?
Yes, excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, which may lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Keeping your skin clean and using the right products can help reduce the risk of acne.
