Achieving healthy and radiant skin requires a tailored approach, especially when dealing with oily skin. Crafting the best skincare routine for oily skin is essential to managing excess sebum, preventing breakouts, and maintaining a clear complexion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ideal skincare routines for both morning and night, drawing inspiration from the renowned Korean skincare regimen and still appreciating the best Western rituals and formulas.
Oily skin is a skin type characterized by an overproduction of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Sebum is essential for maintaining skin health, providing hydration, and protecting against external elements. However, an excess of sebum can lead to various skincare concerns, making it important to address the specific needs of oily skin.
Common Concerns Associated with Oily Skin
Acne and Breakouts
Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and acne. Managing acne is a common concern for individuals with oily skin.
Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores result from the increased activity of oil glands. They can contribute to an uneven skin texture and may be more noticeable.
Shine and Oiliness
Dealing with persistent shine and oiliness throughout the day is a common concern. Finding products that help control oil production without over-drying the skin is crucial.
Makeup Durability
Oily skin can pose challenges for makeup wearers, as excess oil may cause makeup to break down more quickly. Using oil-free and long-wearing products is often a consideration.
Balancing Hydration
Striking the right balance between managing excess oil and ensuring proper hydration can be challenging. People tend to avoid the excessive greasiness that moisturizers can add, and avoid them, but moisturizers are about to retain moisture in the skin, which is crucial even for oily skin, which can indeed be dehydrated. It’s essential to provide adequate moisture without exacerbating oiliness.
Preventing Premature Aging
While oily skin is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing fine lines and wrinkles, it’s still essential to focus on anti-aging measures without exacerbating oil production.
The best skincare routine for oily skin is addressing these concerns, which involves adopting a skincare routine that specifically targets oily skin needs, using products that control oil, provide hydration, and address acne without irritating. Consistency and a tailored approach are key to maintaining a healthy and balanced complexion for individuals with oily skin.
Skincare Ingredients for Oily Skin
The best skincare ingredients for oily skin that normalize oil production, dissolve and remove excess oil without stripping the skin, as well as care for pores and clear acne.
Here are the hero skincare ingredients for oily skin:
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess oil and unclog pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for treating acne and preventing breakouts.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Known for its ability to regulate sebum production, niacinamide helps to balance oil levels in the skin while also improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of pores. (read more in Niacinamide in Skincare)
Clay
Ingredients like kaolin clay and bentonite clay absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Clay masks are particularly effective for oily skin types.
Green tea extract
Contains polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, and reduce inflammation associated with acne. It regulates sebum production and can help prevent the formation of clogged pores and reduce the occurrence of breakouts. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of green tea extract make it effective in combating acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil helps to control oil production and prevent acne breakouts. It also has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, making it suitable for sensitive, oily skin.
Chestnut extract
Chestnut extract has astringent properties, which means it can help tighten pores and reduce excess oiliness on the skin’s surface. This can lead to a smoother appearance and may help minimize the visibility of enlarged pores.
Zinc
Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates sebum production, making it
effective for controlling excess oiliness in the skin. It also helps to reduce acne breakouts and promote the healing of blemishes. Zinc oxide is commonly found in sunscreens for its sun protection properties.
Retinol
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, promotes cell turnover and exfoliation, helping to unclog pores and prevent acne breakouts. It also stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can be found in serums and creams formulated for oily skin types. (Read more about how to use retinol.)
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
We have to re-do our skincare rituals every morning and every evening.
Morning and evening skincare routines differ because the skin’s needs vary day and night. The reasons behind this distinction lie in the natural processes your skin undergoes and the different environmental conditions it faces during these periods.
Let’s review common recommendations and then dive deeper into additional skin concerns.
Morning Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Cleansing
Dermatologists say that in the morning, it is okay to wash your face only with water. Introducing a cleanser is only necessary when you feel uncomfortable after washing your face with only water. In this case, begin your day with a gentle cleanser to eliminate excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.
Avoid using hot water as it can make your skin produce more oil, and hot water can also compromise your skin barrier.
Toner
Opt for a hydrating and alcohol-free toner to rebalance the skin’s pH levels. Ingredients like witch hazel or green tea can help control oil while soothing the skin. Salicylic acid (BHA) is also a great ingredient, and if you don’t use a BHA cleanser, you can use a salicylic acid toner. Please be cautious that this is an exfoliating acid and you don’t need to use it every day, especially both AM and PM.
Three times a week is enough (but if you’re not a seasoned SA user, start slowly from 1, then two weeks later, two times, and then three times a week, with concentration not higher than 2 percent). Read more about the toners in the Face Toner Unveiled article.
Serum/essence
Incorporate a lightweight, oil-free serum containing niacinamide and/or zinc to control oil production, minimize pores, and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated. B5 (panthenol) will restore the skin barrier, which is important for acne-prone skin. If you have acne, you can also add Centella Asiatica (it will calm the inflammation); snail mucin is also good for acne-prone skin as it helps to heal it. There were also studies claiming that tea extract also reduces sebum production.
An example of a good essense for oily skin is a product is COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. It is an oil-free essence that adds intense moisture to hydrate skin while helping to repair damaged skin, reduce redness, and improve skin texture and pigmentation. A popular ingredient in any Korean skincare routine, snail slime is known to benefit aging skin and soften the appearance of fine lines. Its moisturizing and healing properties also make it great to use in combination with retinol or Vitamin C serums.
Other key ingredients in this COSRX snail essence include sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, panthenol, and arginine, which provide additional hydrating and elasticity-enhancing effects. It is great for oily and acne-prone skin.
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Moisturizer
Even oily skin needs hydration. Especially when we use exfoliants to reduce oiliness and heal acne, our skin needs to be calmed down and get a proper portion of moisture. Choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain skin elasticity. Gel-based moisturizers are excellent choices for oily skin.
An example of such a product is PURITO – Oat-In Calming Gel Cream – Packed with oat seed water, panthenol, and squalane to provide soothing, hydrating, and skin-fortifying benefits, this refreshingly lightweight cream is made to provide long-lasting nourishment. The vegan formula comes in a gel texture that absorbs instantly into the skin, and it’s entirely free of essential oils and fragrances. Suitable for oily and sensitive skin.
Sunscreen
Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 50. Opt for a sunscreen with a matte finish to protect your skin from harmful UV rays without adding extra shine. If you don’t mind shining, use a face powder or a mattifying foundation to reduce it – use any sunscreen that does not make you feel greasy. Find the top-rated products on Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin. Looking for a tinted option? Find it in the best tinted sunscreen for oily skin.
One of the most appreciated K-beauty sunscreens that don’t have any acne-prone ingredients is SKIN 1004 – Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. It is sometimes called the best Korean sunscreen for oily skin, according to to websites that sell Korean skincare products, and even the best sunscreen for oily skin – worldwide.
Fitted with SPF50+ PA++++, this organic sunscreen has a golden ratio of hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica extract to soothe and hydrate skin without leaving a white cast. Additional ingredients of arugula leaf, green tea, and broccoli extracts provide antioxidant benefits and help to improve underlying skin conditions. The fast-absorbing formula in a cream-like texture leaves your skin plump and glowing.
Night Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Cleansing
Use a cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day.
Toner
Follow up with a toner to rebalance the skin and prepare it for the next steps.
Treatment
Incorporate a treatment product containing ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide to address specific concerns like acne or fine lines. If your skin is acne-prone, retinol can help with that. And if you opt for retinoid, Benzoyl peroxide has to be moved to your AM skincare routine (read more in What Skincare Ingredients Not to Mix?) How to incorporate retinoids into skincare routine How to use Retinol?
Moisturizer
Choose a non-comedogenic, hydrating night cream to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores.
Occasional Treatments
Consider weekly treatments such as clay masks or overnight masks to control excess oil and refine the skin’s texture. Exfoliating toners or serums are also occasional treatments.
Korean Skincare Routine for Oily Skin (additional tips)
The Korean skincare routine, renowned for its multi-step approach, can be modified for oily skin.
Double Cleansing
In the PM skincare routine, begin with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sebum. Oil dissolves all the impurities, and some oil cleansers even dissolve sebum in the pores and remove blackheads. Thus, pores look smaller and more bure than before. Then, follow with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin.
Anua – Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is one example of a pore-cleansing oil.
Exfoliation
Include a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times weekly to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid work well for oily skin.
A product example – Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – №1 product worldwide + cult favorite, this clinically proven gentle leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles & evens skin tone.
- Clears & minimizes enlarged pores
- BHA (beta hydroxy acid) sheds built-up layers of skin
- Fluid, lightweight texture absorbs quickly
- Use up to twice daily after cleansing & toning skin
Masks
Opt for face masks with ingredients like tea tree oil or charcoal to control oil and soothe the skin. Use 1-2 times a week. Some masks might be exfoliating, so if you use an exfoliating mask once a week – reduce the usage of exfoliating toner/serum (any exfoliation counts, and we don’t want to compromise skin barrier by over-exfoliation).
Essence
Incorporate an essence with lightweight, hydrating ingredients to prep the skin for subsequent products.
Conclusion
Crafting the best skincare routine for oily skin involves a combination of balancing products and consistent care. By following a tailored regimen, embracing key ingredients, and drawing inspiration from the Korean skincare routine, you can achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that stands up to the challenges of oily skin. Remember, consistency is key, and patience will yield the best results over time.
Looking for tinted sunscreens? Find it in the best tinted sunscreen for oily skin.
Or, find your Best Cleanser for Oily Skin. Need a cleanser for acne? See best face wash for acne
Need a serum to target oily skin concerns? Look into Serum for Oily Skin
Are you trying to build your skincare routine and need to know the general rules? Find them in the Beginner basic skincare routine tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does oily skin need retinol?
Yes, retinol can benefit oily skin. It regulates oil production, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover. Start with a lower concentration to avoid irritation.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Absolutely! Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, minimizes pores, and reduces redness. Look for products with 2-5% niacinamide.
Is Vitamin C good for oily skin?
Yes, Vitamin C is suitable for oily skin. It provides antioxidant protection, brightens the complexion, and can help control excess oil. Opt for oil-free vitamin C serums. Nonetheless, sensitivity is personal, so do a patch test, introduce it slowly to let your skin adapt, and check the reaction.
What should you not use on oily skin?
Avoid heavy, pore-clogging products like thick creams or oil-based moisturizers. Also, steer clear of harsh exfoliants that can strip the skin.
What are the best skincare products for oily skin?
Some top picks include:
- Oil-free moisturizers: Lightweight, non-greasy options.
- Salicylic acid cleansers: Help unclog pores.
- Mattifying primers or sunscreens: Control shine.