Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin That Works

Step-by-step skin care routine for oily skin

According to Shah, “having oily skin can be healthy!” The secret is working with your skin type.

1. Cleanse

Rule No. 1: Wash your face in the morning and at night. Cleanse before bed to clear the gunk your skin collects during the day. And even if your skin still feels fresh AF,

you should always wash your face in the morning.

When you sleep, your skin sheds skin cells and produces oils. This can trigger a breakout and make your skin look extra shiny.

Use a cleanser that was designed with oily skin in mind. Shah likes a gentle salicylic acid cleanser like CeraVe SA Cleanser to help remove sebum (aka oil) from pores.

Pro tip: Wash your pillowcase on the reg to remove sweat, oils, and debris.

Psst. Here are our picks for the best face wash for acne and best face wash for men.

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2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a dope way to remove oil, debris, and dead skin cells that clog your pores. Shah recommends a chemical exfoliator like fan fave Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Chemical exfoliants slough off dead skin cells with active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA). AHAs that are better for oily skin include glycolic acid.

And oily-friendly BHAs include that go-to salicylic acid.

Just make sure you don’t overdo it and stick to exfoliating twice a week at the most. Overexfoliating can lead to dry, red, or irritated skin.

And since some ingredients make you more prone to sunburn, plan to exfoliate at night.

Psst. Here are our picks for the best face exfoliators and chemical peels.

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3. Apply treatment

Shah recommends using a retinol product like Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol.

Retinol is great for reducing the look of wrinkles and can also smooth out your skin texture thanks to its cell turnover effect.

As a bonus, retinol can help treat acne and make your pores look smaller.

Generally, products that have active ingredients (like acids or Retinol) can cause irritation if you use them too much. So use once a day max (and sometimes less).

Nighttime is usually better since these actives often make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Since pimples are also a common prob for folks with oily skin, you may want to use an acne treatment instead.

Products with sulfur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can help send pimples packing.

Chat with your dermatologist about what’s best for your #SkinGoals. You may also want to consider other OTC treatments or a stronger prescription treatment depending on your unique skin sitch.

Psst. Here are our picks for the best serums for oily skin, acne treatments, and toners.

4. Moisturize

You might think adding more moisture to oily skin is counterproductive. But IRL, it’s a super important step to your oily skin care routine.

Shah’s picks include the Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer and the CeraVe PM moisturizer.

“Gel moisturizers are often preferred by people with oily skin,” Shah says. He also notes that a moisturizer with niacinamide can help regulate oil production.

Generally, moisturizers that are meant for acne-prone skin are safe to use on oily skin. Just be sure that your lotion, gel, or cream is:

oil-free

lightweight

water-based

free from harsh chemicals or fragrances

noncomedogenic

Psst. Here are our picks for the best moisturizers for oily skin.

5. Apply SPF

No matter what kind of skin you’re slaying, you should always wear sunscreen.

“I like the EltaMD UV Clear product,” Shah notes. “Use it daily. Every day. Forever.”

Even on rainy or overcast days, you should always apply an SPF 30 or higher in the morning. Just make sure there aren’t any pore-clogging culprits on the ingredients list, like:

avobenzones

oxyphenones

benzophenones

methoxycinnamate

para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Psst. Here are our picks for the best face sunscreen.

What are the best ingredients for oily skin?

According to Shah, these are your all-star ingredients for oily skin:

Salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid reduces swelling and unclogs pores. A 2 percent salicylic solution is usually best for regular use.

You should only get a stronger concentration if your derm says it’s okay. It can be found in lots of cleansers, but it also comes in topical spot treatments, serums, and gels.

Retinol. Retinol is a type of retinoid that’s derived from Vitamin A. It’s a super popular way to treat skin concerns like fine lines, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging.

But studies show it’s also a great way to reduce oil.

Niacinamide. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can help regulate the amount of oil your sebaceous glands product. It also boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat acne,

according to a 2017 study.

What causes oily skin?

“Oily skin is caused by increased sebum production by our sebaceous glands in our pores,” says Shah. “This oil production is regulated by hormones like testosterone and stress hormones.”

Here are some other factors that might trigger oily skin:

Age. Oily skin is more common in younger folks. As you get older, your skin loses collagen and other proteins. This can make your skin stop producing as much oil as it used to.

Climate. Humid climates might make your skin produce more oil. But even if you live in a dry area, you might notice more oil in the hot months of summer.

Genetics. Blame it on your parents. Genetics plays a big part in the type of skin you wind up with. So if immediate family members have oily skin, you’re more likely to have it too.

Pore size. Peeps with larger pores might produce more oil than those who have small or average pores.

Your current skin care routine. There’s a chance your oily skin is stemming from the wrong products. Overwashing or exfoliating too often strips your skin of its natural oils.

This can send your skin into oil production overdrive.

Other skin care tips for oily skin

A sweet skin care routine is a solid start. But to really rid your skin of excess oil, you might need to take some extra steps.

Blotting papers

Blotting paper is a great way to reduce shine and control oil throughout the day. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Just press the paper into your skin for a few seconds. Do this across your face, especially on the T-zone. You will see the paper start to absorb the oil which is super satisfying.

Makeup remover

If you use makeup, cleansers may not cut it. So before you wash your face, use an oil-free makeup remover.

Professional treatments

“Professional treatments are usually not required,” says Shah. “However, blue light can be helpful for oily skin.”

Some studies have found that blue light therapy can also help treat acne. But we need more research to show this is 10/10 legit.

Shah also says that Accutane (isotretinoin) is very effective at shrinking oil glands and decreasing oil production. Just keep in mind, it’s usually only prescribed for severe acne.

Cleanse after you sweat

The AAD recommends washing your face after each sweat sesh. This is extra important if you don’t have time to take a shower. It’ll help get rid of the oil, dirt,

and sweat that you produced during a workout or while outside in the heat.

Takeaway

Oily skin is usually very manageable. A great skin care routine can help you minimize shine, unclog pores, and reduce oil production.

Just be sure you stick to products that are designed with oily skin in mind (psst: salicylic acid, niacinamide, and retinol are your friends).

And avoid products that are comedogenic since they can block your pores.

Also, you prob won’t get OMG YAS results overnight. It can take weeks or even months to see a major difference. Talk with your dermatologist if you aren’t seeing any improvements after a few weeks. They can suggest specific treatments and products for your unique skin.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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