If your forehead has achieved glazed-doughnut status by 11am without help, welcome friend.
Oily skin can be a lot.
Your makeup disappears. Your fringe makes questionable life choices. You wash your face, feel beautiful for approximately seventeen minutes, and then your sebaceous glands clock back in for another shift.
But here's the plot twist: oily skin isn't dirty skin, and aggressively trying to dry it out isn't the answer.
The goal isn't to eliminate every molecule of oil from your face. Your skin needs some of that stuff. The aim is to keep excess shine, congestion and breakouts under control.
Basically, we're negotiating with the oil. Not declaring war.
First things first: why is my skin so oily?
The oil on your skin is called sebum, and it's produced by sebaceous glands.
Sebum isn't some skincare villain lurking beneath the surface, it's your skin's natural protective system.
The problem is when your sebaceous glands are a bit too enthusiastic about their jobs.
Genetics plays a big part, as can hormones, age, climate and certain skincare products. Oily skin is also commonly associated with acne because excess sebum can contribute to the environment in which clogged pores develop. A scientific review of oily skin describes sebum production as being influenced by several factors including hormones, genetics and environmental conditions.
So if you've been blaming yourself because your T-zone could power a small lamp, please stop.
Some of us were simply born shiny.
1. Stop washing your face like its offended you
When your face feels oily, the natural reaction is:
REMOVE. THE. OIL.
Strong cleanser. Hot water. Scrub. Maybe another cleanse for good measure.
Except your skin would very much like you to calm down.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing oily skin up to twice a day and after sweating, using a gentle cleanser rather than harsh scrubbing.
Their advice is refreshingly straightforward: “Gently wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating.”
You want your skin to feel clean after cleansing, not like a squeaky balloon.
Look for lightweight gel or foaming cleansers that remove excess sebum, sunscreen and grime without leaving your face feeling squeaky or tight.
Because squeaky clean is great for wine glasses. Less great for cheeks.
2. Salicylic acid might become your skin bestie
If oily skin and clogged pores are your life, salicylic acid is worth knowing about.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, usually shortened to BHA. It's commonly used in skincare designed for acne-prone skin because it helps remove accumulated dead skin cells.
A scientific review of salicylic acid notes its established use for conditions like acne, while research has also described its ability to reduce skin lipids and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
A 2025 clinical study of a salicylic-acid-containing gel also reported reductions in acne lesions and sebum alongside improvements in skin hydration and barrier function.
If you're new to salicylic acid, start slowly. A few uses per week are plenty before deciding whether your skin tolerates more frequent use.
3. Meet niacinamide, the low-drama overachiever
If you've spent six seconds on SkinTok, you've probably encountered niacinamide.
Unlike some ingredients that arrive with smoke machines and a twelve-step introduction, niacinamide is relatively straightforward.
It may be particularly interesting for oily skin because there's evidence suggesting it can help regulate facial sebum.
In a double-blind clinical study, topical 2% niacinamide reduced measures of facial sebum production after several weeks of use. A wider review of oily-skin treatments also highlighted that study as evidence supporting niacinamide's ability to reduce sebum excretion.
Does this mean one niacinamide serum will permanently switch off your oil glands?
Absolutely not.
But as part of a balanced routine, it's a very sensible ingredient to have around.
4. Yes, oily skin still needs moisturiser
This is usually the point where someone with oily skin says:
Moisturiser? On this face? Are you kidding me?
Stay with us.
Oil and water aren't the same thing.
Your skin can produce plenty of sebum while still needing hydration, especially if you're using ingredients such as exfoliating acids, retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Moisturisers can also help reduce irritation associated with acne routines. Dermatology literature describes moisturising as useful for slowing water loss and soothing irritation, including in people with acne-prone skin.
The trick is texture.
The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends oil-free and non-comedogenic products for oily or acne-prone skin.
5. Stop exfoliating every night
We need to discuss the skincare equivalent of sending six texts because someone didn't respond to the first one.
Over-exfoliating.
One evening you're using salicylic acid.
Then glycolic acid.
Then an exfoliating toner.
Then a peel.
Then you see a TikTok called THE PORE ROUTINE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE and suddenly you're contemplating a seventh active.
Your skin barrier is watching all of this unfold in horror.
Acne itself can be associated with changes to skin function, and irritating skincare practices can make already unhappy skin even unhappier. The American Academy of Dermatology also warns that frequently switching acne treatments or irritating the skin can contribute to further problems.
Pick your actives carefully and give them time to work.
6. Sunscreen isn't optional because you're oily
We know.
Some sunscreens have historically had the texture of warm mayonnaise.
Thankfully, skincare has moved on.
Daily sunscreen matters regardless of skin type, and lightweight fluid, gel and water-based formulas can work particularly well for oily complexions.
Dermatology literature specifically notes that younger oily and acne-prone skin may prefer sunscreens with a water or light liquid base.
Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and experiment with formulas until you find one you don't dread applying.
Because the best sunscreen isn't necessarily the fanciest one.
It's the one you'll consistently put on your face.
7. Non-comedogenic is your useful little label
If you're oily and prone to breakouts, you'll probably see the phrase non-comedogenic everywhere.
It basically means a product has been designed with the intention of being less likely to clog pores.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for products labelled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores.”
That doesn't guarantee that every product will suit every human face. Skin remains annoyingly individual.
But it's a very reasonable starting point when choosing moisturiser, makeup and sunscreen.
Your simple oily-skin routine
Here's the bit where we resist the urge to recommend thirteen serums and a refrigerated facial wand.
Morning
- Gentle cleanser.
- Niacinamide or another lightweight hydrating serum if you want one.
- Lightweight moisturiser.
- SPF 30 to 50.
Done.
You are free to go and live your life.
Evening
- Cleanser, or double cleanse if you've been wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.
- Salicylic acid on selected evenings if your skin tolerates it.
- Hydrating or soothing serum if wanted.
- Lightweight moisturiser.
That's it.
You do not receive extra points for having the longest bathroom routine.
And what about blotting papers?
Blotting papers are perfectly fine for removing excess surface oil during the day.
They won't change how much sebum your skin produces, but if you're heading into a meeting and your forehead has its own weather system, blot away.
Just press rather than vigorously rubbing your face.
The biggest oily-skin mistake?
Trying to turn oily skin into dry skin.
A much better goal is balanced oily skin: hydrated, comfortable, protected and producing a manageable amount of sebum without constantly becoming congested.
- Use a gentle cleanser.
- Introduce ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide thoughtfully.
- Moisturise.
- Wear sunscreen.
And perhaps most importantly, stop adding a new ingredient every time TikTok tells you that your pores are having an emergency.
Your skin probably doesn't need more chaos.
It needs consistency (and maybe a strategically placed packet of blotting papers.)
The sciencey bit
If you fancy going down the research rabbit hole, here are some of the sources behind the advice above:
American Academy of Dermatology — How to control oily skin
Read the dermatologist recommendations
Draelos et al. — The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production
Published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy.
View the study on PubMed
Endly & Miller — Oily Skin: A Review of Treatment Options
A review examining factors influencing oily skin and evidence behind treatments including niacinamide and retinoids.
Read the review via PubMed Central
Arif — Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
View the review on PubMed
Schachner et al. — Insights into acne and the skin barrier
A review discussing acne, treatment and maintaining the skin barrier.
View the paper on PubMed
American Academy of Dermatology — Skin habits that can worsen acne
Read the dermatologist advice
Liu et al. — Clinical efficacy of a salicylic-acid-containing gel
A 2025 clinical study reporting improvements in acne lesions, sebum, hydration and skin-barrier measures.
View the study on PubMed
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