Oily Skin 101: Best Practices for Balancing Shine

If you’ve ever caught your reflection halfway through the day and wondered why you look like you’ve just run a marathon in a sauna, welcome to the world of oily skin. But before you start Googling “how to deal with a shiny face” (we’ve all been there - I can safely say I'm the poster child for oily skin), don’t worry—there’s hope!

Oily skin may seem like a curse, but with the right care and some expert tips, you can manage it like a pro and keep your shine under control without sacrificing hydration or comfort.

So, in this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about oily skin, from its causes to the best practices as well as products to use. Plus (I love a good bonus), I'll give you a step-by-step skincare routine for glowing, shine-free skin that doesn’t feel dry or tight. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Oily Skin

First things first, let’s talk about what oily skin is and why it does what it does.  I am super big on giving you the why.  Call it OCD or that I simply love to equip you with the knowledge of caring for your skin - maybe a little bit of both.  I always want the best for you and your skin so here goes.

Simply put, oily skin happens when your sebaceous (oil-producing) glands go into overdrive, pumping out excess oil (also referred to as sebum) to the surface of your skin. Now this can happen for a variety of reasons, such as genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. And while excess oil may be the star of the show, it doesn’t necessarily mean your skin is “dirty” or “bad.” In fact, that oil is there to protect and hydrate your skin—it just can get a little too enthusiastic sometimes.

Common causes of oily skin include:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Yep, hormones are often the villain here. Whether you’re going through puberty, pregnancy, or just dealing with monthly cycles, your hormones can make your skin produce more oil.
• Hot, humid weather: Oily skin tends to get even oilier in hot, muggy weather. If you live somewhere with high humidity or spend a lot of time in the sun, expect your skin to get extra shiny.
• Genetics: Lucky you! If your parents had oily skin, there’s a good chance you might too.
• Over-washing or using harsh products: Paradoxically, if you strip your skin of its natural oils by over-cleansing or using harsh skincare products, your skin may in turn produce even more oil to compensate for the loss.

Cleansing Without Stripping

Okay, let’s talk about the first step in your oily skin routine: cleansing. Now, it might be tempting to reach for that foaming cleanser that promises to zap oil off your face like it’s a bad ex. But hold up—stripping your skin of its natural oils is not the answer. Over-cleansing or using a cleanser that’s too harsh can actually kick your oil production into overdrive. So, let’s do the opposite and gently cleanse without going overboard.

What to look for:

• Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers: Opt for a hydrating, sulfate-free cleanser that removes dirt and oil without drying you out. Look for ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera, which hydrate your skin while keeping the oil in check.
• Gel-based cleansers: These work great for oily skin because they remove oil without leaving your face feeling tight.
• Avoid harsh scrubs: Exfoliating is important, but physical scrubs with rough particles can irritate your skin and cause more oil production. Stick to gentle exfoliants with chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs (we’ll get to those later).

Pro tip: Double cleanse if you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen. A cleansing oil can break down these products without irritating your skin before you follow up with a gentle gel cleanser.

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin

I know what you're thinking—moisturizer? For oily skin? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Here’s the deal: not moisturizing your skin when you have oily skin can backfire. When you skip the moisturizer, your skin thinks, “Oh, I’m so dry, let me pump out a whole bunch of oil to make up for it.” That’s when the shine becomes unmanageable. So, moisturizer is a must, but not just any moisturizer.

What to look for:

• Oil-free formulas: You don’t want to add more oil to the mix. Look for moisturizers that are specifically labeled as oil-free or non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores).
• Gel-based moisturizers: These are lightweight, refreshing, and perfect for oily skin. Gel moisturizers hydrate without the heavy, greasy feeling.
• Hydrating ingredients: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated without clogging your pores.

Pro tip: Don't skip moisturizer, even if your skin feels greasy. Hydration is key, and the right moisturizer will help keep things balanced.

Targeted Treatments for Breakouts

Let’s face it—oily skin and breakouts tend to go hand in hand. If you’re dealing with acne or congestion, the right targeted treatments are essential. But don’t panic! There are a ton of amazing ingredients that can help you keep those pesky breakouts in check without drying out your skin or making things worse.

What to look for:

• Salicylic acid (BHA): This superstar ingredient is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the pores to clear out excess oil and unclog pores, helping to prevent and treat acne.
• Niacinamide: This ingredient not only helps control oil production but also soothes inflammation and minimizes the appearance of pores.
• Retinol: If you’re dealing with more severe acne or clogged pores, retinol is a great option. It speeds up cell turnover, helping to prevent breakouts and reduce the appearance of scars.

Pro tip: Start slow with actives like salicylic acid and retinol. These ingredients can be strong, so ease them into your routine to avoid irritation.

Daily Routine Tips for Oily Skin

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about your full skincare routine. Oily skin doesn’t require a ton of products—just the right ones. Here’s what your daily routine should look like:

Morning:

• Cleanse: Start with a gentle gel or sulfate-free cleanser to remove excess oil.
• Tone (optional): Use a toner with niacinamide to help balance your skin’s oil production.
• Moisturize: Apply a lightweight or oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• SPF: Never, ever skip sunscreen. Oily skin is still prone to sun damage, and you don’t want to risk it. Choose a mattifying, oil-free sunscreen to control shine throughout the day.

Evening:

• Cleanse: Double cleanse if necessary.
• Exfoliate (2-3 times per week): Use a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
• Treat: Apply a treatment serum with salicylic acid, niacinamide, or retinol (depending on your skin’s needs).
• Moisturize: Apply your gel-based or oil-free moisturizer.

Managing oily skin is all about balance—finding the right products that control oil production without stripping your skin or making it feel dry. With the right cleanser, moisturizer, and targeted treatments, you can keep your shine under control and achieve healthy, glowing skin. Remember, it’s not about eliminating oil; it’s about managing it so that your skin feels fresh, hydrated, and comfortable.

So, if you’ve been feeling like a walking oil slick, don’t despair. With these tips, you can finally give your oily skin the love and care it deserves—without the grease.

Need a personalized routine or more tips? Book a virtual skin consultation, and I'll help you tackle oily skin head-on.