Dealing with oily skin can be frustrating, but it’s totally manageable—and even has its perks!
As a licensed esthetician with over 10 years of experience, I hear about oily skin concerns daily. Whether it’s complaints about greasy foreheads or dealing with breakouts, it’s a common challenge for many of my clients. With oily skin comes frustrating issues like acne, pore congestion, blackheads, cysts, and a lot of unwanted shine.
But here's the good news: oily skin isn’t your enemy. In fact, it’s nature’s built-in moisturizer, which can actually help you age more gracefully than someone who has dry skin.
In this post, I share my step-by-step on how to manage oily skin while preserving its natural benefits, and getting rid of the downsides that you don’t want. Read to the end to get my ultimate list of at-home skincare product recommendations for oily skin.
Do You Have Oily Skin?
If you notice a shiny forehead by midday, or you’re prone to blackheads and breakouts, you likely have oily or combination-oily skin. Oily skin can be genetic and is often linked to ethnicity, so it’s important to understand your skin’s needs rather than fighting against them.
Step 1: Balance, Don’t Strip
The first and most important step to managing oily skin is balance. It’s all about finding the right mix of water and oil. Many people with oily skin try to dry it out with harsh products, which only makes the problem worse. When your skin feels stripped, it sends a signal to your oil glands to produce even more oil—leading to that dreaded shine.
Instead, focus on keeping your skin clean without overdoing it. Look for low-foam gel cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These will cleanse your skin without drying it out.
Step 2: Exfoliate Gently and Consistently
Consistent, gentle exfoliation is key for oily skin. Ingredients like AHA and BHA work wonders for keeping your pores clear and your skin smooth.
Avoid harsh scrubs and witch hazel wipes as they can do more harm than good.
Step 3: Hydration & Oil Regulation Are Essential
Don’t shy away from serums if you have oily skin! Hydration-based serums and sebum-regulating serums are your best friends. Hydrating serums balance your skin without adding congestion, while sebum-regulating serums help control excess oil production. This duo creates an essential balance needed to prevent your skin from experiencing shine or clogged pores.
When choosing a moisturizer, go for lightweight, water-based formulas that won’t clog your pores. And don’t skip the mask! Clay-based masks, used 2-3 times a week, help draw out impurities and control oil.
Step 4: Professional Treatments Make a Difference
Oily skin benefits greatly from professional facials and deep-cleaning treatments. Regular facials help exfoliate, cleanse, and hydrate your skin, keeping it balanced and healthy.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of oily, dehydrated, and shiny skin that feels tight and raw, it might be time to consult with a skincare professional. A personalized skincare routine can make all the difference in managing your skin’s unique needs.
My Top Picks for Oily Skin
Ready to turn a new page on your oily skin? Here are some of my favorite products to help you balance and embrace your skin type:
- Environ’s Sebu Wash Gel Cleanser: This low-foam cleanser contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil to cleanse without drying. Perfect for combination to oily skin types.
- Biologique Recherche Lait SR: A milky cleanser designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970 & Lotion P50: These purifying toners gently exfoliate, balance, and prime the skin. Ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
- Biologique Recherche Serum Extraits Tissuelaires: A must-have hydrating serum that delivers a glass of water to your skin without causing congestion.
- Biologique Recherche Serum Dermopore: This oil-regulating serum is fantastic for those with enlarged pores and oily skin.
- Biologoique Recherche Serum Complex Iribiol: Contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and fight acne.
- Biologique Recherche Biomagic Mask: A clay-based mask that draws out oil and impurities while tightening pores.
- Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant: Perfect for oily skin with breakouts.
- Environ AVST-1 Moisturizer: A vitamin A-based regulating moisturizer that works wonders for oily skin.
- Biologique Recherche Creme Dermopurifiante: Purifies and mattifies, making it excellent for oily, congestion-prone skin.
Embrace Your Skin’s Natural Glow
Managing oily skin doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right routine and products, you can balance your skin and even enjoy the benefits that come with it.
Remember, oil isn’t your enemy—it’s part of what keeps your skin looking youthful. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to healthy, glowing skin that you’ll love.
Want more guidance on how best to care for your skin? Join Anna’s weekly newsletter to get her best skincare tips straight in your inbox.
