Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: Morning and Night Steps
A good skin care routine for oily skin removes excess oil without stripping the skin, keeps pores clear, and still gives the skin the hydration it needs. Stripping oily skin with harsh products often backfires: the skin feels tight and can look oilier.
The steps are simple: a foaming cleanser made for oily skin, a light hydrating toner, a serum, a non-greasy moisturizer, and a matte sunscreen every morning. This skincare routine for oily skin covers morning and night, with a Skinolin product for each step.
Why skin gets oily
Oil (sebum) is made by glands in the skin, and some people simply make more. Genetics, hormones, humid weather and stress all play a part. Oily skin has an upside: it often feels less dry and can show fine lines later. The downside is shine, enlarged-looking pores, blackheads and breakouts.
Oily skin care routine: morning
- Cleanse. Use a foaming cleanser made for oily skin. The Kojic Acid Foaming Cleanser combines kojic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide and rose water to lift excess oil and buildup from pores. Massage it onto damp skin for a minute and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Tone. Mist the Hydrating Toner Mist and pat it in. A light, hydrating toner helps balance oil and moisture, and lemongrass in the formula gives a fresh feel.
- Serum. A lightweight serum such as the Niacinamide Glow Serum adds hydration and niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier and can help refine the look of pores over time.
- Moisturize. Use a thin layer of a light, non-greasy moisturizer such as the All-in-1 Moisturiser with SPF 30. A coin-sized amount is enough.
- Sunscreen. Finish with a matte, lightweight sunscreen. The Anhydrous Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ goes on with a matte finish and no greasy residue. Apply and reapply as directed on the label. Our guide to sunscreen for oily skin explains what to look for.
Oily skin care routine: night
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup and the day's oil. If you wear heavy makeup, cleanse twice.
- Tone with the hydrating mist.
- Serum. The same light serum, or a calming one if your skin feels irritated.
- Moisturize with a thin layer.
The Hydra glow skincare kit for oily skin brings the Kojic Acid Foaming Cleanser and the Hydrating Toner Mist together. See every product for this skin type in the Oily and Acne-Prone Skin collection.
Skin care steps for oily skin, once or twice a week
- Gentle exfoliation helps keep pores clear. Do not scrub hard, and do not exfoliate on the same day as other strong products.
- A clay mask on the oiliest areas can absorb excess oil for a few hours.
Habits that help oily skin
- Do not over-wash. Twice a day is enough. Washing more can leave skin tight and dehydrated.
- Blot instead of washing during the day.
- Do not skip moisturizer. Dehydrated oily skin can look oilier.
- Choose non-greasy makeup and sunscreen.
- Keep hands off your face, and change pillowcases often.
- Do not squeeze spots. It can leave marks. See our guide to whiteheads and blackheads.
If you also get breakouts
Oily skin is often acne-prone. Keep the routine gentle and steady, and avoid layering several strong products to "dry out" spots, which can irritate the skin. If breakouts are painful, deep, leave scars or do not improve, see a dermatologist. For pores, read open pores: why they show and what helps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best skin care routine for oily skin?
A foaming cleanser made for oily skin, a light hydrating toner, a lightweight serum, a thin layer of non-greasy moisturizer, and a matte sunscreen every morning. At night, repeat without sunscreen.
How many times a day should I wash oily skin?
Twice: morning and night, and after heavy sweating. Washing more often can leave skin dehydrated.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. A light, non-greasy moisturizer keeps oily skin comfortable and helps prevent dehydration.
Which face wash is good for oily skin?
A foaming cleanser made for oily skin that cleans without leaving skin tight. Salicylic acid helps clear oil from pores; niacinamide supports the skin barrier.
Is toner good for oily skin?
A light, hydrating toner is good for oily skin. Avoid harsh, alcohol-heavy astringents, which can leave skin dehydrated.
Which sunscreen is best for oily skin?
A lightweight, matte, non-greasy sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. If your skin is very oily, apply it in two thin layers and let it set.
Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Yes. Oily skin can be short of water, which can make it feel tight and look dull. Add a light hydrating step and avoid harsh cleansers.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that suits oily skin. It supports the skin barrier and can help refine the look of pores over time. Results vary.
The short version
For oily skin: cleanse twice a day with a foaming cleanser made for oily skin, mist a light hydrating toner, apply a lightweight serum and a thin layer of non-greasy moisturizer, and finish every morning with a matte sunscreen. Do not over-wash or skip moisturizer, and keep exfoliation gentle.
Sources and further reading
Further reading from dermatology organizations and published research:
