Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

A skin care routine for oily skin

Oily skin needs the same basic routine as any other skin type, just with lighter textures. The aim is to clear excess oil without stripping, because skin that is over-cleansed or left without moisturizer can feel even oilier. The best skincare for oily skin is usually short and consistent:

• Cleanse morning and night with the Kojic Acid Foaming Cleanser, a foaming face wash with kojic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide that lifts excess oil and buildup.
• Tone with the Hydrating Toner Mist for light hydration and a fresh feel.
• Add one serum. The CICA Exosomes Face Serum is built around centella asiatica (cica) for skin that feels stressed or irritated.
• Moisturize lightly with the All-in-1 Moisturiser with SPF 30. A coin-sized amount of a non-greasy texture is enough.
• Finish with sunscreen every morning. The Anhydrous Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ dries down matte with no white cast.

Prefer a set? The Hydra Glow Skincare Kit for Oily Skin pairs the cleanser and the toner, and the CICA and Niacinamide Skin Repair Combo pairs a gentle cleanser with the cica serum. Our guide to skincare routine order shows how the steps fit together.

Clogged pores and open pores on face

Pores cannot be closed or removed, because every pore has a job. What can change is how visible they look. Excess oil and dead skin cells can collect in pores and make them look larger, and clogged pores can lead to blackheads and breakouts. Regular, gentle cleansing helps keep them clear, salicylic acid can help clear excess oil from within pores, and niacinamide can help pores look smaller with regular use. Avoid scrubbing hard or squeezing, which can irritate skin and leave marks.

What to avoid with oily, acne-prone skin

• Washing more than twice a day, which can leave skin dehydrated and uncomfortable.
• Skipping moisturizer to control shine.
• Heavy, rich creams meant for very dry skin.
• Picking or squeezing spots, which can leave marks.
• Starting several new active products at once.
• Skipping sunscreen: marks left after breakouts darken in the sun. See which sunscreen is best for oily skin.

If breakouts are frequent, painful or leave scars, see a dermatologist. Skin care supports oily, acne-prone skin, but it does not replace medical treatment for acne. More on cleansing is in our guide to kojic acid face wash.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best skincare for oily skin?

A short, consistent routine with light textures: a foaming face wash, a hydrating toner if you like, one serum, a light moisturizer and a matte sunscreen every morning.

What is a good skin care routine for oily skin?

Cleanse morning and night, tone, apply one serum, moisturize lightly and finish with sunscreen in the morning. Keep it simple and add new products one at a time.

How can I make open pores on my face look smaller?

Pores cannot close permanently, but they can look smaller. Cleanse twice a day, use ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide, moisturize, and wear sunscreen, since sun damage can make pores look larger over time.

What causes clogged pores?

Excess oil and dead skin cells collecting in the pore, sometimes with heavy products or makeup that is not washed off properly. Gentle, regular cleansing helps keep pores clear.

Should oily skin use a moisturizer?

Yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated, which can make it feel oilier. Choose a light, non-greasy moisturizer and use a coin-sized amount.

Which sunscreen suits oily, acne-prone skin?

A matte, fast-absorbing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it in two thin layers and blot rather than wash when you get shiny during the day.