If you have oily skin, you’ve probably spent a lot of time trying to get rid of that shine – frequent washing, skipping moisturiser, and using harsh products that promise to “dry out” the oil. But here’s the thing: most of these habits make your skin produce even MORE oil.
Oily skin isn’t the enemy – it just needs the right balance. The goal isn’t to strip away all the oil but to regulate oil production while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. Let’s break down how to properly manage oily skin without triggering even more oiliness.
1. Stop Skipping Moisturiser!
One of the biggest mistakes people with oily skin make is avoiding moisturiser. The logic seems simple - if your skin is already oily, why add more hydration? But this has the opposite effect.
Why Moisturising Matters:
- When oily skin lacks moisture, it produces even MORE oil to compensate for dehydration.
- Hydrated skin sends a signal to your oil glands that they don’t need to work overtime.
- The right moisturiser helps balance oil production, keeps your skin barrier strong, and prevents breakouts.
What to Use:
- Lightweight, oil-free moisturisers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Gel-based moisturisers instead of heavy creams.
- Moisturisers with niacinamide, help control sebum production while keeping skin hydrated.
2. Cleanse, But Don’t Over-Cleanse
Washing your face too often might seem like a good way to control oil, but over-cleansing strips your skin and triggers it to produce even more oil to compensate.
How to Cleanse Oily Skin the Right Way:
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser designed for oily skin. Harsh foaming cleansers can be too stripping.
- Cleanse twice a day—morning and night. Washing your face multiple times throughout the day can lead to dehydration and more oiliness.
- Avoid rough scrubs and aggressive exfoliants—they can irritate your skin and make oil production worse.
3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated to Control Oil
Dehydration is one of the biggest reasons why oily skin goes into overdrive. If your skin is lacking water, your sebaceous glands will try to make up for it by producing excess oil. Keeping your skin hydrated helps regulate oil production and keeps your skin looking fresh instead of greasy.
How to Keep Oily Skin Hydrated:
- Use a hydrating toner or essence with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
- Look for hydrating serums with niacinamide or green tea extract to balance sebum.
- Drink enough water—internal hydration plays a role in your skin’s oil production too.
4. Use Products That Regulate Oil Production
Instead of trying to "dry out" your skin, focus on ingredients that help balance oil production.
Best Ingredients for Oily Skin:
- Niacinamide – Helps reduce excess oil, calms inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA) – A great exfoliant that unclogs pores and reduces oiliness.
- Clay Masks – Absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin, but don’t overuse them (once or twice a week is enough).
- Green Tea Extract – Helps control sebum and provides antioxidant benefits.
5. Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Many people with oily skin skip sunscreen because they think it will make their skin feel greasy, but skipping SPF is one of the worst things you can do. Sun exposure leads to dehydration, irritation, and inflammation - which can trigger your skin to produce more oil.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen:
- Use a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen.
- Look for gel or fluid formulas that absorb quickly.
- Choose a matte-finish sunscreen if you struggle with shine throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
Oily skin isn’t something you need to "fix"—it’s just about managing it the right way. The key is hydration, balance, and using the right products. Stop over-cleansing, don’t skip moisturizer, and protect your skin with sunscreen. When your skin is properly hydrated and cared for, it naturally produces less oil, leaving you with a healthy, balanced glow instead of excess shine.