In-Depth Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Oily skin requires a skincare routine that controls excess sebum production while still providing the necessary hydration and care to keep your skin balanced and clear. This routine, using mid-range products available in the UK, helps target oiliness, prevent breakouts, and maintain smooth, matte skin.
1. Cleanse with a Gel or Foaming Cleanser (AM & PM)
The first step is always cleansing. A gentle yet effective gel or foaming cleanser will remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin.
Recommended Product:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel – This gentle foaming gel is formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. It removes excess oil while maintaining the skin’s natural balance, with soothing ingredients like glycerin.
How to Use:
Apply a small amount of the gel to damp skin.
Massage gently in circular motions to remove impurities.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Use twice a day, in the morning and evening.
2. Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores and removes dead skin cells that can contribute to excess oil. For oily skin, opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid, which can penetrate pores and reduce oil build-up.
Recommended Product:
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – This exfoliant contains salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores, reduce oil, and improve skin texture without over-drying.
How to Use:
After cleansing, apply a small amount of exfoliant to a cotton pad.
Gently swipe across your face, avoiding the eye area.
Use 2–3 times per week in the evening, and follow with a moisturizer.
If you have sensitive skin, start with once a week and gradually increase.
3. Toner (AM & PM)
A toner helps balance your skin’s pH, refines pores, and can help control oil production. Look for a toner with ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or salicylic acid, which can help with oil control and prevent breakouts.
Recommended Product:
Pixi Glow Tonic – This alcohol-free toner contains glycolic acid (AHA) for gentle exfoliation, along with aloe vera to soothe the skin. It helps to reduce oiliness and refine pores, giving the skin a fresh glow.
How to Use:
After cleansing (or exfoliating), apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad.
Gently swipe the toner across your face, focusing on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) where oil tends to accumulate.
Let it absorb for a few seconds before applying the next step.
4. Apply a Serum (AM & PM)
Serums provide concentrated treatment for specific skin concerns. For oily skin, look for a lightweight serum that helps regulate oil production while providing hydration and calming inflammation.
Recommended Product:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pores, control oil production, and calm any redness or inflammation. Zinc balances oil production and has a mattifying effect on the skin.
How to Use:
After toning, apply 2–3 drops of serum to your face and neck.
Gently pat the serum into your skin using your fingertips, focusing on areas prone to excess oil or breakouts, such as the T-zone.
Let the serum absorb before moving on to the next step.
5. Moisturize with an Oil-Free, Lightweight Moisturizer (AM & PM)
Even oily skin needs moisture, but it’s important to choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for a gel-based or water-based moisturizer to prevent shine.
Recommended Product:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – This oil-free moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. It’s perfect for oily skin that still needs moisture.
How to Use:
After applying your serum, use a small amount of moisturizer (a pea-sized amount) and gently massage it into your face and neck.
Use upward motions to prevent tugging at your skin.
This will help lock in moisture without contributing to excess oil production.
6. Apply Sunscreen (AM)
Daily sun protection is essential, even for oily skin. Choose a lightweight, mattifying sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores or adding extra shine.
Recommended Product:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream SPF 50 – This sunscreen is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It provides high UVA/UVB protection while offering a mattifying finish that controls oil throughout the day.
How to Use:
After applying your moisturizer, apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck.
Be sure to apply it 15–20 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors.
7. Clay Mask (Once a Week)
A weekly mask can help absorb excess oil, reduce the appearance of pores, and detoxify the skin. Clay masks are particularly great for oily skin as they deeply cleanse and balance oil production.
Recommended Product:
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – This mask uses activated charcoal and clay to draw out impurities, dirt, and excess oil from the skin, leaving it refreshed and balanced.
How to Use:
Apply a thin layer of the mask to clean, dry skin.
Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Follow with the rest of your routine, including your serum and moisturizer.
Additional Tips for Oily Skin:
Don’t Over-Cleanse: Cleansing too frequently can strip your skin and cause it to produce even more oil. Stick to cleansing twice a day.
Use Oil-Free Makeup: Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup products to prevent clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent transferring oil and bacteria from your hands to your skin.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain balanced skin hydration.
By following this routine with mid-range products available in the UK, you can effectively manage your oily skin, reduce shine, and keep breakouts at bay. These products will help balance oil production while keeping your skin healthy, smooth, and clear.