How to control oily skin
How to control oily skin
If you have oily skin, the right skin care routine can help reduce shine and breakouts. Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to control oily skin.
For more tips on how to help reduce the oil, follow the do's and don'ts below from dermatologists.
10 do's and don’ts from dermatologists
Although oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne breakouts, oily skin also has many benefits. Oil helps preserve the skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture.
To help control oily skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
DO cleanse your face up to twice daily and after sweating. While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin, even to remove makeup. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.
DO choose skin care products that are labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.” This means that products that have these labels — including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup — won’t clog your pores or cause acne. Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but they may be too harsh for your skin. Stop using the product, or use it less often, if your skin becomes irritated.
DO use a gentle, foaming face wash. Many people believe that they need to use a strong face wash for oily skin in order to dry out their skin. However, using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production. Instead, look for a mild, gentle face wash.
DON’T use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. These can irritate your skin.
DO apply moisturizer after cleansing. Although you have oily skin, it is still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. To save time and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, look for a moisturizer that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
DO wear sunscreen outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. To prevent acne breakouts, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and do not use sunscreens that contain fragrance or oils. Seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat, for additional protection.
DO choose oil-free, water-based makeup. If you wear makeup, products labeled "matte" can help reduce shine from oily skin.
DON’T sleep in your makeup. Always remove all makeup before going to sleep.
DO use blotting papers throughout the day. Gently press the paper against your face and leave it on for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Don’t rub the paper on your face, as this will spread the oil to other areas.
DON’T touch your face throughout the day. Although it’s tempting to touch your face, doing so can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing, or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.
Every person’s skin is different, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to skin care. If you are concerned about the amount of oil your skin is producing or if you’re struggling with blackheads or acne, partner with a board-certified dermatologist.
Written by:
Brooke Schleehauf
Reviewed by:
Ata Moshiri, MD, MPH, FAAD
Roopal Vashi Kundu, MD, FAAD
William Warren Kwan, MD, FAAD
Sanna Ronkainen, MD, FAAD
Omolara Olowoyeye, MD, FAAD
Desmond Shipp, MD, FAAD
Darrell S. Rigel, MD, FAAD
Last updated: 9/3/24