Here is the counterintuitive truth about oily skin: the harsher you are with it, the oilier it gets. Stripping cleansers and aggressive toners signal your skin to pump out even more oil to compensate. The goal is not to eliminate oil — it is to balance it.
Key takeaways
- Avoid harsh, stripping products — they trigger more oil.
- Use a gentle gel cleanser, not foaming washes that leave skin tight.
- Niacinamide helps regulate oil; salicylic acid keeps pores clear.
- Yes, oily skin still needs a lightweight moisturiser.
Why your skin is oily
Oily skin produces excess sebum, often due to genetics, hormones, or humidity. While it comes with frustrations like shine and enlarged-looking pores, there is an upside: oilier skin tends to age more slowly. The aim is gentle regulation, not all-out war.
The balancing routine
1. Gentle gel cleanser
Choose a lightweight gel cleanser that removes excess oil without that tight, stripped feeling. A budget-friendly favourite is the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. Cleanse twice daily, no more, as over-washing backfires.
2. Treat with niacinamide
Niacinamide helps regulate sebum, minimises the look of pores and strengthens the barrier. A serum such as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc is an easy daily addition.
3. Exfoliate with a BHA (2-3x a week)
Salicylic acid (a BHA) is oil-soluble, so it gets inside pores to clear the gunk that causes blackheads. The cult Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid is worth the splurge. Start two nights a week and build up.
4. Lightweight moisturiser + SPF
Finish with a gel-cream moisturiser and, every morning, a non-greasy sunscreen. For textures that will not leave you shiny, see our guide on the best sunscreens for oily and combination skin.
Habits that make a difference
Blotting papers beat re-powdering, pillowcases are worth washing often, and resisting the urge to over-cleanse mid-day all help. Consistency matters more than any single product.