Updated

Oily skin

Oily skin: the routine that works

Oily skin makes more sebum than average, so it looks shiny, especially across the forehead, nose and chin, and is more prone to enlarged pores and breakouts. A gentle foaming cleanser, a lightweight gel moisturizer, salicylic acid or niacinamide, and an oil-free sunscreen keep it balanced without stripping it.

Download on the App Store

4.4 ★ from 1,100+ App Store ratings

Skincare routine

Skincare routine for oily skin

Morning

  1. 1Gentle foaming cleanser
  2. 2Oil-free toner with salicylic acid (optional)
  3. 3Lightweight gel moisturizer
  4. 4Oil-free sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher

Evening

  1. 1Double cleanse: an oil cleanser, then a foaming cleanser
  2. 2Exfoliate with a BHA two or three times a week
  3. 3Niacinamide serum
  4. 4Light moisturizer

Key ingredients

Salicylic acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble, so it gets into pores and helps keep them clear.
Niacinamide
Helps regulate the look of oil and pores and is gentle enough for daily use.
Green tea extract
A soothing antioxidant often used in oil-control formulas.
Hyaluronic acid
Hydrates without oil, so skin does not overcompensate.

Makeup

Makeup tips for oily skin

  • Prep and prime

    • Use an oil-control or mattifying primer on the T-zone.
    • Give primer two or three minutes to set before foundation.

  • Foundation

    • Choose oil-free, matte or long-wear formulas.
    • Powder foundations can give extra control.

  • Application

    • Press and roll with a damp sponge rather than wiping.
    • Build coverage in thin layers.

  • Setting

    • Set with translucent powder, and bake only the oiliest areas.
    • Finish with a setting spray made for oily skin.

  • Touch-ups

    • Blot first, then use pressed powder.
    • Avoid adding more foundation during the day.

General skincare information, not medical advice. Patch test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent or worrying skin concerns.

How do you know if you have oily skin?

Your face looks shiny within a couple of hours of washing. Pores look larger, especially on the nose and cheeks. Makeup slides or separates during the day. Blotting paper picks up oil from your whole face, not only the T-zone.

Questions

Questions people ask

Should oily skin still use moisturizer?

Yes. Skipping moisturizer can leave skin dehydrated, and dehydrated skin can look oilier. A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer hydrates without adding shine.

What is the best cleanser for oily skin?

A gentle foaming or gel cleanser used twice a day. Harsh, stripping cleansers can irritate skin and make it feel tight without reducing oil over time.

Does oily skin age better?

Oily skin tends to feel less dry as it ages, but sun exposure is the biggest factor in visible aging for every skin type, so daily sunscreen matters more than skin type.

Keep exploring

Your skin, your routine

Beautify shows your skin type with a morning and evening routine, plus a skin quality score and seven more beauty scores.

Download on the App Store

4.4 ★ from 1,100+ ratings on the App Store