If you take a look in the mirror, what do you see? If your answer is shiny, slick-looking skin, you may have an oily skin type. Don’t worry, though – oily skin can be cared for just like any other skin type. It just may require a bit more effort. Below, we’ll break down an ideal skincare routine for oily skin to help you feel better than ever.

As the name implies, oily skin tends to have excess amounts of sebum, a substance that keeps your pores hydrated. Many factors can lead to this skin type, including genetics, environmental influences, and hormones. But no matter its cause, oily skin can come with challenges.

Do’s and Don’ts to Control Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you know the struggles - the constant battle against excess oil and the risk of acne. But it’s not all bad news–  oily skin has its perks too, like fewer wrinkles! Once you learn how to treat your oily skin, you will come to enjoy its unique qualities. 

The Dos

• Wash your face regularly. Every morning, every evening, and after exercising. This helps keep your skin clean and prevent breakouts. 
• Choose “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic” products. These are recommended products for oily skin, as they won’t clog your pores or cause acne. 
• Hydrate daily. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers to keep your skin balanced and hydrated.

A great option for a breathable moisturizer is OffCourt’s Lightweight Facial Hydrator. This skin-friendly and oil-free formula is the perfect choice for hydration that won’t clog pores. Our Hydrator is designed to work with your skin and absorb without leaving a greasy residue, delivering lasting moisture to your skin in seconds.

Light-Weight Facial Hydrator

SHOP NOW $ 14

• Wear sunscreen every day. It’s a must, even on cloudy days. You may want to limit the amount of products you apply to your skin by using a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 
• Remove your shine with blotting papers. If you’re dealing with a very oily face, blotting papers can help to remove the visible oil from the skin. Press, don’t rub, to remove excess oil without spreading it around.

The Don'ts

• Don’t use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. If you have an oily skin type you need gentle, non-comedogenic face washes to regulate sebum production without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
• Don’t forget to cleanse after exercising. Neglecting this step can lead to a buildup of sweat, oil, and dirt, causing breakouts.
• Don’t sleep with your makeup. It can be tempting after a long day but don't skip removing your makeup. Let your skin breathe overnight, and it'll thank you later!
• Don’t touch your face. Your hands carry germs, so keep them away from your skin. Always wash your hands before your face care routine.

The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you need a skincare routine that compensates for extra sebum and deeply cleanses pores. Lightweight products that protect your skin without weighing it down are ideal. You may also need to exfoliate more often to help keep your pores free of dirt and dead skin, which may be trapped by excess oil.

With that said, let’s dive into a skincare routine for oily skin that considers your unique needs.

1. Cleanse in the A.M. and P.M.

First things first. Before you put anything on your skin, make sure it’s clean. 

In the morning, cleansing helps remove oil and dead skin cells that accumulate overnight. You can opt for skin-friendly options like lactic and glycolic acids, which penetrate your pores to remove dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural oils. OffCourt’s Deep Cleansing Body Wash is formulated with these exfoliants for a deep, yet gentle, cleanse that kicks oily body skin to the curb. 

In the evening, you might need a foaming cleanser to clean your pores deeply and remove the day's grime. You can try our Exfoliating Body Soap, which features a medium grit and hydrating shea butter to soothe clean skin. 

2. Use a Toner

After cleansing, a toner can further cleanse pores and open them up to maximize the effects of other oily skin products. Look for toners containing your friends salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid to help balance your oily skin. 

3. Treat Your Skin

Now it’s time to address your concerns with specific oily skin products. If you’re prone to acne, use benzoyl peroxide or sulfur during the day to help curb oil production and prevent breakouts. In the evening, retinol can help keep pores clear and skin glowing. 

4. Moisturize in the A.M. and P.M.

It may seem counterintuitive to include moisturizing in a skincare routine for oily skin, but excess oil doesn’t mean you should skip this step! Your skin needs hydration. This step helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and can prevent your skin from overproducing oil. 

5. Apply SPF

Always protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays with SPF. For most people, an SPF of 20-30+ is usually enough for daily use. Remember to apply at least 15 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun and reapply as directed. Using sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can help prevent acne breakouts while protecting your skin, making it a great addition to your oily skin care routine.

More Oily Skin Routine Tips

A comprehensive skincare routine for oily skin doesn’t stop when you turn off the water – lifestyle choices and habits can significantly alter your skin’s health. Below are some more tips to keep in mind as you work to care for your oily skin.

• Wash bedding regularly. Excess oil can linger on pillowcases and sheets, leaving you prone to breakouts and bacteria.
• Avoid heavy products. Choose oil-free products to avoid clogging your pores and avoid harsh fragrances that might irritate your skin. 

OffCourt’s Lightweight Facial Hydrator is your go-to for oily skin, providing breathable hydration that won’t clog your pores. Its skin-friendly formula absorbs quickly, soothing, and hydrating without leaving a greasy residue. With creatine to energize and firm, prebiotics and vitamin C to smooth and brighten, and a light scent to refresh, it’s clinically tested, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-approved for all skin types.

• Remember to cleanse after exercising. Neglecting this can lead to a buildup of sweat, oil, and dirt, causing you to break out.
• Try mineral sunscreen. Opt for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the skin without increasing oil production.
• See a dermatologist. If you're struggling with severe acne or oily skin that resists all your efforts, you should see a professional. Schedule a visit with a dermatologist to tackle your concerns and find an oily skin treatment.

Final Thoughts

An effective oily skin care routine can be much simpler than anticipated. All you need to worry about is cleansing, hydrating, and protecting. For even better results, gently exfoliate your skin to offset some of the effects of extra oil. No matter what, choose products that are friendly to your skin. 

OffCourt is always here to offer hygiene and self-care products that work with and not against you.

Leave a comment