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The Best Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin: Top Tips & Tricks
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 taken care of just like any other skin type, though it may require a bit more effort. Below, we’ll break down an ideal skincare routine for oily skin to help you get started. We’ll also share important tips to help take your oily skin routine to the next level.
The Basics of Skin Care for Oily Skin
As the name implies, oily skin tends to have excess amounts of sebum, the oily substance your body produces to keep pores hydrated. Many factors can lead to oily skin, including genetics, environmental influences, and hormones. But no matter its cause, oily skin can come with challenges.
You might have oily skin if you:
- Have a shiny complexion that may get shinier throughout the day
- Notice enlarged pores, especially in the “T-zone” area
- Are prone to acne on the face and body
- Find that cosmetics and other products tend to slide off your skin
If your skin is oily, you need a 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 than others 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 morning and nighttime skincare routine for oily skin that considers your skin’s unique needs.
An Ideal Morning Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
How you approach your morning oily skin routine can set the tone for the rest of your day. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can keep things simple or get extra help for keeping oil to a minimum as the day progresses.
1. Cleanse
Before you put anything on your face, make sure it’s clean. Experts recommend sticking to a gentle cleanser that breaks up dirt without stripping your skin. Steer clear of cleansers formulated with oil, too, as these can irritate the skin or clog your pores.
2. Tone (Optional)
For many, a quality toner is a vital part of any oily skin care routine. Toner can help further cleanse pores and open them up to maximize the effects of other products. Some toners are formulated with ingredients that can help control oil levels, too.
3. Apply Serums or Products (Optional)
If you have products like serums or creams that you apply to your skin, now is the time to do so. Avoiding active ingredients in the morning is generally best because many increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun damage. However, some serums and products can still be used safely in the A.M.
Step up your serum game with OffCourt’s Lightweight Facial Hydrator. Our formula allows you to combine oil-fighting ingredients with moisturizing essentials to simultaneously treat and moisturize your skin. It features active ingredients like vitamin C as well as prebiotics and creatine to plump the skin, encourage the growth of healthy bacteria, and brighten your complexion.
4. Moisturize
It may seem counterintuitive to include moisturizing in a skincare routine for oily skin, but excess oil doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need hydration. Plus, you’ll wash away a good portion of your skin’s oil during cleansing.
Help keep oil levels balanced by opting for a breathable moisturizer like 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 absorbs without leaving a greasy residue, delivering lasting moisture to your skin in seconds.
Light-Weight Facial Hydrator
5. Apply SPF
Always protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with an appropriate-strength SPF. For most people, an SPF of 30-50+ is usually sufficient. Apply at least 15 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun and reapply as directed.
A Soothing Oily Skin Care Routine for Nighttime
The evening is likely when you’ll need a slightly more rigorous oily skin care routine. That’s because excess sebum and dirt can build up during the day far more than they might at night. Your nighttime routine will likely look similar to what you use in the morning with a few minor changes.
1. Cleanse
Use your gentle cleanser to wash away impurities from the day. Some people find it helpful to include multiple cleansers in a skin care routine for oily skin and use different products for different needs.
You might, for instance, feel like you need a cleanser that foams up to deeply scrub the day’s grime from your pores at night and opt for something creamier in the morning.
2. Tone (Optional)
If you haven’t toned already, the evening might be the best time to do it. Some people can tolerate using a toner twice a day or more; it all comes down to the product you use and your skin’s sensitivity.
3. Gently Exfoliate
Gentle exfoliants can help remove oil from deep in your skin and unclog pores. For many, exfoliating is a vital part of skin care for oily skin. You can opt for skin-friendly options like lactic and glycolic acids, which penetrate 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. Another option is our Exfoliating Body Soap, which features a medium grit and hydrating shea butter to soothe clean skin.
Since many exfoliators increase your risk of sun damage, it’s usually best to use them at night. Once you’ve applied as instructed, you’re ready to move on to the end of your routine.
Deep Cleansing Body Wash - Coconut Water + Sandalwood
Exfoliating Body Soap - Fig Leaves + White Musk
4. Moisturize Liberally
Nighttime is healing time, so make sure you give your skin what it needs to thrive. Apply a moisturizer and thoroughly massage it into your skin to promote blood flow and ensure you don’t leave any surfaces untouched.
More Oily Skin Routine Tips
A comprehensive skin care 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 pores and avoid harsh fragrances that might irritate your skin.
- Try Blotting Sheets. Excess oil can be removed safely during the day with the help of blotting sheets. Gently dab your skin and allow the sheet to absorb oil for a few seconds before disposing of it. Avoid rubbing oil off your skin to limit irritation.
- Visit a Dermatologist. Severe acne or oily skin that seems to resist all your efforts may be best addressed by a professional. Check in with a dermatologist to address any specific concerns and to learn how to best approach your skin’s needs.
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, though, choose products that are friendly to your skin. OffCourt is always here to offer hygiene and self-care products that won’t work against you.