If your forehead starts reflecting sunlight by 10 a.m., welcome to the oily skin club. I’m not saying we should be proud of it… but hey, at least we’ll never need highlighter, right? Managing oily skin can feel like running a full-time oil factory, but the right plan changes everything.
Over the years, I’ve tested every trick, from blotting papers to green tea masks, and I’ve finally found what works.
This good skincare routine for oily skin is my personal battle plan — loaded with face products for oily skin, some handy acne products for oily skin, and a touch of extra care for anyone needing a dry and oily skin care routine or even a skin care routine for men oily skin.
If shine is your daily struggle, this step-by-step guide might just be your new favorite read.
My go-to oily skin care products:
- Gel-based cleanser – Light, refreshing, no residue.
- Salicylic acid toner – Keeps pores clear.
- Niacinamide serum – Oil control hero.
- Lightweight gel moisturizer – Hydrates without heaviness.
- Oil-free sunscreen – Shine-free SPF protection.
- Mattifying primer – Keeps makeup intact.
- Clay mask – Weekly deep clean.
Morning Routine
1. Morning Gel Cleanse for a Fresh Start
Nothing wakes me up faster than a splash of water and a gel-based cleanser. It lifts away the oil that built up overnight without stripping my skin dry.
The texture feels light and refreshing, which is exactly what I need before tackling the day. Plus, it gives me a clean canvas for all the skincare and makeup steps to follow.
2. Refresh Skin with Lukewarm Water Rinse
I avoid extremes — no boiling hot water and no freezing cold splash. Lukewarm water is perfect because it cleans without shocking my skin.
It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in keeping my face calm and less oily.
3. Tone Gently to Balance Oil Levels
Toner is my quick “wake-up call” for the skin. I usually reach for a salicylic acid toner when I feel congested or a witch hazel toner when I want something soothing.
Either way, it helps keep oil levels under control and preps my skin for the next steps.
4. Apply Niacinamide Serum for Oil Control
If I had to pick one oily skin MVP, it’s niacinamide. A few drops in the morning make my skin less shiny and more even throughout the day. It also plays nicely with sunscreen and moisturizer, so it’s an easy addition to my routine.
5. Use a Lightweight Gel Moisturizer
Skipping moisturizer is a rookie mistake. Oily skin still needs hydration — it’s just about finding the right formula. Gel moisturizers are my go-to because they sink in fast, feel weightless, and don’t add extra shine.
6. Protect Skin with Oil-Free Sunscreen
SPF is non-negotiable, no matter your skin type. I always choose an oil-free formula to avoid that greasy mid-day glow. Bonus points if it’s lightweight and invisible because I want protection, not a white cast.
7. Apply a Mattifying Primer Before Makeup
On makeup days, a mattifying primer is my insurance policy against an afternoon oil slick. It smooths my skin, keeps foundation in place, and buys me hours of shine-free confidence.
8. Blot Away Shine During the Day
Blotting papers are my on-the-go best friends. They fit in my bag, remove excess oil in seconds, and keep my makeup looking fresh without the dreaded cake-up.
Midday Touch-Ups
9. Refresh with a Lightweight Face Mist
By noon, my skin sometimes feels tired, even if it’s not super oily yet. A quick spritz of a lightweight face mist instantly perks it up. I go for formulas that are oil-free and contain soothing ingredients like green tea or aloe.
It’s a mini spa moment in the middle of my day, and yes… it also makes me feel fancy.
10. Use Blotting Papers to Remove Excess Oil
Shine creeping back? No problem. I pull out my trusty blotting papers and gently press them on my T-zone. They work like magic without messing up my makeup, and they’re small enough to carry in even the tiniest purse.
11. Avoid Touching Your Face at Work or School
Easier said than done, but touching your face transfers dirt and oil from your hands to your skin. I’ve trained myself to keep my hands busy with a pen, notebook, or even a cup of tea. My skin has thanked me ever since.
12. Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water
It sounds backwards, but dehydrated skin can produce even more oil. I keep a water bottle at my desk and sip throughout the day. It’s one of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep my skin balanced.
13. Snack on Skin-Friendly Foods
Midday cravings hit hard, but I try to reach for snacks that help my skin instead of hurt it. Cucumbers, almonds, and berries are my go-to picks because they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
14. Avoid Greasy or Sugary Snacks
I’ve noticed that after a day of chips or candy, my skin feels oilier the next morning. It’s not just about weight or diet — my skin reacts to what I eat. Keeping snacks clean makes a visible difference.
15. Reapply Sunscreen If Outdoors
If I’m outside for more than a couple of hours, I always reapply sunscreen. Powder SPF formulas are my favorite because they control shine while giving extra protection.
Evening Routine
16. Double Cleanse to Remove Makeup and Oil
This is my golden rule at night. First, I use an oil cleanser to melt away makeup, SPF, and the day’s grime. Then, I follow up with my gel cleanser to leave my skin squeaky clean but not stripped.
17. Use a Gel-Based Night Cleanser
Even if I’ve been indoors all day, I still wash my face with a gel-based cleanser before bed. It feels light, refreshing, and perfect for oily skin that doesn’t need heavy creams at night.
18. Apply a Gentle Exfoliant (2–3 times a week)
Dead skin and clogged pores are oily skin’s favorite hangouts. I exfoliate a couple of times a week with a gentle product to keep my skin smooth and prevent congestion.
19. Tone with Salicylic Acid or Witch Hazel
This step keeps my pores tight and my skin feeling fresh. I love salicylic acid when I’m feeling breakout-prone and witch hazel when I want a more soothing touch.
20. Use a Lightweight Night Serum
Night serums are my skin’s “repair team.” I pick one that hydrates and balances oil production while I sleep. It’s like giving my skin a night shift crew.
21. Apply Aloe Vera Gel for Overnight Hydration
Aloe vera is cooling, calming, and never greasy. I apply a thin layer before bed and wake up with skin that feels fresh and rested.
22. Use Oil-Free Night Moisturizer
This locks in all my evening skincare steps without feeling heavy. I look for formulas with hyaluronic acid to hydrate without adding shine.
23. Apply Spot Treatment for Blemishes
If a pimple tries to ruin my plans, I dab a little spot treatment on it before bed. Nine times out of ten, it’s smaller by morning.
Weekly & Extra Care
24. Apply a Clay Mask Once a Week
Clay masks are my weekend ritual. They pull out excess oil, help with blackheads, and make my skin feel so clean. I usually do this on Sunday to prep for the week ahead.
25. Use a Green Tea or Charcoal Mask for Oil Control
Green tea soothes my skin and helps with redness, while charcoal goes deep into the pores. I alternate between the two depending on what my skin needs.
26. Steam Face for Deep Cleansing (Once a Week)
A short steam session opens up my pores, making all my products work better. I keep it under 10 minutes so my skin doesn’t get irritated.
27. Wash Pillowcases and Towels Weekly
Clean fabrics = happy skin. I change my pillowcases at least once a week because they can collect oil and bacteria that cause breakouts.
28. Store Skincare in the Fridge for a Cooling Effect
This is my secret summer hack. Chilled products feel refreshing and help reduce puffiness in the morning.
29. Keep Routine Consistent for Best Results
My skin behaves best when I stick to a routine. Constantly switching products can cause more problems than it solves.
30. Avoid Alcohol-Based Skincare Products
These can strip the skin, leading to even more oil production. I steer clear and stick to gentle, balancing formulas instead.
Conclusion
Oily skin isn’t a curse — it’s just a high-maintenance friend that needs consistent care. With these 30 steps, I’ve learned how to manage shine, keep breakouts at bay, and still let my skin breathe.
The key is balance: cleanse without overdoing it, hydrate without heaviness, and treat your skin kindly every single day. Trust me, once you find your rhythm, your skin will thank you.
