Oily skin can be both a blessing and a challenge. While people with oily skin tend to experience fewer wrinkles and signs of aging, they often struggle with excess shine, clogged pores, and breakouts. The key to managing oily skin is balance—you need to control oil production without stripping your skin of moisture.
An effective skincare routine tailored for oily skin can reduce shine, minimize breakouts, and keep your skin looking fresh all day. In this guide, we’ll break down the best skincare routine for oily skin, featuring trusted brands like Aestura and Sensoo Skincare to help you achieve a clear, matte, and healthy complexion.
Understanding Oily Skin: Why Does It Happen?
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (oil). While sebum helps keep the skin hydrated, too much of it can lead to:
✔ Shiny skin
✔ Clogged pores
✔ Frequent breakouts and acne
✔ Enlarged pores
Common Causes of Oily Skin
- Genetics: If your parents have oily skin, you’re likely to have it too.
- Hormonal Changes: Puberty, menstruation, and stress can increase oil production.
- Overwashing: Using harsh cleansers can strip your skin, triggering more oil production.
- Wrong Skincare Products: Heavy creams and alcohol-based products can worsen oiliness.
With the right skincare routine, you can control shine and breakouts while keeping your skin healthy.
Step 1: Cleansing – Removing Excess Oil Without Stripping
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, especially for oily skin. The goal is to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without over-drying the skin.
Morning Routine
- Use a gentle, gel-based or foaming cleanser to wash away excess sebum.
- Look for salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or niacinamide, which help control oil.
Evening Routine
- Double cleanse to remove makeup and sunscreen properly.
- Start with an oil-based cleanser (like Aestura Gentle Cleansing Oil) to break down excess sebum and impurities.
- Follow up with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly clean your pores.
Pro Tip: Avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based cleansers—they can irritate your skin and increase oil production.
Step 2: Toning – Balancing Oil Production
Toners are essential for oily skin because they help remove leftover dirt, tighten pores, and regulate oil levels.
Best Toner Ingredients for Oily Skin
✔ Witch Hazel – Controls oil and tightens pores.
✔ Niacinamide – Reduces redness and balances sebum production.
✔ Salicylic Acid – Helps prevent acne and unclogs pores.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops onto a cotton pad and swipe over the face.
- If using a hydrating toner, gently pat it into the skin.
Pro Tip: Sensoo Skincare’s Hydrating Essence is a great lightweight option that keeps oily skin balanced without clogging pores.
Step 3: Serums – Targeting Acne & Shine
Serums contain concentrated ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, making them perfect for targeting oily skin concerns like breakouts and large pores.
Best Serums for Oily Skin
✔ Niacinamide (Morning & Night) – Controls oil and reduces pore size.
✔ Salicylic Acid (Night Only) – Clears acne and prevents clogged pores.
✔ Hyaluronic Acid (Morning & Night) – Hydrates without adding extra oil.
How to Use:
- Apply 2-3 drops of serum after toner.
- Wait 30-60 seconds before applying your next product.
Pro Tip: Avoid thick, oil-based serums, as they can feel heavy and greasy.
Step 4: Moisturizing – Hydration Without Greasiness
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, thinking it will make them shinier. However, not moisturizing can cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate for dehydration.
Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin
✔ Lightweight, gel-based formulas
✔ Oil-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
✔ Ingredients like green tea, hyaluronic acid, or Centella Asiatica
One excellent option is the Aestura Essential Comfort Balancing Emulsion, which hydrates the skin while keeping oil production in check.
How to Apply:
- Use a pea-sized amount and massage it gently into the skin.
- Choose a lightweight gel for the day and a slightly richer moisturizer at night.
Pro Tip: Sensoo Skincare’s Hydrating Moisturizer is another great choice for lightweight, non-greasy hydration.
Step 5: Sunscreen – The Most Important Step!
Many sunscreens feel greasy, which is why people with oily skin tend to avoid them. However, not wearing sunscreen leads to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin
✔ Gel-based or matte finish formulas
✔ Oil-free and lightweight
✔ SPF 30 or higher
How to Apply:
- Use a nickel-sized amount and spread evenly over the face.
- If using makeup, wait a few minutes before applying foundation.
Pro Tip: Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide a matte finish without clogging pores.
Weekly Treatments: Exfoliation & Clay Masks
Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and excess oil, helping to keep pores clear.
Best exfoliants for oily skin:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA) – Penetrates deep into pores to remove oil buildup.
- Glycolic Acid (AHA) – Helps smooth skin texture.
Clay Masks (Once a week)
Clay masks help absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin. Look for masks with:
✔ Kaolin Clay – Gently absorbs oil without irritation.
✔ Bentonite Clay – Deep-cleans pores and reduces breakouts.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-exfoliate! It can make your skin produce even more oil.
Conclusion – The Key to Controlling Oily Skin
Managing oily skin is all about balance—removing excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.
The best routine for oily skin includes:
✔ A gentle, oil-controlling cleanser (like Aestura Gentle Cleansing Oil)
✔ A balancing toner with niacinamide or witch hazel
✔ A lightweight serum to target acne and shine
✔ A gel-based, oil-free moisturizer (like Sensoo Skincare’s Hydrating Moisturizer)
✔ A mattifying sunscreen for daily protection
✔ Weekly exfoliation & clay masks to deep clean pores
By following these steps consistently, you’ll reduce breakouts, minimize shine, and achieve a clear, healthy complexion.
