Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routine for Oily Skin That Actually Works

If your face looks like an oil-slick by noon and you're constantly battling breakouts and enlarged pores, you're not alone. Oily skin is extremely common, and while it has some advantages (like fewer wrinkles in the long run), it often brings along clogged pores, acne, and persistent shine.

As a dermatologist, I can tell you: the solution isn’t to strip away all the oil from your face. In fact, doing so can make your skin even oilier. The key lies in a balanced, consistent skincare routine that regulates sebum production, keeps pores clear, and maintains your skin’s barrier.

Here’s a simple yet effective AM and PM routine for oily skin, with ingredients and practices that truly work.

Also read: 5 Dermatologist-Approved Tips to Prevent Post-Workout Acne

🌞 Morning Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanser – Start Fresh

Use a gentle, foaming cleanser that removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or tea tree oil.

✅ Pro Tip: Cleanse for no more than 60 seconds. Overwashing can dry out your skin and trigger more oil production.

2. Toner (Optional but Helpful)

A balancing toner can refine pores and remove any leftover residue. Choose alcohol-free formulas with ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, or PHA.

✅ Helps prep the skin and regulate oil without over-drying.

3. Serum – Target Your Concerns

Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum. For oily skin, I recommend:

1. Niacinamide (controls oil & minimizes pores)
2. Zinc (soothes inflammation)
3. Salicylic acid (clears pores)

✅ Keep serums hydrating but oil-free to avoid pore blockage.

4. Moisturizer – Yes, You Still Need It

Skipping moisturizer is a big mistake. Oily skin needs hydration too—but the right kind. Look for gel-based or water-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

✅ Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas are your best friend.

5. Sunscreen – Always, No Matter What

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choose a matte-finish SPF 30 or higher that’s lightweight and oil-free.

✅ Look for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or chemical SPFs labeled “non-comedogenic.”

🌙 Night Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Double Cleanse (If Wearing Sunscreen/Makeup)

Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, then follow up with your foaming cleanser. This ensures all makeup, SPF, and pollutants are thoroughly removed.

2. Treatment Serum

Night is the time for treatments:

1. Retinoids (for acne & anti-aging)
2. Salicylic acid/BHA (exfoliates & clears pores)
3. Azelaic acid (calms and treats breakouts)

✅ Use only 1 active treatment per night to avoid irritation.

3. Lightweight Moisturizer

Even at night, your skin needs hydration. Apply a light gel moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier while you sleep.

🔁 Weekly Add-Ons for Oily Skin

1. Exfoliate 1–2x a week with a gentle BHA or clay mask.
2. Use a detoxifying mask (like charcoal or sulfur) to draw out impurities.
3. Blotting papers or mattifying primers can be used throughout the day for shine control.

Also read: Top 5 Skin-Friendly Acids for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin – Dermatologist’s Guide

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overwashing or using harsh cleansers
2. Skipping moisturizer
3. Using pore-clogging makeup
4. Not removing sunscreen properly
5. Overusing too many actives at once

🧴 Final Thoughts

Oily skin doesn’t mean you have to live with constant breakouts and greasy shine. With the right products, consistency, and expert-backed steps, your skin can become balanced, clearer, and healthier.

Remember, managing oily skin isn’t about removing all the oil—it’s about controlling excess without damaging your skin’s protective barrier.