How to Create the Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Oily skin is often shrouded in misconceptions and stereotypes. Many people with oily skin or those who sometimes get oily in certain areas can see it as negative or challenging to manage at times.

However, it’s important to dispel the myth that oily skin equals bad skin because that’s not true at all. 

All skin types have different qualities, and oily skin is no different. It’s all about finding ways to work with it rather than against it. 

 

In fact, having oily skin can sometimes be a real advantage. It can mean that your skin looks nourished and fine lines (if you have any) are often less noticeable. 

Embracing your oily skin and learning how to care for it via your skincare routine will help you feel more in control and empowered. 

So, let’s get started by learning more about oily skin and what the best products are to add to your skincare routine.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin happens when sebaceous glands get overstimulated, which leads to increased oil production. When this happens, it can make the skin look shiny. This can cause clogged pores, which sometimes lead to breakouts.

Technically, there’s a difference between your skin being oily and having an oily skin type.

Sometimes, the skin can become temporarily oily due to the weather, fluctuations in hormones – even stress can play a part.

Having an oily skin type, however, is more of a 24/7 thing, which can be made oilier by any or all the above.

Combination skin has some things in common with oily skin (like a shiny T-zone), but the difference is that it can often be dry in other areas.

One of the classic tests to see if you might have an oily skin type is to gently wash your face, wait half an hour and then dab with blotting paper to see if your skin is producing oil already.

Some signs you have an oily skin type include:

• Skin that looks shiny and feels oily to the touch in general, not just in a few areas
• Enlarged, open-looking pores
• Being prone to breakouts, potentially on your body as well as your face

 

What condition causes oily skin?

There are a few reasons that you could have oily skin, so knowing what could be behind it will help you work out how to get the best out of it.

Often, it could be a combination of a few factors and for many people, it is simply the skin they were born with.

Some of the main reasons include:

Genetics: You might have inherited an oily skin type.

Hormones: Hormone imbalances can play a significant role in excess oil production.

Chemicals: Certain harsh ingredients in skincare products can kick your oil glands into overdrive.

Weather: Humidity and summer sun can accelerate oil production, which is the last thing you need when you’re on holiday.

Is it possible for oily skin to look dull?

Surprisingly, yes it can happen. Whilst oily skin has the advantage that it tends not to look dry, environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light can still leave you looking less radiant than you’d like to.

How do you balance oily skin?

Keeping oily skin in check can depend on what’s causing it to be oily in the first place.

If a hormonal imbalance is at play, you might need to speak with your doctor. If you’ve noticed it’s become oilier since using a new product, it could be time to switch it out for something that works better for you.

Overall, though, oily skin is often here to stay. So, a lot of the time, you’ll be better off working on ways to regulate your oil production and keep moisture levels topped up rather than trying to banish it completely.

That’s why we believe consistently using the right skincare is so helpful to keep it in check.

 

What are some good skincare ingredients for oily skin?

If you’re wondering how to control oily skin, certain natural ingredients can help. Which is why we’ve enriched our Daily Skin Detox™ range with them...

• Witch Hazel can be helpful in balancing oily skin – it’s a natural toner that can help tighten pores
• Zinc can help regulate the activity of the oil glands
• Thyme contains a natural antimicrobial called Thymol that can help protect your skin from environmental stressors

What’s the perfect active for oily skin?

Along with the key ingredients we just mentioned above, one active we’d recommend is Niacinamide. Also known as Vitamin B3, this multi-benefit booster can help you regulate oil production. Plus, it supports skin barrier function, which plays an important role in preventing your skin from drying out – one of the major factors in the overproduction of oil to begin with.

Like all our products, the 10% Vitamin B3 Niacinamide Booster Serum is dermatologically tested, has no harsh chemicals and is free from alcohol, mineral oils, colour and perfume. So, it’s the perfect way to give Niacinamide a try if you’re curious.

Use it twice a day and remember that it can take time for actives like Niacinamide to start to show results, but we think you’ll be completely converted once you do. 

 

What skincare routine is best for oily skin?

The best skincare routine for oily skin reduces oil and keeps pores clearer while maintaining hydration levels. When skin is irritated and stripped of moisture, it can cause it to produce more oil. 

So, as tempting as it is to skip the face cream when you’re feeling super shiny, doing so can create a bit of a vicious cycle. Here are our go-to oily skin products to help avoid that and how to use them...

Your daily skincare steps

1. If you have oily skin, getting into a great cleansing routine with a product that works for your skin type is the most important step.

Wash your face with our Daily Skin Detox™ Purifying Facial Wash to gently help get rid of any remaining impurities or excess oil, leaving your skin feeling balanced and purified.

Top tip: If you’re on the go, heading to the gym or travelling, then don’t forget to pack our Daily Skin Detox™ Biodegradable Matte & Clear Wipes for a convenient way to help remove make-up, oil and dirt in one easy swipe.

2. Once your skin has dried a little, apply 2-3 drops of 10% Vitamin B3 Niacinamide Booster Serum and gently pat onto the skin.

3. Remember, oily skin needs moisturiser just as much as any other skin type. Especially because it tends to overproduce oil in response to not being hydrated enough!

Using a light face cream for oily skin will keep your face feeling fresh and nourished without being too heavy. We like to use something like our bestselling Kind to Skin™ Hydrating Light Moisturiser which instantly doubles hydration.

If you’re looking for a moisturiser with added SPF for during the day, our Kind to Skin™ Light Protecting Moisturiser is also a great choice.

Whichever formula you go for, just take a small amount and apply it gently and allow to sink in.

 

Your weekly skincare steps

You can give your skin a deep clean a couple of times a week with our Daily Skin Detox™ Clear Pore Scrub, enriched with 5% Witch Hazel, Zinc and Bamboo micro-exfoliators that help buff away dead skin cells and gently keep pores clear.

Apply a little in a circular motion and rinse away before patting your skin dry with a cloth or towel.

Our Daily Skin Detox™ Charcoal Purifying Sheet Mask is another great way to reset your skin (and carve out some much-needed time for self-care).

Made from 100% Natural Fibres and enriched with purifying Bamboo Charcoal, this sheet mask gets to work in just 15 minutes. Just pop it on and peel it off when you’re done.

Feeling more confident about managing oily skin?

Great, we hope this has helped you learn more about your skin and the best skincare products to help keep it balanced. You can read up on more skin advice here

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