Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: How to Control Shine and Breakouts

When you have combination or oily skin, you always feel as though your face is a bit dirty, not completely clean. It’s not a very nice feeling... Find out which hygiene routines are best and get specific skin care advice.

People with oily skin tend to do overdo things, using products that are far too aggressive in the hope of getting rid of that shiny, oily film that’s really ruining their life. Not a good idea! Even though oily skin is more resistant than most, it still needs to be treated gently.

Remember, it's not untreatable: excess sebum can be controlled and the less pleasant aspects of oily skin can be corrected, as can the imbalances found in combination skin.

Cleansing combination or oily skin

Remember that excess sebum is partly responsible for skin blemishes, spots and blackheads. To avoid acne lesions, combination and oily skin should be cleaned properly twice a day, morning and evening. Choose gentle, soap-free products that do not contain aggressive detergents.

If you have combination skin, try not to use tap water, as it contains high levels of calcium and is too aggressive for dry areas. Micellar water is perfect for getting rid of sebum residue, dead skin, sweat and any traces of pollution that have settled on the epidermis.

A micellar water specially for oily skin will respect the skin’s natural hydrolipidic film, cleansing it without stripping it.

How to remove make-up

Just like those with acne-prone skin, people with combination or oily skin often try to conceal imperfections. Many women with oily skin tend to apply too much foundation or powder to reduce shine, touching up their make-up several times throughout the day. However, if you wear make-up, it’s essential to remove it thoroughly every evening.

Using unsuitable or heavy make-up, and failing to remove it properly, can lead to acne cosmetica - a form of acne triggered by cosmetic products. To keep your skin clear and balanced, use a micellar water formulated for combination or oily skin, ensuring your complexion is perfectly clean and fresh every night.

Don’t use oily cleansers as they might make the problem of excess lipids on the skin worse.

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Scrubs & masks

Oily skin produces excess sebum, gentle exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores that may lead to spots and blackheads. Scrubs and exfoliating treatments work by deep-cleansing the pores, refining skin texture and brightening the complexion, which can often appear dull in people with oily or combination skin. Always rinse with cold water after exfoliating, as this helps to tighten the pores and refresh the skin.

Clay and charcoal masks are also popular choices for absorbing excess oil and purifying the skin. However, it’s important to be cautious with homemade recipes found online the proportions can vary, and some ingredients may irritate sensitive skin. Traditional remedies using astringent plants such as witch hazel or lemon are often mentioned for reducing shine, but their effectiveness is uncertain, and they may cause skin sensitivity.

There is also debate among dermatologists about the use of cleansing brushes on oily skin. Many experts believe they can over-strip the skin and disrupt its natural hydrolipidic film. For combination skin, try multi-masking - applying a purifying mask to oily areas and a moisturising one to drier zones, to keep the complexion balanced and healthy.

Desperately seeking a moisturising, mattifying cream

Combination skin, oily skin, shiny patches, and enlarged pores - these are common concerns, but one essential rule applies to all: both oily and combination skin still need hydration. Moisturising means replenishing the skin with water, not oil. The ideal product for oily skin should provide long-lasting hydration, leave a matte finish, and help smooth uneven skin texture, which often appears dull or rough.

Beyond improving the skin’s appearance, the key goal is to achieve lasting control over excess sebum production. Effective ingredients for oily skin include:

Zinc and Vitamin B6 – known for their sebo-regulating properties
Salicylic Acid – helps to refine pores and smooth the skin through gentle exfoliation
Agaric Acid – offers astringent benefits that help tighten enlarged pores

These active ingredients are commonly found in skincare products designed to target blackheads and other blemishes associated with oily skin.

How to care for combination skin

.Caring for combination skin can be a little more complex. Start by trying products formulated for combination or oily skin and observe how your skin responds. If it begins to feel tight or dry, alternate between two moisturisers - one for oily areas and one for drier zones, to balance your complexion’s needs. You can also adjust how often you exfoliate, focusing scrubs or purifying treatments only on the oily areas to avoid over-drying the rest of your face.