© Getty / Jonathan Knowles The best treatments for oily skin from the expertsCreating the perfect treatment for oily skin is easy with the help of experts.
Once you know the causes of oily skin, you can find the best products for oily skin.
There are facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers and more specially formulated for people with oily skin.
Creating the perfect skincare routine for your skin type is a bit like searching for Prince Charming looking for Cinderella with just a glass slipper: it feels like there's nothing you can do, which means a lot of trial and error. Fortunately, once you find your match, you will live happily ever after. It also applies to oily skin.
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production and is often, but not always, prone to breakouts. Overproduction of oil usually occurs in, but is not limited to, the T-zone. The plethora of skincare products for oily and acne-prone skin on the market can be a daunting task, but there are a few basics that everyone needs in their regimen: cleansers, treatments and moisturizers (plus sunscreen for the morning).
If you're wondering how to get rid of oily skin, reducing oil and preventing acne are two common goals. This can be done by choosing the right texture and materials. "Oily skin types should use non-comedogenic products and limit the use of heavy oils," celebrity esthetician Shani Darden previously told PopSugar.
Read on to learn more about building your oily skin routine with expert advice from Darden.
Oily skin care
Step 1: Cleanse your face with a cleanser for oily skin
All great beauty treatments start with a cleanser. For a good cleanser for oily skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These are two powerful acne-fighting exfoliating ingredients that help unclog pores, dissolve excess sebum, and prevent new breakouts. You'll also want to include hydrating and repairing ingredients in your cleanser for oily skin so that the skin doesn't lose much-needed moisture.
Some of our favorites: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanse ($14), Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanse ($35), Cetaphil Gentle Clear Face-clearing BPO Acne Cleanse ($12), Comfort Zone Active Pureness Gel ($41), and Neutrogena Oil-Acid. Free Salicylate Acne Cleanser ($10).
Step 2: Treatment for oily skin
A common mistake people with oily skin make is overdosing on active ingredients. For example, using too many products with salicylic acid can dry out the skin, which can compensate for the dryness by causing the skin to produce more sebum, a vicious cycle. Instead of using a strong acne-fighting serum or cream, try choosing a moisturizer to repair your skin and then treat your acne individually. You can also apply toner after cleansing. The best toners for oily skin usually contain AHAs or BHAs to dissolve oil and moisturizing ingredients to restore moisture to the skin.
Some of our favorites: Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intense Hydration Serum ($48), PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Enhancement Serum ($120), L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensive Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum ($26), and Fresh Tea Elixir Firming Serum. ($80).
Step 3: Moisturize with a moisturizer for oily skin
It's a myth that people with oily skin don't need to use moisturizer; It is important to keep your skin healthy. You just have to find the right formula. "Instead of a heavy moisturizer, try using a hyaluronic acid serum for deep skin hydration," says Darden, as mentioned above. Or try a lightweight, gel-based formula—just look for options labeled "non-comedogenic."
Some of our favorites: Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Reduction Moisturizer ($69), Bliss Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Ultra Hydrating Concentrate ($25), La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin ($ 34). ), SkinFix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Revitalizing Gel Cream ($48), and Elf Holy Hydration Face Cream ($15).
Step 4: Protect oily skin with sunscreen
Last but not least, if you do your daily skincare routine in the morning, sun protection is an absolute must. Forget what you know about facial sunscreen - it doesn't have to be greasy, heavy or uncomfortable to use, you just need to find the right one for you. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that won't clog pores or irritate acne-prone skin.
Some of our favorites are Paula's Choice Extra Care SPF 50 Oil-Free Sunscreen ($22), Hero Cosmetics Ultralight Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ($20), and Supergoop! Mattescreen Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ ($38).