How to Build a Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Every skin type has its own unique set of characteristics and challenges. Excess sebum, shine, blocked pores and breakouts are common for oily skin types, but with the right targeted products, you can rebalance and purify your complexion. Because of the nature of this skin type, Garnier’s skincare routine for oily skin not only tackles shine, but blemishes like blackheads and clogged pores too.
Below, we’ll explore what products are most effective for an oily skincare routine – and how to apply them, in a few simple steps, to achieve shine-free and balanced-looking skin.
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is associated with larger pores and a ‘greasy’ appearance – but what causes this?
Well, oily skin can be attributed to the number of sebaceous glands in your skin, which are dictated by genetics.1 Sebaceous glands generate sebum (oil), so the more sebaceous glands you have, the more oil your skin is going to produce.
Larger pores and excess sebum often trigger blocked pores and other blemishes,2 so oily skin and breakouts tend to go hand in hand.
Key ingredients in skincare for oily skin
When it comes to formulating an effective skincare routine for oily skin, there are a few hero ingredients to look out for:
- Salicylic acid: this beta hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrates deep below the skin surface to exfoliate dead skin cells and debris. Dermatologists love this oil-soluble ingredient for its ability to unclog pores and usher clearer, smoother skin to the surface.
- AHAs: alpha hydroxy acids perform a similar role to BHAs, except they are water-soluble: tackling debris on the skin surface to visibly improve texture and clarity.
- Activated charcoal: this ingredient absorbs toxins in the skin and extracts impurities such as dirt, sweat, oil and makeup.
- Zinc: a major asset when it comes to rebalancing the skin’s oil production and evening out your skin tone.
Skincare for oily skin: a step-by-step routine
The key to maintaining clear skin and keeping oiliness at bay is a simple am and pm skincare routine for oily skin.
As mentioned above, skin imbalances can be the cause of oil-flow, so an effective daily oily skin routine will focus on returning skin to a more balanced, hydrated equilibrium. Our routine has four steps, with the option to integrate sheet masks once or twice a week for additional care:
- Double cleanse to remove impurities in the skin and prepare the skin for serums and moisturiser.
- Apply a serum that is oily-skin specific to help unclog pores and regulate sebum production. Alternatively, you might use a sheet mask at this stage to address blackheads and blemishes.
- Moisturise the skin to maintain adequate hydration levels.
- Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen at the end of your morning routine.
Read on as we tackle these steps in detail with Garnier’s targeted oily skincare range.
1. Double cleanse
A thorough cleansing is always recommended for oily skincare routines, particularly if you also experience blemish-prone skin. A double cleanse aids in removing the most common blockages to pores – such as dirt, sweat, makeup and excess oil – which is essential when trying to reduce oil or instances of breakouts. This will also give you a clean, fresh canvas for your serum concentrates and moisturiser.
If you have oil-prone skin, it’s important to choose the right cleanser for your skin type. A salicylic acid-based cleanser can be a potent addition to your skincare regime to unclog pores and unify skin tone. The Pure Active Daily Pore Scrub Wash is enriched with zinc and salicylic acid to remove excess sebum and can be used as your daily facial cleanser.
If oil and blackheads are your concern, we suggest the Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Exfoliating Gel, which combines blueberry extract and salicylic acid to not only visibly reduce blackheads, but prevent them from recurring.*
*Consumer test, 57 subjects, 2-week persistent effect after 4 weeks of daily use. **Consumer test, 62 volunteers, 4-week use.
2. Use targeted serums and sheet masks
Face serums are an important step in a skincare routine for oily skin since they are formulated to address specific imperfections and concerns.
Created specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin, our AHA+BHA Charcoal Anti-Blemish Serum is powered by a fusion of salicylic acid, lactic acid (an AHA), niacinamide and charcoal to unclog – and is formulated to reduce the appearance of pores, reduce bacteria and mattify skin. This serum can be used daily in both your am and pm skincare routine for oily skin, or as a spot treatment for troublesome blemishes.
Like serums, sheet masks are a supplementary step in skincare regimes that can be implemented to address skin clarity and excess oil. Look for sheet masks infused with hero ingredients (such as salicylic acid, tea tree, charcoal and AHAs), and try our Pure Active Anti-Imperfection Sheet Mask. Our top sheet mask pick for mattifying and purifying, it can be applied onto clean skin for 15 minutes.
3. Moisturise
All skin types benefit from hydration – but those with oily skin may be tempted to skip this step. Although it might seem counterintuitive to apply more moisture to already oily skin, skipping this step can cause the skin can overcompensate and produce more sebum. Balanced hydration is crucial in supporting oily skin, and you can seek out oil-free and mattifying formulas that will hydrate – without clogging pores and adding unwanted shine.
After applying your serum, follow with the Garnier Pure Active AHA + Salicylic Acid Daily Mattifying Air Cream Moisturiser. This moisturiser is enriched with salicylic acid and AHAs to regulate sebum and minimise the appearance of pores. These chemical exfoliants are bolstered by niacinamide and glycerin to support a strong moisture barrier.
4. Apply SPF (morning only)
Sun protection is an essential component of your morning skincare routine for oily skin. Sunscreen is even more important when using exfoliating ingredients, such as salicylic acid, because they can leave skin more vulnerable to UV damage.
We suggest that you seek out an SPF formula that is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and designed specifically for the face.
It’s natural that your skincare routine for oily skin will change over time, particularly as you encounter different environmental stressors. But, although your regime will evolve, it’s important to always prioritise sustainable products and green beauty. If you’re not sure how, our five sustainable beauty tips for beginners is an excellent place to start.
