The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: AM and PM Guide

If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of dealing with excess shine, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. But with the right oily skin routine, you can manage oil production, prevent acne, and achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. In this guide, we’ll break down the best AM and PM skincare routine for oily skin, including product recommendations and key ingredients to look for.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is primarily caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce an excess of sebum (oil). Factors that contribute to oily skin include:

• Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to produce more oil.
• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase oil production.
• Environmental Factors: Humidity and heat can exacerbate oiliness.

While oily skin can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that sebum plays a vital role in protecting and hydrating the skin. The goal is to manage oil production without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

Key Ingredients for Oily Skin

When building an oily skin routine, look for ingredients that:

1. Regulate Oil Production: Retinoids, niacinamide, and green tea.
2. Remove Excess Oil: Salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid, and clay masks.
3. Absorb Oil: Silica and perlite (often found in mattifying moisturizers).

AM Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse

Start your day with a gentle, foaming cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying your skin.

• Product Recommendations:
  • CeraVe Foaming Cleanser: Contains ceramides to restore the skin barrier.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser: Lightweight and effective for oily skin.

2. Tone (Optional)

A toner can help balance your skin’s pH and control oil production. Look for alcohol-free formulas with ingredients like green tea or niacinamide.

• Product Recommendations:
  • Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner: Lightweight and refreshing, with green tea to regulate oil.

3. Treat

Incorporate a treatment product to target oil production and prevent breakouts.

• Product Recommendations:
  • Niacinamide Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% helps control oil and minimize pores.
  • Vitamin C Serum: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.

4. Moisturize

Even oily skin needs hydration! Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog pores.

• Product Recommendations:
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer: Contains niacinamide and silica for a matte finish.
  • Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer: Includes SPF 30 and salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.

5. Protect

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially for oily skin. Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas.

• Product Recommendations:
  • Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: A lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
  • Black Girl Sunscreen Matte Formula: A mattifying sunscreen designed for oily skin.

PM Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse

Double cleansing at night ensures all dirt, oil, and makeup are removed. Start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a foaming cleanser.

• Product Recommendations:
  • CeraVe SA Cleanser: Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser: Gentle yet effective for nighttime use.

2. Tone

Use a toner to prep your skin for treatment products.

• Product Recommendations:
  • Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner: Helps control oil and soothe the skin.

3. Treat

Nighttime is the best time to use active ingredients like retinoids, which regulate oil production and promote cell turnover.

• Product Recommendations:
  • Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment: A potent retinol formula for oily skin.
  • The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: A gentler option for beginners.

4. Moisturize

Even at night, oily skin needs hydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

• Product Recommendations:
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer: Provides hydration without clogging pores.
  • Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer: A great option for acne-prone skin.

Weekly Treatments for Oily Skin

Incorporate these treatments 1-2 times a week to deep-clean pores and control oil:

• Clay Masks:
  • Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay: Draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil.
• Exfoliants:
  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: Contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce oil.

Pro Tips for Managing Oily Skin

1. Don’t Over-Cleanse: Washing your face too often can strip your skin, leading to increased oil production.
2. Use Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers on hand to manage shine throughout the day.
3. Avoid Heavy Products: Steer clear of thick creams and oils that can clog pores.
4. Stay Consistent: Stick to your routine for at least 6-8 weeks to see results.

Final Thoughts

An effective oily skin routine doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating the right products and ingredients, you can control oil production, prevent breakouts, and achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. Whether you’re building an AM and PM skincare routine for oily skin or looking for targeted treatments, consistency is key.

What’s your go-to product for oily skin? Share your favorites in the comments below!