Oily skin: causes and a routine that keeps shine in check
Why your face is so oily and how to control it: an oily skin care routine, the best ingredients and why oily skin still needs moisturizer.
By the Green Point editorial teamUpdated 5 min readKey takeaways
- Oily skin is mostly down to genetics and hormones, with heat, humidity and harsh skincare making it worse.
- Washing too often or with harsh cleansers can irritate your skin and trigger even more oil.
- Oily skin still needs moisturizer: choose a light, oil-free, non-comedogenic one.
- Niacinamide, salicylic acid and retinoids help control shine, clogged pores and breakouts.
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Your face gets oily because your sebaceous glands make more sebum than your skin needs, mostly due to genetics and hormones. Hot, humid weather and harsh cleansers can make it worse. To control an oily face, wash gently twice a day, use a light non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen, blot during the day and add niacinamide or salicylic acid.
Why is my face so oily?
- Genetics. If your parents have oily skin, you are more likely to have it, often along with larger pores.
- Hormones. Androgens drive oil production, which is why oiliness often peaks in the teenage years and can change around periods, in pregnancy or with hormonal medicines. Stress raises these hormones too.
- Climate. Heat and humidity make the skin look shinier, and many people find their face is oilier in summer.
- Harsh cleansing. A face wash that is too harsh, or scrubbing, irritates the skin and can trigger more oil production. Stripping your face makes things worse, not better.
- Heavy products. Rich creams, oily makeup and hair products can add to the shine and clog pores.
- Age. Oil production usually falls with age, so skin that was oily at 20 often becomes combination or dry later.
Not sure whether your skin is truly oily or combination (oily only in the T-zone)? Our guide to finding your skin type walks you through a quick test.
An oily skin care routine
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle foaming or gel cleanser | Remove makeup, then the same gentle cleanser |
| 2. Treat | Niacinamide serum (optional) | Salicylic acid or a retinoid, a few nights a week to start |
| 3. Moisturize | Light, oil-free gel or lotion | Same moisturizer |
| 4. Protect | Broad-spectrum SPF 30+, non-comedogenic | Not needed |
Cleanse up to twice a day and after sweating, using your fingertips. Don't use oil-based or alcohol-heavy cleansers, and skip scrubs. If you are new to skincare, start with a simple beginner routine and add one active at a time.
Should oily skin use moisturizer?
Yes. Oil and water are not the same thing: oily skin can still be dehydrated, especially if you use drying acne treatments. A light moisturizer keeps the skin barrier healthy, reduces irritation and makes it easier to tolerate actives. Look for gel or lotion textures labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic, with humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid rather than heavy oils and butters.
A moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher can double as your morning sunscreen. Choose one made for oily or acne-prone skin, and if a sunscreen feels greasy, try a different texture rather than skipping it.
Best ingredients for oily skin
- Niacinamide may help reduce oil and the look of pores, and it is gentle and easy to combine. See niacinamide for skin.
- Salicylic acid dissolves in oil and clears clogged pores, which helps with blackheads and shine.
- Retinoids (retinol, or adapalene for acne) keep pores clear and improve texture over time. Use at night.
- Glycolic and lactic acid exfoliate the surface and can reduce oiliness, but they can be too harsh for some skin; cut back if you get irritated.
- Clay in masks absorbs surface oil for a few hours.
How to control an oily face during the day
- Blot, don't rub. Press a blotting paper on your skin for a few seconds. Rubbing spreads the oil around.
- Choose oil-free, water-based makeup and powders, and always remove makeup before bed.
- Keep your hands off. Touching your face adds oil and bacteria.
- Don't wash more often. Rinsing your face five times a day irritates it and doesn't reduce oil for long.
- Keep hair clean and off your face if your hair is oily, especially with bangs.
When to see a dermatologist
Shine often travels with breakouts and visible pores. For those, read what causes acne and what helps and how to minimize large pores.
Frequently asked questions
Does drinking water help oily skin?
Drinking enough water is good for your health, but there is no good evidence that drinking more water reduces oil on your face. Oil production is driven mainly by genetics and hormones. Topical care, such as a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer and ingredients like niacinamide, makes more difference to shine.
Are face oils bad for oily skin?
Not always, but they are rarely needed. Some light oils and squalane feel fine on oily skin, while heavier oils can clog pores in acne-prone skin. If you want to try one, patch test first and watch for new breakouts over a few weeks. A light oil-free moisturizer is the safer default.
Can diet make your face oily?
The evidence is limited. Some studies suggest that diets high in sugary, high-glycemic foods may be linked to acne, but a direct link with oil production is less clear. Rather than cutting out foods, focus on a balanced diet and a consistent skincare routine, and see a doctor if oiliness changes suddenly.
Is oily skin a sign of good aging?
Oily skin can feel less dry with age, and some people believe it wrinkles later, but the main driver of visible aging is sun exposure. Oily skin still needs daily broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent dark spots, fine lines and loss of firmness.
Sources
- How to control oily skinAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- What can treat large facial pores?American Academy of Dermatology
- Adult acneAmerican Academy of Dermatology
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a skin, allergy or health concern, talk to a doctor, dermatologist or dietitian. Green Point scores and Skin Scan results are informational and are not a diagnosis.
