Skincare Routine For Oily Skin-Step By Step Guide
Discover a complete skincare routine for oily skin with step-by-step tips and top product picks to control shine and prevent breakouts.
If your face feels greasy just hours after washing, and you constantly battle acne or clogged pores, you probably have oily skin. The key to managing it lies in following a consistent, balanced routine that targets oil control without drying your skin out.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what your daily skincare routine for oily skin should look like:
Step 1: Cleanser – Wash Your Face Twice a Day

Why: Cleansing removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities to prevent clogged pores and acne.
Top Picks:
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Oily Skin – Gentle yet effective with niacinamide & ceramides. Buy Here
- Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser – Great for oily & acne-prone skin. Buy Here
- Bioderma Sebium Gel Moussant – Classic drugstore favorite with zinc and copper sulphates. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Wash with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Toner – Rebalance & Refresh

Why: Toner helps tighten pores, remove leftover residue, and balance the skin’s pH.
Top Picks:
- Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner – Soothing and mattifying with green tea. Buy Here
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – Gently exfoliates while balancing oily skin. Buy Here
- Cetaphil CICA Toner – Hydrates while controlling oil, reduces irritation. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Apply with cotton or hands by gently patting; avoid rubbing.
Step 3: Serum – Treat Acne, Pores & Oiliness

Why: Serums target deeper skin concerns with concentrated actives.
Top Picks:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum – Balances oil, reduces pores. Buy Here
- Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum – Excellent for blackheads and active breakouts. Buy Here
- Dot & Key Cica & Niacinamide Spot Corrector Serum – Great for calming inflammation. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Wait 1–2 minutes after serum for full absorption before applying moisturizer.

Step 4: Moisturise – Hydrate Without Making Skin Greasy

Why: Even oily skin needs moisture to prevent overproduction of sebum.
Top Picks:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Lightweight gel with hyaluronic acid. Buy Here
- Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer – Minimalist formula for sensitive, oily skin. Buy Here
- CeraVe Oil Control Gel-Cream Lightweight Moisturizer – Calms redness and controls oil. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Apply a small amount; layering too much can feel greasy.
Step 5: Sunscreen – Daily Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

Why: Sun exposure triggers pigmentation, aging, and worsens oil production.
Top Picks:
- FAE SK*N SPF Juice+ Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ – Lightweight & non-greasy. Buy Here

- Beauty of Joseon Aqua Fresh Sunscreen – Best for oily and acne-prone skin. Buy Here

- Laneige Sunscreen – Water-based formula with Vitamin C. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Apply generously and reapply every 2–3 hours if outdoors.
Weekly Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Clay Mask (1–2 times/week)
Best Picks:
- Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask - After cleansing, apply onto dry face, avoiding the eye and lip area. After 10 minutes, gently massage with fingertips while rinsing off with lukewarm water. Buy Here
- Dot & Key Pollution + Acne Defense Green Clay Mask - Slather an even layer of mask all over the face. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Use Face mask 1-2 times a week, otherwise it can dry out your skin causing irritaion.
Exfoliation (2 times/week)
Best Picks:
- Minimalist AHA BHA 10% Exfoliator - Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. Buy Here
- Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid- Apply a small amount to the target area with blackheads after cleansing your face, and massage lightly to aid absorption. Buy Here
Pro Tip: Only use exfoliants at night and follow with moisturizer— strictly no layering of other actives. If used in the morning, apply sunscreen afterwards.

Pro Tips for Oily Skin
- Use blotting sheets to manage midday shine.
- Double cleanse if you wear sunscreen/makeup.
- Don’t skip moisturizer or sunscreen.
- Clean your phone screen and pillowcase regularly.
- Drink water & eat low-sugar, anti-inflammatory foods.
Conclusion
Managing oily skin doesn’t have to feel like a daily battle. With the right skincare routine, you can control excess oil, prevent breakouts, and maintain a healthy, matte complexion.
Remember—consistency is key. Use lightweight, oil-free products, avoid over-cleansing, and always protect your skin with sunscreen. Whether you're dealing with shine, clogged pores, or acne, following this step-by-step guide will help you create a routine that actually works for your skin type.
Treat your skin gently, and over time, you'll notice a smoother, clearer, and more balanced glow.
Q1. What is the best skincare routine for oily skin?
The best skincare routine for oily skin includes a gentle cleanser, alcohol-free toner, lightweight serum, oil-free moisturizer, and sunscreen. This helps control excess oil, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts.
Q2. Should oily skin use moisturizer daily?
Yes, oily skin still needs daily hydration. Use a lightweight, gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer to balance your skin and reduce sebum production.
Q3. How do I stop my face from being so oily all day?
To reduce oily shine, follow a consistent skincare routine, use mattifying products, avoid over-washing, and carry blotting papers for touch-ups.
Q4. Which ingredients are good for oily and acne-prone skin?
Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, zinc, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid help regulate oil, clear acne, and soothe inflammation.
Q5. Can I skip sunscreen if I have oily skin?
No, sunscreen is essential even for oily skin. Choose an oil-free, matte-finish sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect without clogging pores.
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