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Skin type
Oily skin
Shiny most of the day and prone to enlarged pores.
Oily skin produces more sebum than it needs, which is why it looks shiny by midday and tends toward larger, more visible pores. The routine leans on lightweight, oil-free formulas that clear excess oil without stripping skin — stripping it only tells your skin to make more.
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How to tell
- Skin looks shiny by midday, especially through the T-zone
- Pores appear larger, especially on the nose and cheeks
- Makeup or SPF tends to slide off faster than expected
- Breakouts and blackheads show up more often than for other skin types
What causes it
Oily skin comes down to overactive sebaceous glands — often genetic, but also influenced by hormones, humidity, and over-stripping the skin, which can trigger even more oil production as skin tries to compensate.
Ingredients & formulas
Look for
- Gel or foaming cleansers
- Oil-free, lightweight gel moisturizers
- Niacinamide to help regulate oil production
- Salicylic acid (BHA) to keep pores clear
- Mattifying, oil-free SPF
Avoid
- Heavy, occlusive creams and butters
- Alcohol-based toners that over-strip skin
- Skipping moisturizer to avoid shine
Common mistakes
- Skipping moisturizer to avoid shine — this makes skin overcompensate with more oil
- Over-washing or scrubbing, which strips the barrier and triggers more oil production
- Using heavy, occlusive creams meant for dry skin
Frequently asked questions
Does oily skin still need moisturizer?
Yes — skipping it triggers your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. Reach for an oil-free, lightweight gel formula instead of skipping the step.
Can oily skin use facial oil?
In small amounts, yes. A featherweight oil like squalane can round out a routine without adding grease, but it's optional, not essential.
How often should I exfoliate oily skin?
2–3 times a week with a BHA like salicylic acid is usually enough — daily exfoliation risks irritation and rebound oil.
Products for oily skin
Skin concerns
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