Introduction

Oily skin is one of the most common skin types encountered in dermatological practice. While it often presents with a persistent greasy sheen and enlarged pores, when managed correctly, oily skin has the potential to age slower and remain resilient. This article offers a dermatologist’s comprehensive guide to understanding, managing, and caring for oily skin across different life stages, climates, and daily routines.

What Are the Features of Oily Skin?

Oily skin is characterized by:

• A consistently shiny or greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
• Enlarged and visible pores, particularly on the nose and cheeks
• Blackheads and whiteheads due to clogged pores
• Frequent breakouts or acne
• Difficulty finding suitable makeup or sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy

If your face appears oily or dull by mid-day despite washing, or your makeup doesn’t stay in place, chances are you have oily skin.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin arises from overactive sebaceous glands. Key contributing factors include:

• Genetics: If oily skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to have it.
• Hormones: Androgens stimulate oil production; hence, puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or PCOS may worsen it.
• Climate: Hot and humid weather amplifies oil production.
• Improper skincare: Over-washing, using harsh cleansers, or skipping moisturiser may trigger compensatory oil secretion.
• Stress and diet: High-glycemic foods and stress can aggravate sebaceous activity.

How Does Oily Skin Change With Age?

Oily skin is most prominent during teenage years and early adulthood. Post the age of 30:

• Sebum production begins to decline gradually.
• Some individuals continue to experience adult acne and enlarged pores.
• Post-menopause, oily skin may shift toward combination or dry due to hormonal changes.

Tip: Incorporate retinoids after 25 years to control oil, acne, and signs of aging simultaneously.

How to Plan Skincare While Travelling?

While packing for a trip with oily skin, keep your routine minimal yet effective. Focus on:

• Face wash (preferably travel-size gel or foaming cleanser)
• Micellar water (for on-the-go cleansing)
• Oil-free sunscreen
• Compact powder (to manage midday shine)
• Rose water spray (to freshen up)
• Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or masks during travel to minimize sensitivity and reduce baggage.

How Does Oily Skin Behave With Changing Weather?

• In summer and humidity: Oil production increases. You may need a stronger cleanser, matte-finish sunscreen, and possibly salicylic acid-based treatment.
• In cold, dry weather: Oil secretion may reduce. Switch to a gentler cleanser, add a gel-based moisturiser, and reduce exfoliation frequency.

Adapt your skincare based on seasonal needs to maintain balance.

What You Can Expect from a Consistent Oily Skincare Regimen:

A well-structured skincare regimen for oily skin aims to:

Ensure effective sun protection without exacerbating oiliness or causing breakouts.

Reduce surface oiliness and shine, leading to a more matte appearance.

Improve the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads, particularly on the T-zone, with consistent use.

Minimize the visibility of enlarged pores (though new pore formation is not a concern).

Address and prevent inflammatory acne lesions when targeted treatments are incorporated.

Oily skin care regime

Morning regime

Step 1: Face wash

Choose a gentle, oil-removing face wash that leaves your skin feeling normal to slightly dry, not tight or overly stripped. Avoid excessive washing (more than three times daily). For persistent midday oiliness, consider incorporating salicylic acid or retinol-based gels into your night routine. Ensure thorough cleansing.

• Dermatologist’s Note: The goal is to remove excess sebum without disrupting the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Over-stripping can paradoxically lead to increased oil production.

Brand recommendations: Best face wash for oily skin

Step 2: Rose water

Instead of traditional toners, which can be harsh, opt for a pure rose water spray. Its hydrating and soothing properties are beneficial.

Dermatologist’s Note: Rose water provides gentle hydration without the potential irritation of some astringent toners

Brand recommendations: Best pure organic Rosewater in India.

Step 3: Vitamin C serum

ntroduce a Vitamin C serum around the age of 20. Look for formulations that also contain salicylic acid for oil control and pore appearance, if desired.

Dermatologist’s Note: Vitamin C offers antioxidant protection, aids in collagen production, and can help with mild hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid can provide additional benefits for oily, acne-prone skin.

You can use vitamin C serum containing salicylic acid to control results oil and prevent open pores eg. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10

Brand recommendations: Best Vitamin C serum

Step 4: Sunscreen

Select a lightweight, water-based, non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Apply generously 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2-3 hours if outdoors. Consider powder touch-ups for a matte finish. Avoid thick, silicone-based sunscreens. Gel, lotion, or fluid formulations are generally best. Zinc-based sunscreens can offer added benefits for acne-prone skin.

• Dermatologist’s Note: SPF 30 provides adequate protection for daily use without the often heavier formulations of higher SPFs. Water as a primary ingredient and avoiding occlusive silicones are key for oily skin.

Brand recommendations: Best dermatologist-recommended Sunscreen

Step 5: Make-up (optional)

Choose liquid or thin formulations of foundation or BB cream, ideally containing salicylic acid. Avoid heavy layering and limit daily use to essential occasions. Always remove makeup before sleeping, preferably with micellar water. A powder foundation can help absorb excess oil.

• Dermatologist’s Note: Opting for lighter formulations and ingredients like salicylic acid can help minimize pore congestion.

Noon Regime

Most of you would feel that your looks greasy and dark by mid-day. In this case, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Wash your face. 

If you can’t wash your face at the workplace, then wipe your face with cotton dipped in micellar water. It removes excess oils and gives an instant matt look.

Brand Recommendation: Dermatologist Recommended Micellar water

Step 2:  Rose water

Spray chemical-free pure rose water on your skin and massage your skin.

Step 3: Sunscreen

Put on sunscreen only if you plan to go out in the next 30 minutes.

Night regime

You should do your night regime immediately after returning home from work or after finishing the kitchen work to remove oil, dust, pollutants, and dead skin cells from your skin.

Step 1: Double cleanse

Use micellar water to remove makeup, followed by your regular gentle face wash.

Step 2: Rose water

Step 3: Night Treatment

Apply a night moisturiser in a gel, lotion, or serum base, containing active ingredients targeted to your primary skin concern.

• Blackheads/Open Pores: Use salicylic acid or retinol serums at night.
• Acne: Apply benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or niacinamide formulations.
• Pigmentation: Incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C serums.
• Aging: Retinoids or peptides can help control sebum and prevent fine lines.

It is essential to address skin concerns in the following sequence: Sensitive skin, acne, pigmentation, and ageing skin.

Weekly regime

Exfoliate:

Gently scrub your face for no more than 2-3 minutes. Avoid scrubbing if you have significant blackheads, whiteheads, or inflammatory acne. Physical exfoliation should be gentle to avoid irritation and potential worsening of acne.

Face Mask:

Apply a clay-based mask to absorb excess oil and buildup after exfoliation. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer if needed.

When to Consult a Dermatologist?

It’s time to seek professional help if:

• You have persistent acne, post-acne marks, or scarring
• Over-the-counter products are ineffective or cause irritation
• You suspect hormonal issues (PCOS, menstrual irregularity)
• Your skincare routine is not showing results after 6–8 weeks

Conclusion

Managing oily skin requires a consistent and well-planned skincare regime tailored to your skin’s changing needs with age, weather, and lifestyle. With the right combination of face wash, treatment serums, moisturisers, and sunscreens, you can control oil production, reduce breakouts, and restore a fresh, matte, and radiant look.

If you’re unsure which products are best suited for your oily skin or overwhelmed by the numerous choices available, Dermatocare is here to help. Our dermatologist-recommended platform analyses your skin concerns and recommends personalised product selections and regime plans—tested, trusted, and designed with care.

Let Dermatocare be your go-to guide in building a safe, effective, and affordable skincare routine for oily skin.