Oily skin can be frustrating, especially when it leads to shine, clogged pores, and breakouts. Many people try to control excess oil by over-washing or using harsh products, but this can actually make the problem worse. The key to managing oily skin is balancing oil production without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
Here’s how to reduce oiliness while keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
Why Does Skin Become Oily?
Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce too much sebum (natural oil). This can be due to:
✔ Genetics – Some people naturally have oilier skin.
✔ Hormonal changes – Puberty, pregnancy, and stress can increase oil production.
✔ Over-cleansing – Washing too often can make your skin produce more oil as compensation.
✔ Using the wrong products – Harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toners can strip the skin, causing more oiliness.
10 Ways to Reduce Oily Skin Without Over-Drying
1. Use a Gentle, Oil-Control Cleanser
Cleansing is essential, but using a harsh, drying cleanser can strip your skin, making it produce even more oil to compensate.
✔ Wash your face twice a day (morning & night).
✔ Choose a sulfate-free gel or foam cleanser that removes excess oil without irritation.
✔ Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or niacinamide.
💡 Good picks: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel, The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser.
2. Avoid Over-Washing Your Face
Washing your face too often strips away natural oils, making your skin produce even more oil to compensate.
✔ Wash your face only twice a day—morning and night.
✔ If your skin feels oily during the day, use blotting papers instead of washing again.
3. Use an Alcohol-Free Toner
A toner can help control oil, but many toners contain alcohol, which dries out the skin. Instead, choose a hydrating toner with balancing ingredients.
✔ Look for niacinamide, witch hazel, or green tea extract to control oil.
✔ Avoid astringents with alcohol, which can make skin produce more oil.
💡 Good picks: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner, Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, COSRX Centella Water Toner.
4. Moisturize Daily (Even If Your Skin Is Oily!)
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, thinking it will make their skin oilier. However, lack of hydration makes your skin overcompensate by producing more oil.
✔ Use an oil-free, lightweight, gel-based moisturizer.
✔ Look for hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or niacinamide.
✔ Avoid heavy creams and comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients like coconut oil.
💡 Good picks: Neutrogena Hydro Boost, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.
5. Always Wear Sunscreen
Skipping sunscreen can lead to increased oil production because sun damage weakens the skin barrier.
✔ Use a matte-finish, oil-free SPF 30+ sunscreen.
✔ Choose gel or lightweight fluid sunscreens instead of thick, greasy ones.
💡 Good picks: Biore UV Aqua Rich, La Roche-Posay Anthelios, Eucerin Oil Control SPF.
6. Use Oil-Absorbing Products
If your skin gets shiny throughout the day, use products that absorb oil without drying your skin.
✔ Blotting papers – Instantly removes oil without disturbing makeup.
✔ Mattifying powders – Controls shine without making skin look cakey.
✔ Clay masks (1–2 times a week) – Helps absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
💡 Good picks: Innisfree Volcanic Clay Mask, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Mask.
7. Exfoliate (But Not Too Much)
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, but doing it too often can strip your skin and make it produce more oil.
✔ Use BHA exfoliants (like salicylic acid) 2–3 times a week.
✔ Avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can irritate the skin.
💡 Good picks: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Solution.
8. Choose Oil-Free Makeup
Makeup can make oily skin worse if it contains heavy or pore-clogging ingredients.
✔ Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic foundations.
✔ Use a mattifying primer to help control shine.
💡 Good picks: Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation, Fenty Beauty Soft Matte Foundation.
9. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Touching your face transfers dirt, bacteria, and oil from your hands, leading to breakouts and excess oil production.
✔ Avoid touching your face throughout the day.
✔ Clean your phone screen regularly, as it collects bacteria.
10. Stay Hydrated & Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet affects your skin’s oil production.
✔ Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
✔ Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts) to regulate oil production.
✔ Avoid excessive sugar and dairy, which can trigger oiliness and breakouts.
Final Thoughts
Reducing oily skin without over-drying is all about balance. By using gentle, oil-controlling products, staying hydrated, and avoiding harsh treatments, you can keep your skin shine-free, healthy, and balanced.