How to Treat Oily Skin

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is common and has many positive aspects, as well as a few issues that might be considered less desirable. According to a 2012 medical study, oily skin occurs when “oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum giving the appearance of shiny and greasy skin.” What are sebaceous glands? These glands can be found on almost every surface of the body, but are most concentrated in the face and scalp, notes a 2011 dermatologist medical study. They produce and secrete sebum, which moisturizes, protects, and even heals the skin, says that same 2011 study. Increased sebum excretion is where oily skin comes from, and this excessive production can potentially lead to acne and other common skin conditions.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Several factors contribute to oily skin. First and foremost, genetics. Many with oily skin are genetically predisposed for that specific skin type. But weather, particularly high temperatures and increased humidity, can increase oil production, too. Additionally, it’s also been shown that hormones can boost oil production, especially with hormone fluctuations.

But your daily skincare routine can also sneakily increase your oiliness levels. Using harsh products, like alcohol-based astringents, can actually cause your sebaceous gland to overcompensate and produce more sebum. This overproduction of sebum can occur when skipping facial moisturizer, too.

How to Control Oily Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (the AAD for short), there are five tips to best control oily skin.

1. Cleanse Properly

The AAD recommends washing your face twice a day, morning and night. But rather than relying on a harsh cleanser, they suggest a gentle, foaming face wash. As mentioned above, an intense, drying formula will only irritate the skin, triggering it to overproduce oil.

2. Don’t Skip Moisturizing

It might be tempting to overlook moisturizers, but applying a lotion—albeit a lightweight, thoughtful formula—is absolutely essential. Look for one that states it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or cause acne. (All of Tatcha’s moisturizers are specifically designed to be non-comedogenic.)

3. Always Wear SPF

A long time ago, sunscreen used to be goopy and thick, a nightmare for oily skin. But nowadays, SPF is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and packed full of skin-benefiting ingredients (all three pros are beautiful for oily skin). Sunscreen is important for all skin, helping to prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer, says the AAD. Aim for a formula that has an SPF of at least 30 and always reapply when outside.

4. Use Blotting Papers

The AAD is a fan of blotting papers, which help to instantly absorb excess oil without irritating the skin. But ancient Japan has been singing the praises of abaca leaf papers for centuries. In ancient Kyoto, gold artisans used the soft, strong, and absorbent paper to protect their gold leaf. Geishas discovered the papers were brilliant at wicking away traces of oil without stripping moisture from the skin or disturbing their intricate makeup.

5. Adopt Skin Hygiene Basics

Sometimes some of the best things you can do for your skin are the simplest tips—and that applies to oily skin, too. Skin hygiene basics ensures healthier skin, allowing it to be more in balance and control. These basics include always removing makeup and cleansing skin before bedtime, and applying moisturizer morning and night. Other best practices include not using expired makeup, washing your hands before applying products, and not touching your face throughout the day (which can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face, says the AAD). 

Product to Help Oily Skin 

You might be wondering “how to get rid of oily skin” or “how to stop oily skin”—unfortunately, you cannot change your skin type. But there are oily skin treatments and products that can help curb excessive sebum and oil production. Plus, consistent skincare hygiene can help over time with the general health of the skin, too. (Meaning, maintain your daily skincare ritual!)

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin

This gentle-yet-thorough cleanser is especially helpful for oily skin. The Deep Cleanse is a gel formula that both cleanses and exfoliates, carefully lifting dirt and oil to leave skin soft and balanced. The cleanser includes luffa fruit (a natural physical exfoliant) to help turn over dead skin cells, wild rose (to visibly reduce the appearance of pores and smooth skin), and leopard lily (to help minimize excess oil and prevent build-up).

Best Exfoliant for Oily Skin

The AHA-powered formula was designed for all skin types and can be used daily. But it’s specifically formulated to reduce excess oil and sebum, while also improving skin’s moisture levels. The formula has niacinamide and Japanese mugwort to reduce the look of discoloration, while also calming visible redness and irritation. The liquid exfoliant is scented with a functional fragrance blend of sweet fennel and rosemary – two botanicals known to increase focus and mental clarity, too.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

An effective moisturizer is one of the most difficult products for oily skin. Too thick and it drowns skin in hydration, too light and it might cause skin to produce excess sebum. But this lightweight, clarifying, water-based moisturizer was specifically designed for oily skin. The gel cream releases a burst of hydrating nutrients and pore-refining botanicals for healthy, balanced skin. The unique formula delivers hydration, without leaving skin sticky or greasy. And the cream employs a few powerful botanicals, including wild rose (to minimize the look of pores) and leopard lily (to calm).

Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Try our Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, which has weightless broad-spectrum SPF 35 that blends effortlessly and invisibly for matte, poreless-looking skin. The non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help tighten the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm irritation.

Best Primer for Oily Skin

A makeup primer can be endlessly beneficial for oily skin, helping to shield skin from pollutants while allowing makeup to apply better and last longer. This fluid formula feels weightless on the skin, while also creating a skin-benefiting barrier on the skin. The inclusion of silk powder helps to minimize excessive shine, too.

Best Mask for Oily Skin

The pore-targeting mask pairs Japanese konjac (for gentle exfoliation) with volcanic ash to minimize excess oil and sebum for smoother and clearer skin in mere minutes. In clinical studies, 100 percent of users noticed a reduction in sebum and noted that skin felt less oily after just a single week of usage.