
Essential Skincare Tips and Routines for Managing Oily Skin
Managing Skin care routines for oily skin can be tough. If you have oily skin, you probably know the struggle: shiny skin, clogged pores, and regular breakouts. You may feel like your skin never looks matte, and makeup doesn’t stay put. Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum, which can lead to an oily shine, blackheads, and acne.
But here’s the good news: with the right skin care routines for oily skin, you can manage oily skin effectively! It’s not about drying out your skin—it's about finding a balance. A proper routine can control excess oil while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
You'll discover simple yet powerful solutions, like the best skin care products for oily skin and easy routines you can follow every day. With the right approach, your skin can look smoother, fresher, and more balanced—without the shine! Ready to dive in and learn how? Let's go!
Top 4 Indicators That You Have Oily Skin
If you experience these signs, you likely have oily skin, and it’s important to follow skin care routines for oily skin on a daily basis. Using the right products can help control shine, prevent breakouts, and keep your skin looking fresh. Be sure to check out our oily skin care tips in the next sections for more guidance!
Not sure if you have oily skin? Here are a few signs:
- Shiny Skin: Your face, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin, looks shiny or greasy by midday.
- Frequent Breakouts: If your pores get clogged easily and you’re prone to acne, this is a common issue for oily skin.
- Large Pores: People with oily skin often have more visible pores, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
- Makeup Doesn’t Last: If your makeup tends to slide off your skin quickly, it's likely because of excess oil.
Recommended Skin Care Routines for Oily Skin
Taking care of oily skin doesn’t have to be difficult! With the right AM and PM skincare routine for oily skin, you can keep your skin balanced, reduce shine, and prevent breakouts. Whether it’s your morning or night routine, using the right products is key to maintaining healthy, fresh-looking skin. Here's a simple guide to help you build an effective skincare routine that works for oily skin, both in the morning and at night.
Morning (AM) Routine for Oily Skin
- Cleanser: Start your day with a gel-based or foam cleanser. These help to remove extra oil without drying out your skin. Look for products labeled “for oily skin” to help manage that shiny look.
- Toner: Use an alcohol-free toner to balance your skin’s oil and keep its pH level steady. This step helps control oil and prepares your skin for the next steps in your routine.
- Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. It should be labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning it won’t clog your pores. Even oily skin needs hydration to stay healthy and balanced.
- Sunscreen: Finish with an oil-free, matte-finish sunscreen. This helps protect your skin from the sun and prevents breakouts.
Night (PM) Routine for Oily Skin
- Cleanser: Use the double cleansing method. First, use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to take off makeup. Then, use a gel-based or foam cleanser to remove any remaining oil and impurities.
- Exfoliation (2-3 times a week): Exfoliate with products that contain salicylic acid or AHA/BHA. This helps clear out clogged pores and keeps your skin smooth. Don’t overdo it—2 to 3 times a week is enough.
- Night Cream/Serum: Apply a night cream or serum designed for oil control or acne-fighting. These products help treat and prevent breakouts while you sleep.
Common Mistakes in Oily Skin Care and How to Avoid Them
Taking care of oily skin can be tricky, and many people make mistakes that actually make their skin worse. Here are two common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Mistake 1: Using harsh products or over-cleansing, which can strip your skin of natural oils and cause more oil production. How to Avoid: Opt for gentle, oil-free cleansers and avoid washing your face too frequently.
- Mistake 2: Skipping moisturizer, thinking it will make your skin more oily. How to Avoid: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding extra shine.
Overwashing and Over-exfoliating
It might seem like washing your face more often will help reduce oil, but overwashing and over-exfoliating can actually make your skin produce more oil. When you cleanse too much, your skin loses its natural moisture, and as a result, your body produces even more oil to make up for it. Stick to washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and exfoliate only 2-3 times a week.
Skipping Moisturizer
A lot of people with oily skin think they should skip moisturizer, but this is a big mistake. Even oily skin needs hydration. When you don’t use a moisturizer, your skin becomes dry, which can cause it to produce more oil. The key is to choose the right moisturizer. Look for lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores or make your skin feel greasy.
Avoiding these mistakes can make a huge difference in managing oily skin, helping it stay balanced and healthy.

Top 6 Must-Have Products for Oily Skin
When it comes to managing oily skin, choosing the right products is crucial. One brand that offers great solutions is L’Oréal, with a variety of products that can help keep your skin clean, balanced, and hydrated without causing extra oiliness. Below are some top picks from L’Oréal for oily skin.
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1. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser
Type: Cleanser
Benefits: This gentle, gel-based scrub cleanser removes excess oil and dead skin cells while brightening your complexion. It helps prevent clogged pores and keeps your skin fresh.
This product is ideal for Lebanese weather conditions, as it helps to cleanse and revitalize skin exposed to dust and humidity. -
2. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Cleanser Purify & Mattify
Type: Cleanser
Benefits: Formulated with three pure clays, this cleanser deeply cleanses and mattifies oily skin, reducing shine throughout the day. It’s great for an AM skincare routine for oily skin.
Suitable for those living in Lebanon, where humidity often leads to excessive shine, this clay-based cleanser helps maintain a matte look throughout the day. -
3. L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin
Type: Moisturizer
Benefits: This lightweight, water-based moisturizer hydrates the skin without adding oil, making it perfect for daily use. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling fresh and oil-free.
Ideal for Lebanon's climate, this moisturizer provides essential hydration without leaving a greasy residue, keeping your skin refreshed even in humid conditions. -
4. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Night Balm
Type: Night Cream
Benefits: Ideal for your PM skincare routine for oily skin, this night balm provides hydration while controlling excess oil production. It also helps with skin elasticity, making it a great anti-aging option.
This night balm is perfect for restoring skin moisture lost during the day, especially after exposure to Lebanon’s dry or humid climates. -
5. L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub
Type: Exfoliator (Use 2-3 times per week)
Benefits: This exfoliating scrub is gentle yet effective in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. It contains sugars and is enriched with minerals that help balance oily skin.
Perfect for regular use in Lebanon, where pollution can lead to clogged pores, this sugar scrub gently exfoliates for a smooth and balanced complexion. -
6. L’Oréal Paris UV Defender Matte & Fresh Sunscreen SPF 50
Type: Sunscreen
Benefits: This oil-free sunscreen has a matte finish, making it perfect for oily skin types. It provides high sun protection without clogging pores or adding shine, keeping your skin protected all day.
Essential for protecting your skin from the strong Mediterranean sun in Lebanon, this matte sunscreen offers high protection without making your skin greasy.

Makeup Tips for Oily Skin: Best Products for Long-Lasting Wear
Choosing the right makeup is very important in the skin care routines for oily skin. It is crucial for maintaining a fresh and flawless appearance throughout the day. Oil-free and mattifying products are essential as they help control excess shine and reduce the appearance of oil. When selecting a foundation, opt for lightweight, long-wearing, and matte formulas designed specifically for oily skin; these foundations provide coverage without contributing to oiliness. To further combat shine, use oil-absorbing powders that set makeup and keep it looking fresh, and finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place. Proper makeup removal is vital to prevent clogged pores and breakouts; gentle, oil-free makeup removers are recommended to ensure all traces of makeup are removed without irritating the skin. Regular use of these products and techniques can help maintain a balanced, shine-free complexion and prolong the longevity of your makeup. Set your makeup for a flawless look.
FAQs About Oily Skin
Q: How do you moisturize oily skin?
A: To moisturize oily skin effectively, choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without adding extra grease. Look for products labeled "non-comedogenic" to avoid clogging pores. Gel-based moisturizers are particularly beneficial as they provide hydration while leaving a matte finish. Applying a moisturizer daily helps balance the skin’s moisture levels and can actually reduce excess oil production over time.
Q: Do oily skin need toner?
A: Yes, oily skin can benefit from using a toner. A toner helps to balance the skin's pH levels, control excess oil production, and tighten pores. Look for a toner that is alcohol-free and contains ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid, which help manage oiliness without overly drying the skin. Regular use of toner can enhance the overall clarity and texture of oily skin.
Q: What is the best care for oily skin?
A: The best care for oily skin involves a balanced routine that addresses excess oil without causing irritation. Start with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove impurities and control shine. Follow with a toner that helps balance pH and minimize pores. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated without adding excess oil. Incorporate exfoliation 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Additionally, choose oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup products and always remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day. Regularly using these steps can help maintain a clear, balanced complexion.
Q: Can I wash my face 3 times if I have oily skin?
A: Washing your face three times a day if you have oily skin can be excessive and may strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production or irritation. It’s generally recommended to cleanse twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed—using a gentle, oil-free cleanser. If you need to refresh your skin during the day, consider using blotting papers or a gentle facial mist instead of washing your face multiple times. Over-cleansing can disrupt your skin's natural balance and exacerbate oiliness.
Q: How to remove oily skin naturally?
A: To manage oily skin naturally, use astringents like witch hazel or green tea to control oil and soothe the skin. Apply clay masks with kaolin or bentonite to absorb excess oil and purify your skin. Aloe vera gel can help balance oil production and calm the skin. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated with plenty of water to help regulate oil production. These steps can help you manage oiliness while keeping your skin balanced and healthy.
Q: What are the common mistakes about oily skin?
A: There are several common myths about oily skin that can lead to misconceptions about its care. One myth is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer, but in reality, all skin requires hydration. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for dryness. Another myth is that you should wash your face multiple times a day, but over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to even more sebum production. It’s best to stick to washing your face twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, some believe that makeup causes oily skin, but not all makeup is problematic. Using non-comedogenic and mattifying products can help manage oiliness without clogging pores.