Let’s be real: having oily skin can feel like you’re starring in your own skincare drama. One minute, you’re glowing like a dewy goddess, and the next, you’re battling breakouts and blotting away enough shine to light up a room. Sound familiar? Oily skin isn’t the villain here. It’s just misunderstood.
While the natural oils help preserve the skin barrier and may delay the appearance of wrinkles, they can also lead to excess shine, clogged pores, and acne breakouts.
Understanding its root causes is essential: genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental factors can all stimulate overactive sebaceous glands, resulting in excess oil production.
While those overactive sebaceous glands can be a pain, they also keep your skin microbiome naturally moisturized and youthful-looking. The key is finding the right balance, and thankfully, dermatologists have cracked the code with expert-approved routines & products that actually work for your skin.
We’ve done the research for you and rounded up dermatologist-recommended products that are worth the hype; because your skin deserves the best.
Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, recommends a straightforward routine: “I recommend using a gel or foam-based cleanser with a lightweight cream or gel-cream moisturizer. Of course, wear sunscreen every day, and if you’re looking to add an anti-aging component, I recommend using an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid like adapalene in the evening.”
Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes the importance of retinol for addressing skin discoloration and promoting cell growth. She suggests using retinol two to three times a week at night and Vitamin C in the morning with SPF.
London-based consultant dermatologist, Dr. Aamna Adel, emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate products for oily skin. She recommends that oily skin types use gel or foam-based cleansers and lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers to help manage excess oil.
Starting off your routine with products that will leave your skin feeling fresh, not stripped. This selection has clarifying toners to balance oil, micellar waters for effortless cleansing, and face washes made to keep oily skin in check. Think of these as your first step to a shine-free, happy complexion.
Who says hydration can’t be lightweight? From sunscreens that keep the shine in check to dewy ones that give you a glow without the grease, these picks have all your oily skin faves. Plus, the moisturizers are hydrating enough to keep your skin happy 24/7.
This lineup features vitamin C serums to brighten your glow, beginner-friendly retinols for a gentle boost, and heavy-hitters for the pros.