Oily skin makes more sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft. Too much can mean shine, enlarged-looking pores and breakouts. The aim isn’t to strip all the oil away, which can make skin produce even more, but to keep it balanced with a few simple steps.
Morning routine
- Cleanse with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, such as a neem face wash like Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash.
- Treat (optional): a niacinamide serum can help reduce oil and redness.
- Moisturize with an oil-free, non-comedogenic gel or lotion. Yes, oily skin still needs moisture.
- Sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, in a light gel or fluid texture.
Night routine
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup and oil. If you wear heavy makeup, cleanse twice.
- Treat: salicylic acid (2 to 3 times a week to start) or adapalene gel if you get breakouts.
- Moisturize with a light gel, such as Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Gel.
Ingredients that help oily skin
- Niacinamide can reduce oil production and redness
- Salicylic acid gets into pores and clears blackheads
- Clay masks once or twice a week absorb excess oil
- Retinoids such as adapalene help with pores and breakouts
Common mistakes
- Washing too often or scrubbing hard, which irritates skin and can increase oil
- Skipping moisturizer
- Using alcohol-heavy toners that dry and sting
- Thick, oily creams and hair products that clog pores along the hairline
- Picking or squeezing spots, which can scar
Body breakouts
For an oily chest or back, a medicated or neem body soap such as Himalaya Clear Skin Soap and showering soon after exercise can help.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have painful, deep or scarring acne, or if oily skin comes with other changes such as irregular periods or excess hair growth, which can be signs of a hormone condition such as PCOS.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I wash oily skin?
Twice a day, plus after heavy sweating, is enough for most people.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. A light, oil-free moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier healthy and can stop it overproducing oil.
Can diet affect oily skin?
Some studies link high-sugar foods and skim milk with more acne in some people. A balanced diet is a reasonable step, but skin care matters most.
More in our Skin guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
