Oily Skincare Routine: 4 Essentials Steps

Picture this: You’re in the middle of a presentation or a hot date. You catch your reflection on a glass window, and the shine temporarily blinds you. Que horror! Oily skin in men may be common, but you don’t have to endure it forever. Following an oily skincare routine can help get rid of shine.

First things first, oil is not your enemy. The American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) states oil helps preserve the skin and delays signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. That said, oily skin is also prone to breakouts, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and skin texture. To address it (and maybe the trauma of seeing your greasy T-zone in the wild), check out these tips.

Washing your face rids it of dirt, sweat, and grime. Some guys swear by good old bath soap – if it’s good enough for their body, it’s good enough for their face, they argue. But it’s not very good for your skin. That squeaky-clean feeling is your skin stripped of moisture, which triggers your oil glands to overcompensate. The result? Your skin gets even oilier.

Gentle cleansing gets rid of excess oil without making your skin dry. You can achieve this by swapping bath soap for a facial cleanser. Yes, for the face. Look for one formulated specifically for oily skin, such as POND'S Men Facial Wash Acne Solution. Its patented Lock & Clear Technology is clinically proven to help beat acne in three days. Meanwhile, Master All-Day Active Clay Wash Acne Fight has active charcoal to eliminate 99.9% of germs.

Since guys with oily skin tend to have larger pores, a deep cleanser like Master Deep Cleanser Oil Control Max With Zero Oil can help. Use it when you feel especially grimy, such as after working out or a long day outdoors. It removes dirt, bacteria, and excess product while controlling oil for up to eight hours without drying your skin.

Moisturizing helps your skin repair itself, balances oil production, and strengthens it overall. It's an essential step in any oily skincare routine. Avoid thicker formulas that can clog your pores and leave you feeling even more weighed down. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizers. You’ll need it, especially if you’re using topical acne treatments. These drugs can dry and irritate the skin, and a moisturizer can help soothe its effects while locking in hydration.

Think you don’t need sunscreen because you’re indoors most of the time? You could still be soaking up the sun’s UV rays without knowing it, such as when you’re working near a window or driving. Even with greasy skin, you’re still prone to sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, or skin cancer. Stick to oil-free and fragrance-free products that won’t clog or irritate your skin. Finding a sunscreen that suits your skin type takes a bit of trial and error, so be patient. In the meantime, the best SPF product is the one you’re using.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a simple yet effective oily skincare routine in no time.