Oily skin is one of the most common skin types, which presents some unique challenges of its own from clogged pores, acne and greasiness that can be a nightmare to deal with at times. The silver lining? With a consistent skin care routine using the right products, you can navigate it with great ease! While overly active sebaceous glands may be a result of climate change, hormonal fluctuations, genetics or a poor diet, they can be triggered using the wrong products too. The trick to improving your skin’s overall health is finding a curated skincare routine that keeps your oil levels at bay and your complexion fresh and clean all day.

Here is a simple skin routine that you can follow if you have oily skin:

Routine

1) CLEANSER

Neemli Naturals Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid Face Wash 

Ingredient spotlight: Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid

Benefits: When it comes to oily skin, cleansing is one of the most important steps to keep your skin clean and oil-free through the day. This cleanser works wonders because it not only deeply purifies the skin, but also calms it, leaving it feeling fresh and clean. The anti-inflammatory superstar Salicylic Acid - a BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid gently exfoliates and pulls out dirt, sebum and oil from the pores and protects the skin against future breakouts too. On the other hand, Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial properties reduces swelling, irritation and acne. 

How to use: Dampen your face and neck with lukewarm water, and apply an almond-sized amount (or one pump) and gentle massage it onto your face and neck in circular motions. Rinse and pat dry with a soft cloth.

How often to use: Use twice a day - both in the morning and night.

2) EXFOLIATOR

Swisse Bamboo Skin Refining Exfoliator 

Ingredient spotlight: Bamboo Stem Powder and Witch Hazel

Benefits: Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dirt, grime, oil and dead cells that tends to clog the pores and cause a host of skin problems such as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, etc. Regular exfoliation helps to prevent any buildup and allows the skin to breathe well. Bamboo Stem Powder helps to effectively exfoliate, polish and smoothen the skin while Witch Hazel helps to shrink the pores and prevent acne-causing bacteria from forming, promoting a naturally healthy and radiant complexion.

How to use: Gently massage a nickel-sized amount onto wet skin in a circular motion. Rinse it well with lukewarm water and pat dry.

How often to use: 2-3 times a week (only once a day!)

3) FACE MASK

Nature Trail Charcoal Therapy Face Mask 

Ingredient spotlight: Charcoal

Benefits: Activated Bamboo Charcoal is a pore cleansing powerhouse that pulls out dirt, oil, toxins and impurities like a magnet to clarify the skin from within. It gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin, for a smooth, oil free and blemish free complexion. If you have oily skin, it is highly recommended to use a Charcoal mask twice a week as it is not only a great self-care ritual, but also an excellent way to detoxify the skin as it allows the nutrients to seep deep in.

How to use: Apply the mask on the face and neck using a brush or your fingers. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then scrub gently to exfoliate. Rinse well and pat dry.

How often to use: Use twice a week for best results.

4) TONER

Ingredient spotlight: Fruit AHAs and Witch Hazel

Benefits: A face mist is not only a great remedy to soothe parched skin, but can also keep your skin oil-free and fresh through the day! It helps to refine the pores and tightens them while balancing out your skin's pH. The Zyna toner is enriched with Fruit AHAs and Witch Hazel, which aid in improving skin tone, texture and complexion and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth and radiant. It is definitely a great pick me up for the skin on the go!

How to use: Keep your eyes closed, and spray it 3-5 times all over your face. Alternatively, use a pad and dab all over the face.

How often to use: Use twice a day - in the morning and night.

5) SERUM FOR THE AM

Martiderm Proteos Liposome 10 Ampoules 

Ingredient spotlight: Vitamin C

Benefits: The antioxidant powerhouse - Vitamin C is an all-rounded skincare hero sought after by everyone. What is special about Proteos Liposome Ampoules, is that not only do they contain a pure form of Vitamin C, but also that they are formulated at a higher pH of 5.5 to ensure no irritation or sensitivity. 5% Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) along with Proteoglycans, Vitamin E and Witch Hazel help to provide light, oil-free hydration and effectively brighten, refine the pores and even out the skin’s tone. 

How to use: Shake the ampoule lightly, and place the Easy Opener on it. Gently press until you hear a clicking round. Remove the Easy Open device and the top of the ampoule, and tip half the contents into your hand and apply all over the face.

How often to use: Use twice a day - in the morning and night.

Read more about why skincare ampoules are a game changer in your skin routine here.

6) SERUM FOR THE PM

Martiderm Night Renew 10 Ampoules | Smooth Skin Ampoules

Ingredient spotlight: Marine Collagen & AHAs

Benefits: Say hello to the ultimate night repair serum that helps you effortlessly hit the overnight reset button! The MartiDerm Night Renew Ampoules are made using Marine Collagen and 10% AHAs such as Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, etc that exfoliate and deeply rejuvenate and renew the skin as you get your dose of beauty sleep. Furthermore, they have a tightening and firming effect, which improve the skin's tone and structure too.

How to use: Shake the ampoule lightly, and place the Easy Opener on it. Gently press until you hear a clicking round. Remove the Easy Open device and the top of the ampoule, and tip half the contents into your hand and apply all over the face.

How often to use: Use only during your night time routine (never use this during the day!). If using MartiDerm Proteos Liposome as well, apply Night Renew Ampoules first followed by the Proteos Liposome Ampoules.

6) MOISTURISER: SUKIN OIL BALANCING MATTIFYING FACIAL MOISTURISER

Ingredient spotlight: Rice Powder

Benefits: A holy grail skincare ritual is and will always be applying a moisturiser. Never indulge in extreme actions like skipping out on a moisturiser (Yes, even if you have oily skin!). Look for a mattifying or non-comedogenic moisturiser that sits well on the skin and does not feel too heavy or sticky through the day. The Sukin moisturiser is enriched with Rice Powder, Willowherb and Chamomile and provides non-greasy, light hydration as well as soothes skin redness and leaves a silky, matte finish. Say hello to the ultimate skin hydration that your skin is longing for!

How to use: Apply an almond-sized amount to the face, neck and decolletage in gentle, circular motions. Always move in an upward manner to defy gravity and have a lifting effect.

How often to use: Use twice a day - both in the morning and night.

Read more about how to find a moisturiser for oily skin that won’t make your acne worse here.

7) FACE OIL: SUKIN CERTIFIED ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL

Ingredient spotlight: Rosehip

Benefits: While it may seem counterintuitive to use face oil if you have oily skin, face oils in fact can help to replenish and balance the skin's natural oils and maintain an optimal water-oil skin balance. Rosehip Oil is great for oily skin because it not only boosts overall skin health and deeply hydrates the skin, but also has the ability to reduce redness, inflammation and acne scars. It is fast-absorbing and light so it does not clog the pores as well. Moreover, it contains a bioactive form of Vitamin A called Retinoic Acid that can speed up cell renewal and reverse the signs of ageing too. Definitely an all in one hero!

How to use: Apply 1-2 drops on to the palm of hand, and use fingers to massage the face and neck well. Can always follow up with a gua sha or face roller if required!

How often to use: If you have oily skin, it is best to use face oils in your night time routine only.

Read more about how to find the right face oil for oily, acne prone skin here.

The order to apply your products in

Cleanser > Toner > Exfoliator > Mask > Serum > Moisturiser > Face Oil

Summary

Ultimately, oily skin requires proper care and a consistent skin routine to beat the shine, control the grease and look its very best. Choosing the right products can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and clear and help you achieve that healthy, radiant complexion that you are yearning for!

- By Krisha Jhaveri