The search for skincare for oily skin often ends with products that are too harsh. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the key is balance: controlling excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. A cleanser that is too strong can irritate skin and trigger even more oil.
Habits dermatologists recommend
- Wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating. Do not scrub, even to remove makeup, because scrubbing irritates skin.
- Choose products labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic”. These cleansers, moisturizers and makeup will not clog pores.
- Use a gentle, foaming face wash. Not the strongest one.
- Still moisturize. Oily skin needs hydration too. The AAD suggests a moisturizer that also contains broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Pick the right sunscreen. To prevent breakouts, the AAD suggests sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, without fragrance or oils.
- Use blotting papers. Press gently for a few seconds instead of rubbing, so oil does not spread.
Ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can reduce oiliness, but the AAD notes they may be too harsh for some people. Stop or use them less often if your skin gets irritated.
What to avoid
- Oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, which can irritate skin.
- Sleeping in your makeup.
- Touching your face often, which spreads dirt and oil.
- Heavy oil-based makeup. Choose oil-free, water-based makeup; products labeled “matte” help reduce shine.
Example: an oily skin routine from Kira
Here is Kira’s real reply to “my skin is very oily, how should I care for it?”, with a step-by-step routine:
Sunscreen is still essential
Many people with oily skin skip sunscreen because it feels sticky, but sun protection matters for every skin type. Learn the right amount and order in how to apply sunscreen correctly. If you also have post-acne marks, continue with how to fade dark spots.
If acne is inflamed, painful or does not improve with basic care, see a dermatologist. Kira will also point you to a doctor for conditions like this.
Get a personalized routine
Send a selfie to Kira on WhatsApp and describe your skin. Kira reads your skin from the photo and builds a morning and night routine with ingredients to look for, ingredients to avoid, and product links. See the oily skin example.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash oily skin?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face up to twice daily and after sweating. Washing too often or with a harsh cleanser can irritate skin and trigger more oil production.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. Oily skin still needs hydration. Choose a moisturizer labeled oil-free and noncomedogenic, ideally one that already contains broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daytime.
Which sunscreen suits oily, acne-prone skin?
According to the AAD, look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and avoid those containing fragrance or oils. Choose broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher.
Sources
Facts in this article refer to the sources below.
- Skincare
- Kulit berminyak
- Sunscreen
- Kulit wajah
