Oily skin isn’t just shiny, it’s complicated. Makeup slides off, pores clog easily, and breakouts often leave behind stubborn scars. After testing routines for months, I’ve built a step-by-step approach that controls oil, supports your skin barrier, and reduces future breakouts.

1. Start with a cleanser

I highly recommend starting with a gentle cleanser. While some online advice suggests using an exfoliating cleanser daily, this approach can be harsh, especially for oily, sensitive skin. Over-exfoliating can disrupt your skin barrier and worsen breakouts.

Personal tip: I switched to CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin. It’s gentle on my skin and contains ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. My breakouts were improved within two weeks.

If you prefer some exfoliation, glycolic acid is milder than salicylic acid. However, skip exfoliating cleansers if your skincare routine already contains these ingredients, as doubling up can damage your skin barrier.

Watch for over-exfoliation: Tightness and flakiness are classic signs. This may mean you’re leaving the cleanser on too long or the concentration is too strong. Gradually reduce contact time or switch to a gentler option until your skin calms down.

Pro tip: If you’re wearing makeup and sunscreen all day, make sure to double cleanse at night. Your regular cleanser won’t break down all the makeup and sunscreen, and it won’t clean your pores properly.

2. Exfoliating Toner

Using an exfoliating toner at 2% concentration twice a week works much better than applying a mild exfoliating toner daily. When I tried using a low-concentration toner every day, I found I couldn’t use my tretinoin on those nights because my skin became too irritated. Even spacing them apart, my outer skin barrier was compromised.

Switching to a twice-weekly routine has worked wonders. My blackheads are almost gone now, which was a major concern for me

Timing matters: I now apply exfoliating toner at night instead of in the morning. Using it in the morning can increase my skin sensitivity to UV rays, even if sunscreen is applied. On nights I use exfoliating toner, I skip tretinoin on those nights.

3. Targeted Serums for Hyperpigmentation

After toner, I apply serums specifically aimed at reducing dark spots and lightening post-acne marks. My favorites are tranexamic acid and azelaic acid.

Why these work:

Tranexamic acid inhibits melanin formation which helps fade dark spots over time.

Azelaic acid: fights acne-causing bacteria, and evens out skin tone.

How I incorporate tretinoin:

I also include tretinoin in my routine for its anti-aging anti-acne benefits. Both tranexamic acid and azelaic acid are gentle enough to safely use on the same nights as tretinoin.

Tips for use:

Apply 2–3 drops of your serum after toner and gently pat onto affected areas.

If your skin feels irritated or overly dry, alternate nights between tretinoin and targeted serums.

I have seen visible improvements within 5-7 weeks with consistent use.

4. Moisturizer for Oily Skin

I noticed the biggest improvement in my skin when I stopped focusing solely on drying out my T-zone and cheeks. For years, I skipped moisturizer because I thought oily or combination skin didn’t need it. This created a vicious cycle, stripping my skin actually triggered more oil production and caused even more breakouts.

Here’s what I do now:

I use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer right after serums, applied to slightly damp skin. This helps lock in hydration without any greasy feeling (look for ingredients like panthenol and squalene). They moisturize without blocking pores.

In humid climates, I only moisturize at night, letting my skin breathe during the day.

On areas prone to acne, like my T-zone and jawline, I sometimes apply less moisturizer or skip these spots to prevent congestion.

5. Sunscreen

I use both mineral and chemical sunscreens, depending on the situation. Chemical sunscreens work best when my skin is calm, while mineral sunscreens are safer when my skin is reactive, as chemicals can irritate inflamed areas.

For oily areas, I’ve found that chemical sunscreens help control shine better than mineral ones. They absorb well and don’t pill or look greasy. Sometimes, even chemical sunscreen on my T-zone or forehead reveals existing oiliness, so I usually skip moisturizer on those spots.

Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, can feel thick and leave a white cast.

My personal tip: apply a thin layer, then repeat in two more light layers until fully absorbed. This keeps coverage even without overloading the skin. Reapply every 2 hours when exposed to sun.

SPF Under Makeup:

If sunscreen pills under makeup, opt for a matte SPF formula. For reapplication, remove excess oil with blotting papers and dab sunscreen gently instead of swiping, which can lift foundation. Alternatively, apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge for minimal disruption.

Related Read: 9 Best Matte Foundations for Oily skin

I generally avoid powder foundations, as they don’t provide enough SPF, and with regular exfoliation or tretinoin use, a full SPF layer is essential.

6. Spot treatment

I use spot treatments in gel form on active breakouts. This way, I’m targeting only the affected areas without adding another full layer to my routine.

Treating breakouts early can reduce the risk of scarring. It also serves as a gentle reminder not to touch the pimple, which helps prevent further irritation.

If you’re using acne patches, apply them on clean, dry skin after cleansing. They work best on whiteheads or surface pimples.