July 23, 2025
Expert Answers The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Oily Skin
Every skin type presents unique challenges, but dealing with oily skin can be particularly tiresome. The never-ending oil slick on the face can pave the way for enlarged pores, pimples, and, not to forget, the stubborn post-acne marks. Add to this laundry list the dizzying number of products on the market that promise ‘overnight solutions’, only to find yourself in total and utter confusion. But not anymore. To put all queries and questions to rest, we at Foxtale enlisted the help of a pro! Dr Jushya Bhatia, a renowned dermatologist specializing in science-backed skincare, answers all your burning questions about oil control, pimple prevention, and more. Team Foxtale: What should I look for in an oily skin moisturizer? Dr Jushya: Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that are labeled non-comedogenic. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin provide hydration without clogging your pores. Plus, if the product has Niacinamide, it adds to the oil balancing properties of your moisturizer. Since acne-prone skin is almost always inflamed, adding Cica extracts that soothe and calm your skin is a great strategy. Azelaic Acid is another great ingredient, especially for those with sensitive skin. It targets acne marks and reduces acne flare-ups in general. Team Foxtale: What is a good oily skin moisturizer? Dr Jushya: If I were to recommend a moisturizer with all of these properties, I would point to Foxtale’s Oil Balancing Moisturizer. It is perfect for oily to combination skin types because it gives your skin an oil free look for a long duration of time. It is a lightweight and hydrating gel with Azelaic Acid pearls that slowly release into your skin, maximizing the formula’s efficacy while reducing irritation. It also contains Niacinamide that regulates oil production over a period of time. Plus, it has Cica that reduces redness, calms your skin, and also improves your skin texture. Team Foxtale: Why do pimples occur? Dr Jushya: Think of your skin like the drain of your kitchen sink. Your pores or hair follicles are those thin, tiny drains. Now, imagine, oil from your skin is like grease and skin cells are like food particles. When both start building up in that drain, the drain clogs. Now bacteria, like the cutibacterium acnes, actually live on your skin, and get trapped in this clogged pore. Inside the clogged pore, they multiply causing swelling, redness, and pus. And that’s your pimple. So, your acne is basically a clogged pore, infected mini drain on your face. Team Foxtale: How to prevent pimples? Dr Jushya: Preventing pimples requires simple habit modification: 1. Consistent skincare: Cleanse regularly with a Salicylic Acid cleanser. This helps dissolve clogged oils and prevents acne without drying your skin. Just like Foxtale’s Acne Control Cleanser. You can follow this up with a moisturizing routine with gentler ingredients like Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, or even Cica Extract. My recommendation would be to try Foxtale’s 12% Niacinamide serum to help you with your acne. And follow this up with an Oil Balancing Moisturizer that keeps your skin oil free for a long duration of time. 2. Check your diet and lifestyle: Limit the intake of high-glycemic index food and dairy that can exacerbate your acne. 3. Manage your stress: Stress can increase cortisol levels that can potentially worsen your acne. Team Foxtale: What is a good skincare routine for oily skin? Dr Jushya: Honestly, it's quite simple. Step 1 Cleanse twice daily: Use a gentle foaming cleanser that removes all the excess oil without overdrying. This cleanser could have Salicylic Acid or Mandelic Acid. My pick would be Foxtale’s Acne Control Cleanser. It has 2% Salicylic Acid with Hyaluronic Acid, so it regulates oil, sebum, and acne without stripping your skin, Step 2 Moisturize: Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer which could have ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide. This Oil Balancing Moisturizer by Foxtale has Niacinamide with Azelaic Acid Pearls. One of my most favourite ingredients for acne and that is also underutilized is Azelaic Acid. It helps you with acne, acne marks, and also brightens your skin. It is a very safe molecule, especially for people with sensitive skin or pregnant women. The best part is that the moisturizer keeps you oil-free for a very long time. Step 3 Sun Protection: You need to apply a broad-spectrum daily to protect your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation. Foxtale’s SPF 70 Matte Sunscreen is a must-have! It gives long-lasting sun protection, no oiliness, greasiness or white cast, blends in seconds, and gives your skin an oil-free, matte look. Plus, it's water resistant for up to 90 minutes. Tip 1: Apart from this, consider adding a 2% Salicylic Acid serum to your routine. This unclogs the pores and prevents acne. Tip 2: Niacinamide is another hero, another cult favourite because it balances oil production. It also reduces acne marks and calms your skin. The 12% Niacinamide Serum by Foxtale combines Niacinamide with Azelaic Acid. Together they help you fight acne, acne marks, and pigmentation. Consistency is key but you’ll start observing results after 2 weeks. Pro tip: Shampoo regularly. The oil from your scalp can cause acne on your forehead. If you have an oily scalp, shampoo more often than you do now and keep your hair away from your face. Team Foxtale: How do you remove acne marks? Dr Jushya: 3 simple tips for removing acne marks are: 1. Wear sunscreen: Think of your acne marks as a collection of color-producing cells. When they get more stimulus from sun rays, they lead to more pigmentation. Give your skin an effective sunscreen and the trigger is no longer able to stimulate your color-producing cells. And your marks start to fade. I love the SPF 70 Matte Sunscreen by Foxtale. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and blends in seconds. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 90 minutes. 2. Try some topical agents: Serums containing Tranexamic Acid, Azelaic Acid or Glycolic Acid help reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Consider the Rapid Spots Reduction Drops by Foxtale. It contains 3% Tranexamic Acid, Encapsulated Peptides, and Niacinamide. It will regulate melanin synthesis and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Use it at least for 4 to 6 weeks to see results. 3. Consider professional treatments: Ask your dermatologist about procedures like chemical peeling or lasers that can help reduce acne marks.
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