One of the most googled skincare problems is how to control oily skin naturally, particularly for those dealing with a sticky T-zone, enlarged pores, frequent breakouts, or an oily face quickly after cleaning. You can’t get rid of oily skin forever, but you can manage it successfully by controlling excess sebum production, improving your skin barrier, and sticking to a consistent skincare routine.

The good news is that you don't need pricey treatments or a difficult 10-step routine to see results. A mix of science-backed home remedies for oily skin, the proper active ingredients, and a basic daily skincare regimen can help decrease excess oil, minimize blocked pores, and maintain skin balance in the long run.

In this article, you’ll discover how to control oily skin naturally, typical reasons for excess oil production, effective home remedies, dermatologist-backed skincare practices, and the finest products to develop an easy regimen for long-term oil control. 

Quick Answer: How to Control Oily Skin Naturally

You can control oily skin naturally by:

• Washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser
• Using oil-balancing ingredients like Niacinamide and Aloe Vera
• Applying clay masks 1 to 2 times per week
• Avoiding over-washing and harsh products
• Using an oil-free moisturiser daily
• Wearing sunscreen every day
• Reducing high-sugar and highly processed foods
• Following a consistent skincare routine for 6 to 8 weeks

While oily skin cannot be permanently cured, it can be effectively managed with the right habits and products.

Why Is My Skin So Oily?

Here are the most common reasons oily skin happens:

• Overactive sebaceous glands: This is largely genetic; some people are simply born with more active oil glands
• Hormonal fluctuations: Androgens directly stimulate sebum production, which is why oiliness spikes during puberty, menstruation, and periods of high stress
• Wrong skincare products: Heavy moisturisers add to oiliness, while skipping moisturiser entirely triggers your skin to compensate by producing more oil
• Over-washing: Cleansing more than twice a day strips natural oils and causes a rebound effect.
• Diet: If you are consuming high-glycaemic foods, excess dairy, and processed sugar, they are linked to increased sebum production

Different types of oily skin

The way oily skin acts varies from person to person. You can create a more efficient skincare routine for oily skin if you know your skin type.

1. Mild Oily Skin: By midday, your T-zone, your forehead, nose, and chin, become glossy, while the rest of your face stays balanced.

2. Combination Skin: Even while your cheeks can seem normal or dry, your nose, chin, and forehead will get sticky.

3. Excessively oily skin: After only a few hours of cleansing, your entire face will seem oily, and you'll probably have to wipe a lot.

4. Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: A combination of clogged pores and excess oil causes blackheads, whiteheads, and recurring breakouts.

Did You Know? Natural oils help maintain moisture, so oily-skinned people may have fewer fine wrinkles with time, but they are also more likely to have enlarged pores and acne. It is important to learn closely about your skin and how to treat pimples naturally, the right way.

Home Remedies for Oily Skin That Actually Work

1. Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) 

It absorbs excess sebum and draws out impurities without harsh chemicals.

How to use it: Mix with rose water into a smooth paste, apply for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. Use once or twice a week.

Caution: Avoid if you have dry patches; it's highly absorbent and can over-dry already dry areas.

2. Aloe Vera Gel

It has natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that calm overactive sebaceous glands without stripping the skin barrier.

How to use it: Apply pure Aloe Vera gel directly to clean skin as a lightweight layer. No need to rinse. Use morning and evening after cleansing.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

It restores the skin's natural pH balance and has mild antibacterial properties that help keep pores clear. 

How to use it: Dilute 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar with 3 parts water. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing. Use once daily in the evening.

Caution: Never apply undiluted, as it can cause irritation and chemical burns on direct skin contact.

Pro Tip: Learn how to minimize enlarged pores with the right guided and researched information backed by science and recommended by dermatologists. 

4. Besan (Gram Flour) Cleanser

Besan is known to gently exfoliate your skin and absorb surface oil without disrupting your overall skin barrier.

How to use it: Mix with water into a paste, massage onto damp skin, rinse with cool water. Use two to three times a week.

5. Green Tea Rinse

It contains EGCG, which is a polyphenol that suppresses sebaceous gland activity and reduces sebum production topically.

How to use it: Brew, cool completely, and apply with a cotton pad after cleansing. Leave on. Use daily.

Did You Know? Salicylic acid benefits for oily skin in several ways, including unclogging pores, controlling excess oil, reducing the appearance of blackheads and acne, and improving the skin's overall texture and clarity without making it feel greasy. 

Face Masks for Oily Skin You Can Make at Home

• Multani Mitti + Rose Water: Mix both together and apply to your skin for 15 minutes. It helps with deep oil absorption and pore cleansing. Use this mask once a week.
• Honey + Lemon: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with a few drops of lemon juice. Leave it on for 10 minutes. This mask has antibacterial and oil-controlling properties. You can use it once a week.
• Oatmeal + Yogurt: Mix 2 tablespoons ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon plain yogurt. Leave for 15 minutes. This mix absorbs oil and gently exfoliates your skin. Use it once or twice a week.

What Not to Put on Oily Skin

Some DIY remedies may worsen oiliness and damage your skin barrier.

Avoid:

• Undiluted lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Toothpaste
• Alcohol-based toners
• Undiluted apple cider vinegar
• Harsh physical scrubs

These ingredients can irritate the skin and trigger rebound oil production.

Simple Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Although home treatments might be helpful, it is usually more effective to stick to a skincare program for faster and more consistent results.
 

Morning Routine

Step 1: Wash Your Face Gently: If you want to keep your skin's protective barrier intact while washing away dead skin cells, oil, and grime, use a gentle cleanser. To keep your skin looking healthy and supple without stripping it of its natural oils, use Foxtale's Super Glow De-tan Face Wash, which is made with the nourishing blend of Papaya Enzymes and Vitamin C. 

Step 2: Niacinamide serum: Niacinamide aids in controlling oil production, reducing the appearance of big pores, and bolstering the skin's protective barrier. When it comes to oily and acne-prone skin, one choice that utilizes encapsulation technology to increase ingredient delivery is Foxtale's 12% Niacinamide Serum. 

Step 3: Oil-Free Moisturizer: Even with oily skin, hydration is key. Your skin may create significantly more sebum if you don't use a moisturizer. To avoid a greasy aftereffect, use a non-comedogenic moisturiser that is not heavy.
To help keep the skin's protective barrier intact and its moisture levels stable, use Foxtale's Oil Balancing Moisturizer, which contains ingredients including niacinamide and cica. 

Step 4: Sunscreen: Protecting your skin's barrier from UV damage, which can exacerbate oiliness over time, is as simple as using sunscreen daily. Try to choose an SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen that isn't heavy, doesn't clog pores, and isn't greasy. For oily skin, there's Foxtale's Ice-Burst Cooling SPF 50 Matte Gel Sunscreen PA++++, which has a lightweight consistency and absorbs quickly. 

Nighttime Routine

Step 1: Mild Cleanser: How to wash your face for clearer and healthier skin? Cleansing your face with the right nourishing blend helps eliminate pollutants, oil, and grime that accumulate over the day.

Step 2: Niacinamide Serum: Use two or three drops on skin that is clean and dry. 

Did You Know? The benefits of niacinamide for oily skin include controlling excess sebum production, reducing the look of enlarged pores, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing post-acne blemishes for a smoother, balanced complexion. 

Step 3: Oil-free Moisturizer: Make sure your skin stays hydrated all night long by using this product.

Dermatologists Advice: Rather than attempting a bunch of different products all at once, it's usually best to stick to one straightforward program for six to eight weeks. 

Daily Habits That Worsen Oily Skin

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Home remedies and skincare routines can help manage mild oiliness, but professional treatment may be necessary in certain cases.

Consult a dermatologist if:

• Oiliness suddenly worsens
• You develop severe acne or painful breakouts
• Home remedies do not work after 8 weeks
• You suspect hormonal imbalances
• You have symptoms of PCOS
• Oily skin is affecting your confidence or quality of life

Persistent oily skin may sometimes indicate an underlying hormonal issue that requires professional evaluation.

Build a Sustainable Routine Instead of Chasing Quick Fixes

The biggest mistake people make is trying multiple remedies at once. Whether you choose natural remedies, active ingredients, or a combination of both, consistency matters more than intensity.

A simple skincare routine followed consistently for 6 to 8 weeks often delivers better results than switching products every few days.

Focus on three goals:

• Reduce excess oil
• Protect your skin barrier
• Maintain long-term balance

Healthy skin is built through consistency, not overnight fixes.

Conclusion

When you use fast remedies, organically controlling oily skin is quite possible. Over time, you may lessen oil production, minimize pore blockage, and fortify your skin's protective barrier by combining a basic skincare regimen with oil-balancing substances and home cures supported by research.
 

You can't get rid of oily skin for good, but you can control it with the correct routine. Maintain your regimen for at least six to eight weeks, protect your skin from the sun every day with sunscreen, and use lightweight, non-comedogenic products to promote skin health in the long run.
 

For a comprehensive approach to managing acne, check out our advice on how to get rid of pimples naturally if you're also battling frequent outbreaks. 

Every June, the air in India shifts. The humidity climbs, the temperature gets sticky, and if you have oily skin, your skin notices before the first rain cloud does. Monsoon is one of the most challenging seasons for oily and acne-prone skin: humidity accelerates sebum production, sweat and pollution mix with excess oil on the skin surface, and the same moisturizer that worked in May starts feeling heavy and suffocating by mid-June. 

The good news is that your oily skin care routine doesn't need a complete overhaul, it needs specific, strategic swaps before the season changes. This guide covers exactly what to change, what to keep, and what to add when monsoon hits. 

Why Monsoon Makes Oily Skin Worse 

Understanding the mechanism helps you fix it more precisely. 

1. Humidity and sebum production: High ambient humidity doesn't hydrate your skin, it saturates the air, which reduces evaporative cooling on your skin's surface. Your sebaceous glands respond to surface heat by producing more oil. This is why oily skin often feels greasiest not in dry summer heat but in humid monsoon conditions. For a deeper understanding of how to regulate sebum production year-round, the mechanism behind seasonal sebum spikes is explained in detail. 

2. Sweat + sebum + pollution: During monsoon, the combination of sweat, excess oil, urban pollution, and environmental debris creates a film on the skin surface that doesn't rinse off with water. This film traps bacteria and forms microcomedones the microscopic precursors to every breakout faster than at any other time of year. Research confirms that Cutibacterium acnes proliferates in the anaerobic, sebum-rich environment inside clogged pores (Dessinioti & Katsambas, 2010 Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology), making monsoon pore-clearing even more critical. 

3. Barrier disruption from humidity cycling: Moving between air-conditioned indoor spaces and humid outdoor environments frequently weakens the acid mantle and makes skin more reactive. 

Did You Know? Dermatology clinics across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru consistently report a spike in acne consultations in June and July compared to April and May directly correlated with the onset of monsoon humidity. The trigger isn't the rain itself; it's the humidity that precedes and accompanies it. 

The Pre-Monsoon Skincare Audit: What to Keep, What to Change 

Keep: Salicylic Acid Face Wash 

Salicylic acid (BHA) is more essential in monsoon, not less. As sebum production increases with humidity, the likelihood of pores clogging escalates. Salicylic acid's oil-solubility allows it to penetrate the follicular canal and dissolve sebum plugs that surface cleansers can't reach (NCBI Bookshelf — Salicylic Acid Keratolytic Activity). This is the step you absolutely should not drop in monsoon. For the full science of why salicylic acid is a must-have for oily skin in monsoon, the seasonal context is covered. 

Continue twice daily with Foxtale's Oil & Acne Control Face Wash. If anything, be more diligent about the full 60-second massage during the cleanse — this is when pore-clearing happens. 

Keep: Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide's sebum-regulating benefit is even more relevant in monsoon when oil production spikes. In a controlled clinical study, consistent niacinamide use produced measurable reduction in casual sebum levels (Draelos et al., 2006 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology) exactly what's needed when humidity is pushing that production higher. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help manage the increased breakout frequency that humidity brings. 

For why niacinamide works specifically for oily skin by regulating oil at the sebaceous gland level, the mechanism is particularly relevant in high-humidity conditions. And for the full science of niacinamide serum benefits for oily skin, including what to expect week by week, that's covered separately. 

Change: Your Moisturizer (If It's Not Already Gel-Based) 

If you were using a lotion or light cream in summer, switch to a gel moisturizer for monsoon. A gel formula that absorbs within 30 seconds and leaves no residue is all your skin needs. A heavier formula in monsoon traps sweat and sebum under a film, contributing directly to congestion. For a full breakdown of common moisturizer mistakes oily skin makes, the heavy-texture-in-monsoon error is one of the most frequent. 

The Foxtale Oil Balancing Moisturizer is a gel-texture formula specifically designed for Indian humidity, its aquaporin boosters hydrate without any surface grease, and the cica + niacinamide combination manages inflammation and sebum simultaneously. 

Change: Your Sunscreen (If It's Cream or Lotion SPF) 

This is the most common monsoon skincare mistake: people switch off sunscreen because it's cloudy or raining. UV rays penetrate cloud cover, UVA radiation (responsible for ageing and PIH darkening) passes through clouds at near full intensity. Skipping SPF in monsoon actively worsens post-acne marks. For why skincare mistakes that worsen tanning and pigmentation are so damaging and how SPF fits in that guide is worth reading. 

The swap is in texture, not habit. Move from any cream or lotion SPF to a gel sunscreen for oily skin, a water gel formula that sits comfortably in humid conditions without sliding off or feeling heavy. The Foxtale SPF 50 Matte Gel Sunscreen for Oily skin is designed specifically for this, oil control technology in an ultra-lightweight water gel base. 

Pro Tip: In monsoon, your SPF is doing double duty, protecting against UV and being reapplied through a day of sweat and humidity. For more on how blotting papers work for oily skin between SPF reapplications, the answer is different from what most people expect. 

Add: Double Cleanse at Night 

In monsoon, single cleansing at night is often insufficient. Sweat, pollution, and sunscreen form a combined film that foam cleansers alone don't fully remove. Add a micellar water or gentle cleansing oil as a first step before your salicylic acid face wash. For an in-depth look at whether a face wash actually helps with oily skin versus other cleansing approaches, the format comparison is covered. 

The Monsoon-Optimised Routine for Oily Skin

Morning

Night 

"Oil-free" is one of the most searched-for claims on skincare labels, especially by people in India dealing with oily or acne-prone skin. But the term gets used loosely. Not everything labelled "oil-free" is the same, and not everything that helps oily skin actually needs to be oil-free. Understanding what the term actually means, and more importantly, what the ingredients behind it do, is what separates a moisturizer that genuinely works for oily skin from one that just promises to.

This guide breaks down exactly what an oil-free moisturizer is, how it hydrates without oils, which ingredients make it effective, and how to pick the right one for Indian skin.

What Does "Oil-Free" Actually Mean?

An oil-free moisturizer contains no oils: not plant-derived oils (like argan, jojoba, or rosehip), not mineral oils (like paraffin or petrolatum), and not synthetic oil-like esters (like isopropyl palmitate). The formula achieves its moisturizing effect entirely through:

• Humectants: water-attracting molecules that pull moisture into skin cells (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium PCA)
• Water-based emollients: smooth skin texture without grease (certain silicones, water-soluble film-formers)
• Film-formers: lightweight protective layer that holds moisture in without the heaviness of oils

"Moisturizing" doesn't require oil. Oil is one method of hydrating skin: it forms an occlusive layer that slows water evaporation. Humectants achieve hydration differently, by pulling water into the skin. For oily skin, humectants deliver what the skin needs without adding to its existing oil load.

Did You Know? Hyaluronic acid, the primary humectant in most oil-free moisturizers can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it one of the most efficient hydrating molecules in skincare (Papakonstantinou et al., 2012, Dermato-Endocrinology). That hydrating power doesn't require a single molecule of oil. For how hyaluronic acid benefits oily skin specifically, including why it's non-comedogenic, the mechanism is covered in our guide on using hyaluronic acid with niacinamide.

Oil-Free vs Non-Comedogenic: Do You Need Both?

These are related but different claims, and for oily skin, both matter.

Some oil-free products still contain pore-clogging ingredients: certain silicones, wax-based thickeners, or emulsifiers. For oily skin, the ideal combination is a moisturizer that is both oil-free and non-comedogenic. For a full ingredient-level breakdown of what to avoid when picking a moisturizer for oily skin, including the comedogenic rating system, that guide covers every scenario.

Key Ingredients in an Effective Oil-Free Moisturizer

What to Look For

1. Hyaluronic Acid
A hyaluronic acid moisturizer acts as a powerful hydration booster. This ingredient functions like a moisture magnet, drawing water from the air or deeper skin layers to keep the skin plump, radiant, and dewy without feeling heavy or greasy.

2. Glycerin
Simple, effective humectant. Rating 0 on comedogenic scale. Draws water into the skin and holds it there. Extremely well-tolerated by acne-prone skin.

3. Niacinamide
Not just a hydrating ingredient an active that regulates sebum, reduces inflammation, and fades post-acne marks simultaneously. Research confirms its sebum-reducing properties with consistent use (Draelos et al., 2006, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology), and its barrier-strengthening effect through ceramide stimulation. Its inclusion transforms an oil-free moisturizer from passive hydration into active skin management. For the full niacinamide serum benefits overview and how they compare to getting niacinamide in a moisturizer, that's covered in our niacinamide FAQ guide.

4. Cica (Centella Asiatica)
Anti-inflammatory, barrier-repairing, and non-comedogenic. Research confirms Centella Asiatica's anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties at the cellular level. For how cica specifically calms oily and acne-prone skin in the context of active ingredient use, that guide covers the detail: Is Cica Good for Oily Skin? and What Does Cica Do for Acne-Prone Skin?

What to Avoid (Even in Oil-Free Products)

Why Oily and Acne-Prone Indian Skin Needs Oil-Free Specifically

India's climate creates a specific context: high ambient humidity, UV intensity, heat that accelerates sebum production, and pollution that adds oxidative stress daily. In this environment, even mild occlusives can cause breakthrough shine within 2–3 hours. A water-based, oil-free formula that absorbs completely and leaves no surface residue performs better than any imported formula tested in temperate climates.

For the comprehensive context on controlling oily skin through India's seasons, including what "humidity-tested" actually means in practice, that's covered in our oily skin pillar guide. 

Pro Tip: Store your oil-free moisturizer away from direct sunlight or heat. Humidity-rich Indian summers can affect the texture and stability of water-based formulas. A cool, dark shelf (not the refrigerator unless the formula specifies) keeps the product stable and extends shelf life.

Foxtale Oil Balancing Moisturizer: Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologically-Tested

Foxtale's Oil Balancing Moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, formulated with:

• Niacinamide: sebum regulation + PIH fading + anti-inflammatory
• Cica: breakout calming + barrier repair
• Azelaic Acid Serum Pearls: antibacterial + anti-PIH
• Aquaporin Boosters: deep water-based hydration without surface grease

Gel texture that absorbs in under 30 seconds. No residue, no grease, no shine. Fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, vegan, cruelty-free.

For how this moisturizer fits into a complete AM + PM skincare routine for oily skin, including the correct step order and what to pair it with, that context is in the full how to get the best results from the Oil-Balancing Moisturizer guide.

Conclusion

Oil-free doesn't mean bare minimum, it means the formula delivers everything your skin needs for hydration and active care without the ingredient category that oily skin already has too much of. The Foxtale Oil Balancing Niacinamide Moisturizer is that formula and your oily skin routine deserves nothing less.
 

If you observe unwarranted oiliness or enlarged pores on the face – chances are that your skin type is oily. For the uninitiated, the skin has sebaceous glands that produce sebum a.k.a. oil. These oils ensure natural moisturization for the skin while protecting it from harmful bacteria. Moreover, sebum regulates your body’s temperature by preventing moisture loss.  

Oily skin occurs when your dermis produces more than the adequate amount of sebum. Triggered by several factors like age, diet, hormonal imbalances and more, oily skin, can be a little difficult to maintain. However, with the right morning or evening routine you can control the shine on your face and nip other oily skin concerns in the bud. 

But first, let’s learn the different causes of oily skin 

What Causes Oily Skin? 

To tackle oily skin, you should know the different causes or triggers for it. We have listed the most common reasons down here.

1. Genetics: You may be genetically predisposed to more oiliness on the face. So, if your parents had overactive sebaceous glands, chances are you will too.

2. Dehydration: Another reason why you may be grappling with oily skin is dehydration. For those unaware, skin dehydration cues the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode, leading to more oiliness than before. To counter this problem, add hydrating skincare products to your daily rotation.

3. Using the wrong skincare products: Using the wrong skincare products – heavy, pore-clogging creams can lead to more oiliness on the face. Additionally, ingredients like alcohol and SLS dehydrate the skin, triggering the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode. 

4. Diet: According to research, diet and oily skin go hand-in-hand. Indulging in high-glycemic foods, saturated fats, and trans fats often stimulates the sebaceous glands, leading to the unregulated production of sebum. 

5. Hormonal imbalances: Imbalanced hormones during puberty or pregnancy can lead to overproduction of sebum. Results? Excess greasiness and massive pores on the face. 

6. Over-washing or over-exfoliating: Over-washing or over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration. This lack of moisture content in the skin flags off the sebaceous glands – resulting in overproduction of sebum 

7. Your environment: If you live in hot and humid cities, your skin may be inexplicably oily.

8. Poor moisturizing: Yes, you read that correctly. Skipping moisturizer does more harm to your oily skin than you think. This causes an endless loop of extra sebum production. Choose a lightweight moisturizer and nourishing, as they help maintain and repair the skin barrier.

Common Challenges With Oily Skin 

Oily skin brings forth with it a gamut of other challenges like   

1. Oily skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands, which leads to a never-ending shine on the face, especially the T-zone.  

2. Oily skin is prone to attracting more dust, grime, and pollution. This buildup creates an unwanted layer that makes the skin appear dull.  

3. Since the pores on your skin spill excess sebum during the season, they often appear massive. Additionally, the build-up of dust and debris can plug these pores, making your complexion look patchy. To avoid this problem due to oily skin, opt for pore-minimizing primer + base.- 

4. When clogged pores on oily skin are further aggravated, they can lead to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads or acne.  

5. Excessive oiliness on the face causes makeup to slip or crack, especially around the T-zone. To avoid your base from looking messy, invest in a thorough cleanse, tone, and moisturize ritual first.  

How To Prevent Oily Skin   

While following a skincare routine is apt, here’s how to prevent oily skin and gain control over it.    

1. Use a gentle cleanser    

When you incorporate a mild, gentle cleanser into your routine, your skin’s health and barrier are not compromised. Gentle cleansers remove excess dirt and oil from the skin while ensuring hydration is restored. Using cleansers that have harsh ingredients can strip your skin, causing further irritation and redness.    

2. Avoid sleeping in makeup    

After a long and tiring day, sleeping in your makeup can be a tempting idea, but do know that it causes a lot of harm to your skin. It can clog your pores and further aggravate breakouts. On top of that, it can also trigger the formation of whiteheads and blackheads, something no one wants to experience.    

3. Blotting papers   

While carrying a facewash everywhere is not very practical, you can use blotting papers. They are very handy and can help absorb excess oil from your skin.    

4. Don't touch your face    

When you repeatedly touch your face, you're allowing dirt, bacteria, and oil to spread all over the face. Always ensure your hands are well-sanitized and clean before touching your face.    

5. Wash your face regularly    

Making cleansing a part of your skincare regime is vital for your skin’s health. You should never neglect this essential step, especially after physical activity. By doing so, you can help maintain the health and radiance of your skin.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin 

1. Cleansing 

Use a gentle yet potent cleanser to dissolve oils and impurities from your skin without stripping it and causing it to produce more oil. Double cleansing is a good call. It’s the most effective method of getting rid of oil. Foxtale's daily duet cleanser is your go-to product if you're looking for a practical double cleanser. It's powered with sodium hyaluronate, and red algae extract, which provides deeper hydration to the skin and cleanses your skin well.

2. Toning

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for Lactic Acid and Niacinamide-based products. These will improve cell turnover and absorb into pores to clear makeup, oil, and dirt. 

However, your pores are likely to be stretched out when they’re clogged, so clear pores look smaller on the surface. Pros suggest skipping intense astringent-heavy alcohol-based toners, as those could strip the skin and majorly mess with its pH.

3. Treating

Look for exfoliating serum with ingredients like glycolic acid. They reduce excess oil production and prevent the plugging of pores that lead to breakouts. They are able to actually reduce sebum and improve cellular turnover. Since acne is common if you have oily skin, you’ll want to treat it by soothing the spot, reducing sebum, and preventing the clogging of pores. Use a gel containing salicylic, glycolic, and azelaic acid, which aids in fighting acne. It unclogs pores and reduces sebum production, thus decreasing the possibility of breakouts. The presence of niacinamide reduces oil production and calms inflammation.

4. Moisturizing 

Nourish your skin with a lightweight moisturizer. Layering your skin with a moisturizer helps repair and maintain the skin barrier. It might seem counterintuitive, but oils can help oily skin, particularly jojoba oil and squalane oil, which mimic the sebum's molecule size and brighten instead of clogging pores.

5. Sunscreen

People with oily skin often avoid layering sunscreen because it leaves the skin feeling like a greasy mess. If you can relate to this- it's time to put a stop to this unhealthy cycle. Try using Foxtale's matte finish sunscreen; it contains niacinamide which regulates and controls oil production. It immediately absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast!   

While following a skincare routine is apt, here’s how to prevent oily skin and gain control over it. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Is your skin still greasy despite persistent efforts? Here are some mistakes you could be making with your oily skin.

1. Not using gel-based formulas: We know that moisturization is essential for all skin types, including oily, However, if your pores spill sebum, left, right, and centre – steer clear of heavy, cream formulas which may clog the pores. Instead, opt for a gel-based moisturizer with oil-controlling ingredients like Niacinamide.

2. Not staying hydrated: The lack of hydration triggers the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode. To avoid overproduction of sebum, include humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin in your daily skincare routine.

3. Wearing thick layers of makeup: If you have oily skin, wearing heavy layers of makeup on the reg can clog pores. Results? Breakouts   

4. Popping pimples: Oily skin often results in frequent and menacing acne breakouts. Avoid popping these pimples at all costs. This grave oversight pushes the bacteria deeper into the skin, repeating the cycle. 

Additional Tips for Managing Oily Skin  

Other than adhering to a morning and evening skincare routine, we recommend following these tip for controlling oil production -

1. Use a deep-cleansing mask weekly to remove dirt, grime, and excess sebum from the pores.

2. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week but steer clear of over-exfoliation at all costs.  

3. Limit the use of alcohol in your skincare products. Pick an alcohol-free toner to remove dirt and grime while providing ample hydration for the skin.  

4. Change your dietary habits – avoid high glycemic foods, trans fats, and complex carbohydrates.  

5. Manage your stress! For those unaware, high stress levels trigger cortisol, which in turn, leads to increased sebum production.  

Conclusion   

Having oily skin is frustrating, but the good news is that it can be managed. When you curate a routine designed specifically to address your skin concerns, the journey to clear and radiant skin doesn't seem less of a dreadful path. However, if your efforts do not yield the desired results, it may be wise to consult a dermatologist or skin expert for personalized advice and treatment options.   

FAQs

1. What causes oily skin?

Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. The factors that can lead to the overproduction of sebum include hormonal changes (such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause), genetics, warm and humid weather, certain medications, stress, and a poor skincare routine.

2. Which is the best face wash? 

The best wash that works for all skin types is Foxtale’s daily duet face wash. It's a deeply hydrating cleanser that doubles up as a makeup remover too! It contains hero ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and red algae extract, which can provide deeper hydration to the skin and cleanses it effectively. It also contains the star ingredient vitamin B5, which reduces the appearance of acne and blemishes.

3. What can worsen my oily skin?

Several factors can contribute to increased oil production in the skin, including hormonal changes, an imbalanced diet, the use of heavy skincare products, weather conditions, stress, and genetics.

4. What is the best sunscreen for oily skin?

Ans) Foxtale’s Matte Finish Sunscreen has been formulated for oily skin. It boasts Niacinamide that blots excess oil from the pores and brightens the skin. The formula also bestows your skin with a satiny matte finish.

5. Why do I need a moisturizer for oily skin?

Ans) The grease on your skin doesn’t compensate for the lack of moisture. A potent moisturizer for oily skin prevents TEWL and ensures its soft, supple appearance.

6. What is a good serum for oily skin?

Ans) If you wish to regulate your skin’s sebum production and tighten the pores, try Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. On the other hand - if you want to remove the build-up of dirt, debris and sebum on the skin, try the AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.