What Is Azelaic Acid? Benefits, Uses & How to Add It to Your Routine

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If you've spent any time reading skincare labels, you've probably seen Azelaic Acid pop up more and more and for good reason. It's one of the rare ingredients that works across almost every skin concern: acne, pigmentation, redness, and uneven texture, all without the irritation you'd expect from something this effective.

Let's break down exactly what Azelaic Acid is, what it does for your skin, and how to actually fit it into a routine without overcomplicating things.

What Is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. In skincare, it's lab-synthesized for stability and used topically, typically between 5% and 20% to treat a wide range of concerns.

Unlike stronger acids that work by aggressively resurfacing the skin, Azelaic Acid works more gradually. It's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mildly exfoliating, which is why dermatologists often recommend it for people whose skin reacts badly to harsher actives.

What Does Azelaic Acid Do for Skin?

Azelaic Acid isn't a one-concern ingredient. Here's what it actually does:

1. Fights acne-causing bacteria: reduces the bacteria linked to breakouts
2. Calms redness and inflammation: useful for acne, rosacea, and general sensitivity
3. Fades dark spots and pigmentation: blocks the enzyme (tyrosinase) responsible for excess melanin production
4. Unclogs pores: mild exfoliation without the flaking associated with stronger acids
5. Improves overall texture: smoother-looking skin over time with consistent use

This is what makes it such a popular ingredient in serums that are trying to do more than one job at once.

Pro Tip: If you're already using Salicylic Acid or Retinol, you don't need to add Azelaic Acid as a third separate step. Look for a serum that already combines it with another active, layering fewer products correctly usually beats layering more products carelessly.

Who Should Use Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic Acid is considered one of the more universally tolerated actives, which is why it works for:

1. Oily and acne-prone skin: helps manage breakouts without over-drying.
2. Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin: one of the few actives gentle enough for reactive skin.
3. Skin with dark spots or uneven tone: from acne marks, sun exposure, or melasma.
4. Skin that reacts poorly to Retinol or stronger acids: a gentler alternative or complement.

If you're new to actives altogether, Azelaic Acid is a reasonable starting point precisely because it doesn't demand the same slow, careful ramp-up that Retinol or high-percentage AHAs do.

Read More: How Azelaic Acid Helps Fight Acne and Control Excess Oil — a deeper look at how it works specifically for oily, breakout-prone skin.

Why a Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid Serum Works Better Than Using Azelaic Acid Alone

Most people think they need to pick between Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, or layer them separately. In reality, they target the same problems from two different angles, and using them together is more effective than using either one alone.

  • Niacinamide regulates oil production and strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Azelaic Acid blocks pigment formation and calms inflammation.
  • Together, they reduce redness, fade dark spots, and manage breakouts without the irritation that stronger combinations (like Azelaic Acid with Retinol) can cause.

That's exactly why Foxtale's 12% Niacinamide Serum is formulated with Azelaic Acid built in. Instead of buying two separate products and figuring out how to layer them without over-irritating your skin, you get both actives in a single step, one that's already been formulated to work together rather than compete.

Read More: How Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together Fight Redness and Dark Spots — for a closer look at exactly how this combination works.

How to Add Azelaic Acid to Your Routine

Morning:

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Niacinamide Serum (formulated with azelaic acid)
3. Lightweight niacinamide moisturizer with added azelaic acid
4. SPF 50 sunscreen, non-negotiable, even with azelaic acid

Night:

1. Cleanser
2. Niacinamide serum (formulated with azelaic acid)
3. Moisturizer to lock in hydration

Start with once-daily use, ideally at night, for the first one to two weeks. If your skin tolerates it well, you can move to twice a day.

Pro Tip: Always patch test on your inner arm or behind your ear for 24 hours before applying a new active to your full face even one as gentle as Azelaic Acid

How Long Does Azelaic Acid Take to Work?

Most people notice a difference within a few weeks, though the timeline varies by concern:

Timeframe

What to Expect

Week 1–2

Less redness and swelling; smaller breakouts calm down faster

Week 4–6

Fewer new breakouts; oil production starts to feel more balanced

Week 8–12

Visibly faded dark spots and a more even-looking skin tone

Azelaic Acid isn't an overnight fix, it works by supporting your skin's natural processes rather than forcing rapid change. But that's also why the results tend to hold up over time.

Conclusion

Azelaic Acid is one of the few ingredients that can genuinely multitask calming redness, fading pigmentation, and managing acne, all while staying gentle enough for daily use. If you want the benefits without adding another step to your routine, a serum that already combines it with Niacinamide is the simplest way to start. 

FAQs

1. Can I use Azelaic Acid every day?

Ans. Yes. Most people can use it once or twice daily once their skin has adjusted. Start slow and build up.

2. 2. Does Azelaic Acid cause purging?

Ans. It's rare. Some people notice mild, temporary breakouts in the first couple of weeks as skin adjusts, but this typically settles down on its own.

3. Can I use Azelaic Acid with Vitamin C or Retinol?

Ans. Yes, though it's best to introduce one active at a time. Many people use Vitamin C in the morning and Azelaic Acid at night, or alternate Azelaic Acid with Retinol on different nights to avoid irritation.

4. Is Azelaic Acid better than Niacinamide?

Ans. They're not competing ingredients, they work on different mechanisms and are often more effective combined than compared against each other. 

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These articles are reviewed and written by Foxtale's content and skincare research team. Our content is developed using published skincare research, dermatologist guidance, ingredient studies, and consumer education principles to help readers make informed skincare decisions.

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Oily Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Skincare Routine

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November 1, 2021

9 min read

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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. 

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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Your Summer Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

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Clear blue skies, delicious frozen treats, and relaxing vacays – summer is upon us in all its glory. But alas, the season does come with its downside. The sizzling temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on your skin, even more so if it's oily. Scroll ahead to learn more.

For those unaware – the sebaceous glands produce more sebum during the summer season, leading to an uncomfortable, sticky feel on your skin. Moreover, this never-ending oil slick on your skin attracts more dust and pollutants, causing whiteheads, blackheads and acne.

To keep such concerns at bay, we are bringing you the ultimate skincare routine for oily skin. This simple yet effective ritual (twice a day) will help you bask in the summer sun without any stress. So, keep reading.

Your Daily Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

We know that skincare is not a one size fits all formula! Which is why we recommend the following routine with the best skincare products for oily skin.

1. Cleanse! But Don’t Go Overboard

If you are an oily skin gal, you are no stranger to the unwarranted shine on the face (especially the T-zone). This greasiness only escalates during the summer, leading to other concerns like acne and pimples. To steer clear of the above problems, look for a gentle yet effective cleanser with Salicylic Acid. The oil-soluble active removes excess sebum and impurities from the face, ensuring a balanced microbiome. However, don’t go overboard with the cleansing.

That’s right. Overwashing your face is a legitimate concern that can strip your skin of essential oils. Washing your skin repeatedly is often counterproductive for your oily skin.

Foxtale Recommend: Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid 

Reasons To Love: Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid washes away dirt, sebum and impurities without making your skin exceptionally dry. The formula contains Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that ensure long-lasting hydration for the skin.

2. Treat! With Serum

Zero in on your secondary concerns to pick the best serum for your skin. If you want to tackle concerns like unregulated sebum production, massive pores, and inflammation – opt for our Niacinamide Serum. If you wish to fight acne spots or blemishes, try the Vitamin C Serum.

Foxtale Recommends: Niacinamide Serum

Reasons to Love: Our Niacinamide Serum blots excess oil from the skin while granting it a gorgeous matte finish. It creates a smooth, balanced canvas for your makeup application by blurring blemishes and creases.

Foxtale Recommends: Vitamin C Serum 

Reasons To Love: The emollient-rich formula shields the skin from UV rays, pollutants and other environmental aggressors.

3. Moisturize Without Fail

The sticky icky feeling on your skin in summer can influence you to skimp on moisturizer. But here’s how it can prove counterproductive to your efforts for a balanced microbiome. Once the sebaceous glands read the absence of moisture in your skin, they go into overdrive mode. This little misstep to overcompensate can result in even greasier, stickier skin.

To overcome this problem, use a lightweight, gel-based formula that doesn’t clog your pores.

Foxtale Recommends: Oil Free Moisturizer 

Reasons To Love: Our Oil-free gel-based formula leverages Marine Synthesis Technology to hydrate the skin. It also strengthens the acid mantle with time and alleviates episodes of inflammation or irritation. 

4. Suncreen In Skincare 

Just like the moisturizer, if an SPF formula is missing from your summer skincare—it's time to make a few changes. Whether you are braving the sun outdoors or staying in the comfort of your home, sunscreen is essential. For summer, you need a formula that won't feel like a heavy mask in the heat.

Foxtale Recommends: Lightweight Aqua-Gel Sunscreen

Reasons To Love: If you want a "bare-skin" feel even in peak humidity, this gel sunscreen is the ultimate summer companion. It is an In-Vivo Tested formula with PA++++, ensuring your protection is clinically validated to stand up to intense UV rays. Infused with Niacinamide and Cica Extracts, this gel based sunscreen cools the skin on impact and absorbs instantly with zero greasiness.

Foxtale Recommends: Mattifying Sunscreen

Reasons To Love: If you are tired of sun protection adding to your skin’s greasiness, opt for this formula. It is infused with Niacinamide that curbs sebum production, ensuring a delightful matte finish to the skin.

Foxtale Recommends: Tinted Sunscreen

Reasons To Love: Fear that your sunscreen will run with sweat? This SPF cloaks pores and blemishes for a flawless complexion and sheer coverage—perfect for a no-makeup makeup look.

5. Body Care: The Daily "Shower Reset" for Oily Skin

Oily skin isn’t just limited to the face. During summer, the skin on your back, chest, and limbs can become a magnet for sweat and pollutants, leading to clogged pores and a sticky, "muddy" looking tan. To keep your body skin as clear as your face, you need a cleanser that cuts through grease without stripping your barrier.

Foxtale Recommends: 8% De-Tan Body Wash

Reasons to Love: It features an 8% De-TanX Complex™ (Glycolic + Lactic Acid) that acts as a liquid exfoliant, dissolving the oil and dead skin cells that cause "strawberry legs" and body congestion. Infused with Niacinamide to regulate sebum and Pomegranate beads, it leaves your skin with a smooth, matte-yet-hydrated finish.

Weekly Rituals For Oily Or Acne Prone Skin

Other than your daily morning/nighttime skincare, follow these weekly rituals to care for oily skin.

1. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum: Exfoliating Serums shed dead cells, sebum, and debris, ensuring healthy regeneration of skin cells. This is why we recommend adding Foxtale’s innovative formula to your weekly skincare rotation. Use it thrice a week at night and wake up to the skin of your dreams.

Reasons To Love: The serum carries humectant Hyaluronic Acid that binds moisture to your skin. Furthemore, Niacinamide in the blend upholds the lipid barrier by boosting the production of ceramides and collagen.

2. Weekly Masking Ritual: Excessive oiliness can make your skin blotchy or uneven. To steer clear of the problem, we recommend a weekly masking ritual for your face. Our Purify & Glow Cleanser + Mask boasts French Pink Clay and Kaolin Clay that detoxify pores while boosting skin hydration.

Reasons To Love: Who doesn’t love a good multi-tasking product? You can use this Purify & Glow Mask as a cleanser too. Use a pea-sized amount of the formulation and scrub your face for about 60 seconds. Rinse off with lukewarm or cold water and see the results for yourself.

Other Tips And Tricks To Care For Oily Skin

Maintaining oily skin in summer can be a little tricky. But the following tips will help you skate through summer without worries.

1. Use Blotting Paper: Use blotting paper to soak up the excess sebum from your skin. Avoid using fabrics that can be abrasive to the skin.

2. Use Gentle Formulas: Contrary to popular belief, using a strong cleanser doesn’t bode well for oily skin – it may often lead to irritation or inflammation.

3. Steer Clear Of Oil-Based or Alcohol-Based Formulas: As discussed above, an Oil-Based or Alcohol-Based formula can irritate the oily skin type.

FAQs

1. Is Niacinamide good for oily skin?

Ans. Yes. Niacinamide controls sebum products, prevents clogged pores and alleviates inflammation – the perfect pick for folks with oily skin.

2. What is the best routine for oily skin?

Ans: Stick to a simple 4-step routine to care for your oily skin

1. Cleanse with Acne Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

2. Treat with Niacinamide Serum or AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

3. Moisturize with Oil-Free Moisturizer

4. Sun Protection with Foxtale’s Tinted Sunscreen

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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5 Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Oily Skin

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Maintaining oily skin is no picnic – take our word for it. It demands adherence to a fool-proof morning and nighttime skincare routine.

If you too struggle with oily skin – tired of the open pores and breakouts despite all your efforts, we are here to help. We walk you through 5 common mistakes that could be worsening your skin’s microbiome. Additionally, we help you with an infallible skincare routine that will keep that grease at bay.

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the different characteristics of oily skin.

 What is oily skin?

Oily skin occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands that spill sebum left, right and centre. This menacing overproduction leads to a never-ending slick on the face, often attracting dirt, impurities, and gunk.

 What are some challenges faced by oily skin?

1. Massive or clogged pores: If your skin type is oily, you may experience clogged pores due to excess sebum and build-up. When further aggravated, these plugs may turn into whiteheads, blackheads or acne.

2. Inflammation or redness of the skin: Sebum and debris clogged pores can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to episodes of inflammation or redness.

3. Dull and textured skin: The unwarranted build-up on oily skin can hamper its cellular regeneration process at night – leading to a dull, beat-looking complexion.

 What are some mistakes you can be making?

Does your skin appear greasy even after continued efforts? You could be making these mistakes with your oily skin.

1. Going overboard with cleansing: While cleansing twice a day is vital for upholding oily skin – overdoing the activity can harm your skin’s microbiome. That’s right. Excessive cleansing dislodges essential oils from your skin, making it uncomfortably dry and tight. It also disrupts your dermis’ pH, taking a toll on the integrity of the lipid barrier.

2. Over-exfoliation: Oily skin is more prone to an unwarranted build-up of dead cells, debris, and pollutants on the reg. A potent exfoliant in your weekly skincare sloughs off this build-up to reveal a smoother, brighter surface sitting underneath. However, over-exfoliation is a legitimate concern that can strip your skin of its natural oils.

3. Not enough hydration: Contrary to popular belief, oily skin needs regular hydration too. In fact, your skin’s lack of moisture content triggers the sebaceous glands into overdrive, leading to the never-ending shine on the face.

4. Using oil-heavy formulas: Switch all the oil-heavy creams and moisturizers with gel-based formulas in your skincare rotation. A non-negotiable for the oily skin type, gel-based formulations don’t clog pores, preventing the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.

5. Using regular sunscreen: If your skin type is oily, opt for lightweight and non-comedogenic sunscreens that administer a healthy microbiome. Foxtale’s Matte-Finish Sunscreen has been formulated for oily/acne-prone skin. Niacinamide at the heart of this formulation regulates sebum production while warding off UVA and UVB rays.

 Best skincare routine for oily skin

The key to maintaining oily skin – stick to a simple yet effective skincare regime twice a day. To help you in this endeavour, Foxtale brings an infallible routine with the best products for oily skin. Scroll ahead to learn more.

1. Wash away the gunk and grime: A cleanser can make or break your skincare routine. Then why should you pick one arbitrarily from your local drugstore? Try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid pronto. Formulated for the oily skin type, this formula cuts excess oil and impurities from the pores, ensuring a healthy microbiome. Additionally, the face wash carries Hyaluronic Acid for a big boost of hydration to the skin.

2. Treat the skin woes: To curb the excess production of sebum, we recommend Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum. The creamy liquid also minimises the appearance of pores for smooth, even skin. Additionally, to dissolve the dirt and debris from the dermis, use Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum thrice in your nighttime skincare routine.

3. Time for your moisturizer: A potent moisturizer forms a protective barrier on the dermis, preventing TEWL. For folks with oily skin, we recommend our innovative Oil Free Moisturiser! This lightweight formula calms acne and inflammation while preventing the appearance of spots. The best oil free moisturizer for oily skin contains Hyaluronic Acid, Red, and Brown Algae Extracts for multilevel and long-lasting hydration.

4. Never skimp on SPF: Tired of regular sunscreen formulas clogging your pores? Try Foxtale’s Matte Finish Sunscreen STAT. Formulated for the oily skin type, the featherlight formula blots excess sebum from the dermis while bestowing it with a gorgeous matte finish. The best part? No jarring white cast!

 FAQs 

1. What are some characteristics of oily skin?

Ans) Oily skin is characterised by overactive sebaceous glands – leading to a never-ending shine on the face. Furthermore, the pores on oily skin are glaringly massive.

2. What precautions should be taken for oily skin?

Ans) You can take the below precautions to maintain oily skin

  • Cleanse your face twice a day.
  • Use gentle, hydrating formulas
  • Pick products that are free of SLS and alcohol 
  • Apply moisturizer and sunscreen everyday
  • Use blotting papers to soak up the shine on your face
  • Look for makeup that doesn’t clog pores, not even in the slightest
  1. What to apply on oily skin at night?

Ans) Start by gently cleansing your face. Apply Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum followed by a gel-based, lightweight moisturizer.

4. What face wash is the best for oily skin?

Ans) Try Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash to keep the oily at bay. Salicylic Acid at the heart of this formulation cuts excess sebum, dead cell, and debris for a healthy microbiome.

5. What are the best ingredients for oily skin?

Ans) Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide are the best ingredients for the maintenance of oily skin.

6. Are serums good for oily skin?

Ans) Yes. The right serum can help ensure a healthy microbiome while keeping the excess oil at bay. Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum blots excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores while bestowing a gorgeous matte finish to the skin.

7. How do I choose the best oily skin products?

Ans) Look for ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide in your skincare products that don't clog pores.

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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