A routine for oily skin is a gentle cleanser, an oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen in the morning, with the same cleanser and moisturiser at night (AAD). Quick face scans in Oleah follow visible changes, so you can look at the check-in on day 3, the first report on day 7 and the next report on day 14 instead of one mirror glance.
Oily is a skin type. The AAD notes that oil helps preserve the skin and that "The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin's natural moisture." (AAD) If you are not sure your skin is oily, read how do you tell your skin type.
What does an oily skin routine look like?
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanser | Gentle cleanser |
| 2 | Oil-free moisturiser | Oil-free moisturiser |
| 3 | Sunscreen |
These are the same core steps as a morning skincare routine.
What cleanser suits oily skin?
The AAD suggests a gentle, foaming face wash and says a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger more oil (AAD). It also advises against oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers, and says to cleanse up to twice a day and after sweating, without scrubbing (AAD).
Do you need moisturiser if your skin is oily?
Yes. The AAD says to apply moisturiser after cleansing even with oily skin, and suggests one labelled "oil free" and "noncomedogenic" (AAD). To save a step in the morning, it suggests a moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (AAD).
How do you build the routine from what you own?
- Find your gentlest cleanser. Put harsh or alcohol-based ones aside.
- Find an oil-free moisturiser. Check the label for "oil free" or "noncomedogenic."
- Find your sunscreen. The AAD suggests sunscreens without fragrance or oils for oily skin (AAD).
- Follow it in Oleah. Quick face scans in Oleah follow visible changes, so you can look at the check-in on day 3, the first report on day 7 and the next report on day 14 instead of one mirror glance.
- Keep blotting papers for the day. The AAD suggests pressing them on gently rather than rubbing (AAD).
- Change one product at a time. Test anything new on a small patch first (AAD).
What about acids for oily skin?
The AAD says ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid can help reduce oiliness, but may be too harsh, and to stop or use them less often if your skin gets irritated (AAD). They are an extra, not a base step.
When should you stop?
If a product stings, burns or makes your skin red, wash it off and stop using it. If a doctor prescribed it, ask them first. If your skin stays sore, see a pharmacist or doctor. If it blisters or swells, see a doctor today. If your lips, tongue or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing, call emergency services now. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice.
Where Oleah fits
Quick face scans in Oleah follow visible changes, so you can look at the check-in on day 3, the first report on day 7 and the next report on day 14 instead of one mirror glance.
Oleah is an iPhone app for the skincare you already own. You add the products on your shelf or in your routine, take quick face scans to follow visible changes over time, and ask questions along the way. Oleah can flag products on your shelf that may not belong together. There is a check-in on day 3, a first report on day 7 and the next report on day 14. Oleah is not a doctor and does not give medical advice. It does not sell skincare.
Download the free iPhone beta. Add the products on your shelf, then take a quick face scan in the morning.
Questions people ask
What is a good skincare routine for oily skin? A gentle cleanser, an oil-free moisturiser and sunscreen in the morning, with cleanser and moisturiser at night.
Should oily skin use moisturiser? Yes. The AAD says to apply moisturiser after cleansing even if your skin is oily.
How often should I wash oily skin? The AAD says up to twice a day and after sweating, without scrubbing.
Is oily skin a skin type? Yes. Oily is a skin type. The AAD notes that oil helps preserve the skin.
Sources
Oleah tracks how your skin looks. It is not a medical device. See a doctor about skin conditions.
