An oily complexion is the result of overactive oil-producing glands and excess sebum production. While sebum naturally protects and moisturises the skin, too much of it can lead to clogged pores, acne, blackheads and other blemishes. It might be tempting to use harsh cleansers and skip moisturiser to reduce oiliness, but a tailored skincare routine can actually remove excess oil, helping your skin look healthier and cleaner.
This guide explores skincare routine for oily skin, along with common causes, recommended products to help you achieve a balanced looking complexion.
Why do you have oily skin? Common causes and triggers
Knowing what causes oily skin is key to managing it effectively. A combination of factors such as genetics, hormones and lifestyle habits can all play a role in your skin’s oil production.
- Genetics: Oily skin can run in families. If your parents have oily skin, there's a good chance you'll experience it too.
- Unsuitable skincare: Using harsh skincare products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate.
- Diet: Consuming foods high in sugar has been shown to stimulate a hormone which has been linked with increased sebum production
If you relate to any of these triggers, small changes in your routine or lifestyle can help you better manage oil production.
Skincare routine for oily skin: step-by-step guide
A targeted skincare routine can help manage oil while keeping your skin hydrated. Here’s a morning and evening guide to remove excess oil and help skin look clearer:
Morning routine
- Cleanser: Choose a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving the skin feeling dry. Our Derm Solutions™ Calming Gel Cleanser deeply cleanses to remove impurities, excess oil and make-up without drying.
- Toner: A toner can remove excess oils and help keep skin looking healthy. Our Cleansing Toner Water is the ideal choice for shine-free and clear-looking skin.
- Moisturiser: Yes, oily skin needs moisturiser too! Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Our Derm Solutions™ Lightweight Hydrating Lotion is formulated with a blend of ceramides, niacinamide and adaptogens. This lotion helps support the skin’s delicate moisture barrier, leaving it feeling calmed and soothed.
- SPF: Sunscreen is essential for all skin types. Opt for mattifying SPF to help protect it from UV damage without adding extra shine. For a lightweight day cream with hydration and spf 50 protection, turn to our Future Renew™ Defence Shield UV SPF 50, which helps protect against visible signs of skin damage.
Evening routine
- Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove impurities, makeup and SPF, then follow with a water-based cleanser. Try to cleanse the skin without drying.
- Exfoliate: Use an exfoliator formulated for oily skin to help remove impurities. Start by exfoliating once or twice a week, being careful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin. Discover Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator and reveal instantly reveal a more refined skin texture.
- Toner: Use the same toner from your morning routine to help prepare your skin after cleansing.
- Serum: Consider using a serum which is suitable for oily skin to reduce the look of oil on the skin and help maintain skin's natural balance. Our Derm Solutions™ Skin Balancing Serum is proven to reveal visibly healthier and balanced-looking skin in just four weeks.
- Moisturiser: Finish with a non-comedogenic moisturiser, formulated specifically for oily skin, to lock in hydration overnight.
Skincare products for oily skin
When searching for skincare for oily skin, focus on ingredients that help control oil and prevent clogged pores. Here are some key ingredients and product recommendations:
- Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that can be used to exfoliate skin, helping to prevent blemishes. Our Derm Solutions™ Clearing Treatment with salicylic acid, bisabolol and pre-biotics, this formula gently exfoliates to clear pores, remove surface dead skin cells and improve the appearance of blackheads and oiliness.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide serums are particularly beneficial for oily skin, known for regulating oil production and minimising the appearance of pores. Powered by a blend of ceramides, niacinamide and adaptogens, Derm Solutions™ Lightweight Hydrating Lotion deeply hydrates the skin and improves the appearance of visible redness and uneven skin tone, while providing long-lasting hydration
- Retinol: Renowned as a powerhouse ingredient for reducing signs of ageing, retinol can also be effective for oily skin . It can help support surface skin cell turnover, helping to shed dead skin cells to reveal new ones. Our Pure Retinol 1% Concentrate is your ideal choice for visibly more radiant skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: Though oily skin produces more oil; it still needs hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a lightweight hydrator that helps skin feel smoother and hydrated.
Make-up products for oily skin
Explore our No7 Pro Artist range.
- Set: Instantly mattify skin with Pro Artist Set the Scene Loose Setting Powder– it effortlessly blurs imperfections and absorbs oil to help create a flawless, soft-focus finish
- Spray: Lock in your make-up look with Pro Artist Finishing Touch Fixing Spray, keeping make-up looking beautifully fresh for all day long
Oily skin myths: What you should know
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about oily skin. Let’s debunk some common myths:
Myth 1: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. In reality, oily skin can still be dehydrated, and a lack of hydration can make oily skin worse. Use a lightweight, oil-free formula to help keep your skin balanced.
Myth 2: Harsh cleansers are better for oily skin
Using harsh cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to increased oil production. Instead, opt for gentle cleansers that remove oil without causing irritation.
Myth 3: You should avoid sunscreen
Some people with oily skin avoid sunscreen, thinking it will make their skin oilier or lead to breakouts. However, there are many non-greasy, non-comedogenic SPFs available that protect your skin without adding shine. Remember, sun protection is essential every day.
Conclusion: finding your perfect skincare routine for oily skin
Creating your perfect skincare routine for oily skin takes time, patience, and the right products. For makeup, the No7 Pro Artist range. For skincare, our No7 Derm Solutions core range, which helps to hydrate and rebalance the skin. Incorporate these tips and product recommendations into your daily skincare routine, and you’ll be on your way to finding your oily skincare.
