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Skincare Tips for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Look for professional skincare products or the best medical grade skincare for acne prone skin and ingredients like salicylic acid for acne control, niacinamide for shine control, and lightweight hydrating serums to aid sebum production. Oily skin can also have many benefits! Oil helps preserve the skin thus people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and even fewer wrinkles. The key is to maintain a balance between excessive oil and preserving your skin’s natural moisture.
To simplify skincare for oily skin complexions, we've consolidated our top tips here.
Recommended Daily Skincare Routine for Oily Skin and Acne-Prone Skin:
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Cleanser (AM/PM):
Use a foaming or gel cleanser to remove excess oil without drying the skin. Ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are ideal for acne-prone, oily skin. Look for a salicylic acid cleanser for oily skin or a mild, gentle cleanser for acne as using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production.
This is a great oil-free cleanser for oily skin and acne-prone skin as well as this ZO Skin Exfoliating Cleanser for a deep clean that also decongests pores.
- Toner (Optional, AM/PM): Apply an alcohol-free toner to minimize the appearance of pores and eliminate excess oil.

This Rejuv Dual-Action Toner has salicylic acid and is an alcohol-free toner for oily skin that helps clear skin build up. - Serum/Treatment(PM): If you’re figuring how to clear persistent adult acne or how to treat hormonal acne breakouts, using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur in the morning can help reduce oil and prevent breakouts. In the evening using a retinol for acne can increase cell turnover.

Try this acne spot treatment, these acne treatment toner pads or this retinol that helps with anti-aging and clearing breakouts.
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Moisturize (AM/PM): Use a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin to hydrate skin without adding excess oil. Look for one that is oil-free, noncomedogenic and water-based. Never skip moisturizer as your skin can produce more oil to compensate for lack of hydration.

This is a lightweight moisturizer for acne prone and oily skin. It is a hydrating gel with anti-aging benefits.
- Sunscreen (AM): As always, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily to protect your skin from harmful rays without causing breakouts. Using sunscreen that contains either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can also prevent acne.

Here's a noncomedogenic mineral sunscreen for oily skin.
Key Skincare Ingredients for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Helps unclog pores, reduces blackheads and prevents future breakouts.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Also great for reducing breakouts, but can be irritating - so start slowly.
- Niacinamide: Controls oil and reduces inflammation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides essential hydration beneath skin surface
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Retinol: Renews skin with cellular turnover and manages acne.
Additional Tips for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin:
- Use Blotting Papers: Gently press, don't rub, to remove excess oil throughout the day.
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Cleanse your face after exercising: Washing your face immediately after a workout will help remove sweat, oil, and dirt. You can also use hypochlorous acid to rebalance your skin and strengthen your skin barrier.
- Avoid products that contain alcohol, which can cause increased oil secretion, and anything thick or greasy, like cocoa butter, shea butter, and Vaseline.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubs: Harsh scrubbing can increase oil production. Use gentle chemical exfoliants such as this exfoliating lotion.
- Choose Non-Comedogenic Products: Always ensure products are labeled "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to prevent clogged pores. You can also utilize skincare ingredient checkers to ensure your skincare product is safe for acne prone skin.
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Don't forget about your makeup: Try to choose oil-free, water-based makeup products. There are matte products that can also help reduce shine for oily skin.
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Don't sleep in your makeup: Always remove all makeup before going to sleep as the products will clog your pores.
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Don't touch your face throughout the day: Touching your face can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face.
The key to the best skincare for oily skin or acne-prone skin is establishing a consistent skincare routine with the right skincare products and habits. Oily skin and acne can be challenging. If your skin continues to bother you even after a consistent daily regimen - seek the help of a dermatologist.
Discover our assortment of the best skincare for acne-prone skin and oily skin like renowned products like the ZO Acne Treatment Pads or the Vivier Ultra Purifying Clay Mask.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-routine-for-oily-skin#takeaway
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin