How to Reduce Oily Skin: Skincare, Diet, Natural Remedies & More
Learn the dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce excessive sebum production. Discover the proper skincare routine, type of products and medical treatments recommended for people with oily skin.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Oily skin is observed when the sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum. It locks in moisture and is known to keep skin healthy. However, excessive sebum can clog pores and lead to acne. It also feels very discomforting to some people.
Read the following section to explore the skincare routine, natural remedies, and professional treatments to keep oily skin in a healthy condition.
Skincare Routine Adjustments to Reduce Oily Skin
To take care of oily skin, a consistent 4-step skincare regimen is to be followed, which includes:
Cleanse Twice: This is the most important step in taking care of oily skin. High sebum levels in the skin require more cleansing; hence, the skin should be cleaned twice a day to prevent the pores from clogging.
Apply Toner: Once cleansing is done and the face is free from dirt, makeup, and oil, use a toner that contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid.
Treat the Skin: This step completely depends on the specific skin concern. So, if the skin is prone to acne, the person should make use of sulphur or benzoyl peroxide to regulate oil production and manage breakouts.
Moisturise: Using a moisturiser that is formulated for oily skin is highly recommended. Hence, after cleaning and applying toner, a moisturiser should be used twice daily (morning and evening) to maintain optimum skin health.
Choosing the Right Skincare Products to Reduce Oily Skin
Oily skin falls under the category of sensitive skin types. Hence, the products used for oily skin should be chosen very carefully to prevent acne and other skin conditions:
Formulas that are developed with dermatologists should be preferred.
They must contain ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, barrier-supporting ceramides, and oil-absorbing silica.
However, heavy moisturisers, alcohol-based products and comedogenic products should be avoided. They tend to dry out the skin and clog pores, leading to acne and breakouts.
Diet and Lifestyle Influences to Reduce Oily Skin
Oil production in the skin is greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle. Hence, consuming a balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle helps to reduce oily skin and associated issues like acne and breakouts.
The following section talks about some essential tips to reduce oily skin:
1. Diet
The diet should contain foods rich in antioxidants that significantly boost skin health. Apart from this:
Fibre intake should be increased to improve the digestion process and reduce oil production.
Foods with high glycemic index should be avoided, along with dairy products, as they may trigger sebum production.
2. Lifestyle Influences
To reduce oily skin, follow the lifestyle tips mentioned below:
Staying optimally hydrated
Effectively managing stress throughout the day
Consistently following a proper skincare routine
Exfoliating the skin 2 to 3 times a week
Using sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
Natural Remedies to Reduce Oily Skin
Some of the natural remedies to reduce oily skin include:
Honey: Loaded with antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, honey is greatly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
Cosmetic Clay: Also known as healing clays, they help absorb excess oil from the skin and treat several skin issues.
Jojoba Oil: Known to treat acne and other associated skin problems, jojoba oil is the only oil that can be applied to oily skin.
Aloe Vera: It works wonderfully against flaky skin that is caused by oily patches.
Professional Treatments to Reduce Oily Skin
There are several professional treatments available in the market to reduce oily skin. Some of them are:
Chemical Peels: A solution of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is used to peel off the top layer of the skin. This results in the unclogging of pores, a reduction in oil production, and an improvement in skin texture.
Laser Therapy: It is a more intensive treatment for oily skin, where the laser beams target the sebaceous glands and reduce their size and activity, thereby controlling oil production. It also works by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Microdermabrasion: This is a non-invasive skin treatment where the outer layer of the skin is exfoliated with the help of a diamond-tipped wand or microcrystals. It removes dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities, making the skin clearer and brighter.
Dealing with Common Oily Skin Issues
One of the most common issues seen with oily skin is the development of acne and breakouts. This occurs due to excessive production of oils from the sebaceous glands, which results in clogged pores and visible breakouts. Some of the triggering factors may include poor skin care, genetics, or an unhealthy dietary routine.
This situation can be managed through the following three ways:
Diet: Consume a diet with a limited amount of sugary drinks and processed food, as it may trigger more oil production.
Lifestyle Modification: Making active lifestyle changes plays a key role in managing oily skin. Managing day-to-day stress levels, washing hair regularly, and avoiding touching the face frequently help reduce acne.
Skincare Routine: Having a proper skincare routine and being consistent with it helps to manage acne and breakouts.
Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Oily Skin
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding oily skin that need to be addressed in order to take proper care. Some of them are:
Myth: More aggressive cleansers are needed for oily skin.
Fact: The most crucial thing for oily skin is balance. Over-drying cleansers tend to strip the skin of its natural sebum and lipids, which can irritate the skin.
Myth: Exposing oily skin to the sun can help dry the oily skin.
Fact: Exposing oily skin to the sun without any protection will not help but worsen the situation. It dehydrates the skin.
Myth: Moisturisers are forbidden for oily skin.
Fact: Oily skin is a result of dehydrated skin, and hence, it requires as much moisture as normal skin.
Myth: Changing diet can help change oily skin.
Fact: Oily skin is a result of genetic variation and hormonal changes. So, changing one's diet does not have much effect on skin texture.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance of Oily Skin
Taking care of oily skin is a tough job, and consistency is needed to avoid breakouts and acne. The following section elaborates on the step-by-step process of how to take care of oily skin for the long term:
Regular Cleansing: The face should be washed twice daily using a soap-free gentle cleanser. It will be even better if the cleanser is formulated only for oily skin.
Apply Toner: Using a toner after cleansing the face further removes impurities and tightens the pores.
Proper Moisturising: Look for a non-comedogenic moisturiser that is lightweight and oil-free. This helps prevent clogged pores.
Use Blotting Paper: By using blotting paper, one can absorb excess oil from the face and maintain an oil-free look.
However, being consistent is the key. This routine should be followed without any misses to get results.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there are several effective products and treatments available in the market to treat oily skin and prevent acne and breakouts. It is a proven fact that sticking to a proper skincare regimen shows favourable results and improves overall skin health.
However, if a daily skincare routine proves to be ineffective, individuals should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
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