Oily Skin 101

Oily skin is one of the most common skin types—and with the right routine, it’s completely manageable. Rather than trying to remove every trace of oil, focus on balancing your skin with effective cleansing, lightweight hydration, daily sun protection, and ingredients that help minimize the look of shine, visible pores.

Do you answer yes to the following statements? If so, chances are that you have an oily skin type.

1. My skin usually feels greasy and often looks shiny.
2. My pores appear large.
3. My skin looks more congested than I’d like

Oily skin produces more sebum (your skin's natural oil) than is needed to keep skin comfortable and protected. You may notice shine across the forehead, nose, cheeks, or chin within a few hours of cleansing. Makeup may separate or slide, pores may look more visible, and skin can feel slick even when it is not sweaty. 

A simple check: cleanse, wait a few hours without applying heavy products, then look at your skin in natural light. If most of your face looks shiny and feels oily after a few hours, you likely have oily skin. If only your T-zone becomes shiny while your cheeks stay normal or dry, you may have combination skin.

Oiliness can be influenced by genetics, age, climate, stress, and hormonal shifts. Heat and humidity can make skin look shinier. Over-cleansing can also lead to the appearance of oilier-looking skin. When skin is stripped, it can feel tight and dehydrated while still appearing shiny. A balanced routine that cleanses thoroughly, hydrates with lightweight formulas, and avoids heavy products is often more effective in improving the appearance of oily-prone skin than trying to completely eliminate oil.

Excess oil can combine with sweat, makeup, sunscreen, dead skin, and pollution, making pores look more noticeable and skin appear dull. It may also contribute to clogged-looking pores, blemishes, uneven texture, and makeup breakdown. Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can leave skin dehydrated, making texture feel rougher and the appearance of fine lines more noticeable.

An effective oily skin routine focuses on cleansing without over-drying, maintaining hydration, and protecting skin every day. Start with a cleanser that removes oil and impurities while respecting the skin barrier. Follow with lightweight hydration, then use SPF every morning. If you use exfoliating or retinol formulas, introduce them gradually and watch how your skin responds. A good routine should leave skin feeling clean—not squeaky, tight, or uncomfortable.

• Cleanse morning and evening, especially after sweating or wearing makeup.
• Choose non-comedogenic products when possible.
• Use hydration even if your skin is shiny.
• Apply SPF daily and reapply as directed.
• If redness, dry patches, or discomfort appear, simplify your routine and allow skin to rebalance.

Barrier Renew® Gel-To-Foam Cleanser removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities while helping support the skin barrier. Formulated with ceramides, glycerin, and antioxidant green tea, it leaves skin feeling clean, hydrated, and balanced without over-drying.

DERM CORREXION® Serum Cleanser is enriched with Niacinamide and Amino Acids. It deeply cleanses oil, dirt, and long-wear makeup for visibly smoother, healthy-looking skin.

Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser helps remove debris, excess oil, and other skin-dulling impurities. Made with Glycolic Acid and RoC® Vitamin C, it is a strong option when oily skin also looks dull or uneven. 

LINE SMOOTHING Daily Cleansing Pads are self-foaming pads that gently exfoliate while removing makeup, oil, dirt, and other skin-dulling impurities. 

Hydration+ Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum with 7 forms of Hyaluronic Acid and Pro-Collagen Amino Acids.** 

Hydration+ Serum Stick is a cooling, mess-free option for on-the-go hydration. The formula combines 7 concentrated forms of hyaluronic acid, Pro-Collagen Peptide,*** and Bio-Blue Peptide to deeply hydrate and visibly smooth the look of lines.

Hydration+ Moisturizer SPF 30 is an all-in-one facial moisturizer and sunscreen with a transparent, water-gel texture, no white cast, and a non-greasy feel. With continued use, it hydrates, visibly plumps skin, and helps protect from UVA/UVB rays. 

Barrier Renew® AM Moisturizer SPF 30 is another lightweight daily SPF option. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, has no white cast, and is non-comedogenic.

AM: 

1. Cleanse with Barrier Renew® Gel-To-Foam Cleanser or DERM CORREXION® Serum Cleanser. 
2. Apply Hydration+ Serum if skin feels dehydrated. 
3. Finish with Hydration+ Moisturizer SPF 30 or Barrier Renew® AM Moisturizer SPF 30.

PM: 

1. Cleanse. 
2. If visible post-blemish marks or uneven tone are a concern, Even Tone Roll-On Serum can be used. 
3. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer, such as Barrier Renew® PM Moisturizer.

Managing oily skin isn't about removing every trace of oil—it's about supporting healthy skin balance. With consistent cleansing, lightweight hydration, daily SPF, and products designed for oily skin, you can help minimize shine while maintaining a healthy-looking complexion. If oiliness develops suddenly or is accompanied by persistent irritation or painful breakouts, consult a dermatologist for personalized care.