A manageable regimen for oily skin

Oil production can vary with hormones, heat, stress and products, while the outer skin barrier can become dry or irritated from over-cleansing. A regimen aims to manage both concerns. It is normal for the forehead and nose to behave differently from the cheeks, so comfort and texture help guide product amounts.

A routine cannot identify the cause of every flare. Persistent spots may fit acne, while itch and scale may suggest a different condition. Tracking when symptoms start and what touches the skin gives your clinician useful context.

Morning: cleanse gently, apply a light moisturiser, then use facial sunscreen. Evening: remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, and moisturise. If you use an acne treatment, apply it as directed and introduce changes gradually. Avoid abrasive scrubs, picking and repeated washing during the day.

Wash hands before skincare, clean reusable tools and keep hair oils away from the face. Give a new routine time to show whether it is comfortable before adding another active. See [Oily Skin](/symptoms/oily-skin/) for the symptom overview and [Acne](/conditions/acne/) for persistent blemishes.

Arrange care for painful deep lesions, scarring, sudden widespread change, persistent itch, crusting or a rash that does not settle after stopping a suspected irritant. A dermatologist can review cycle-related flares, assess [Hormonal Acne](/conditions/hormonal-acne/) and distinguish [Seborrheic Dermatitis](/conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/) from acne.

Which steps should stay in my routine? How should I adjust treatment if my cheeks become dry? How long should I try a product before review? Could my medicines or hormones be influencing oil and breakouts?