How to reduce oily skin

Reduce oily skin by cleansing gently, choosing non-comedogenic products, avoiding harsh scrubbing, and treating any underlying condition. Oil production can vary with hormones, heat, stress, products and medicines, so improvement often requires consistency rather than repeated stripping.

Sebum is an oil made by the skin's sebaceous glands. It helps protect the surface, but excess sebum can leave shine, enlarge the look of pores, and mix with dead skin cells inside follicles. Oily skin may occur on its own or alongside acne, hormonal acne, or seborrheic dermatitis.

Over-washing or using strong alcohol-based products can irritate the barrier and make the skin feel tight without solving the underlying oil production.

Wash with a mild cleanser morning and evening, use a light non-comedogenic moisturiser, and apply sunscreen suited to oily or acne-prone skin. Blotting papers can reduce shine during the day without repeated washing. Introduce one active product at a time and stop if burning, swelling or persistent peeling develops.

If blocked pores or inflammatory spots continue, a dermatologist may discuss topical treatment or, for selected severe cases, isotretinoin treatment. This medicine requires medical supervision and pregnancy-related safety precautions.

Book a dermatology assessment when oiliness comes with painful deep spots, scarring, widespread redness, thick scale, hair loss, or a sudden change after starting a medicine. Seek prompt help for facial swelling, blistering, or signs of infection such as spreading warmth and fever.

Ask whether acne, hormones or seborrheic dermatitis may be involved, which active ingredients fit your skin, how to prevent irritation, and whether a prescription is appropriate.