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Tips for Oily Skin

Where Oily Skin is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Oily Skin is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Care for oily skin with a gentle cleanser, light non-comedogenic moisturiser, daily sun protection, and targeted treatment rather than harsh scrubbing or repeated washing.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Routine
Cleanse gently, moisturise lightly, protect from sun.
Avoid
Scrubs, harsh alcohol-based products, and squeezing spots.

Why skin becomes oily

Sebum is an oil made by skin glands that helps protect the surface. When more sebum reaches the skin, the face may look shiny and feel greasy, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin. Hormonal changes, heat, stress, genetics, and some products can affect oiliness. Oily skin can occur with blocked pores and acne, but oiliness by itself does not establish a diagnosis. Flaking or redness around the nose, eyebrows, ears, or scalp may fit seborrheic dermatitis and needs different care.

A routine that avoids over-drying

Wash with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water; cleansing after sweating may be helpful, but scrubbing and repeated washing can irritate the barrier. Choose moisturiser and sunscreen labelled non-comedogenic, and remove makeup before sleep. Blotting papers can reduce surface shine without rubbing. Introduce one active product at a time, using it less often if stinging or peeling develops. Do not squeeze spots. Acne treatment can address blocked pores, while hormonal acne may need a clinician’s assessment. Isotretinoin treatment is reserved for selected cases and requires medical supervision.

When to seek care

Arrange a review for painful, deep, widespread, or scarring spots, persistent redness and scale, or oiliness that began after a medicine. Seek prompt care for sudden skin changes with facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a severe blistering reaction. A clinician can match treatment to acne, dermatitis, or another cause and help prevent irritation from an overly drying routine.

Questions for your doctor

Is my oiliness linked with acne, hormonal acne, or seborrheic dermatitis? Which ingredients should I use or avoid? How should I introduce treatment? Could any medicine or cosmetic be contributing?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Should oily skin be moisturised?

Yes. A light non-comedogenic moisturiser can support the barrier without adding a heavy, greasy layer.

Does washing more remove oil permanently?

No. Repeated harsh washing can irritate skin and make the routine harder to tolerate.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.