How to Reduce Oily Skin

Oily skin is a common skin type characterised by increased sebum production. It may appear shiny, feel greasy by midday or become more prone to visible congestion. While excess oil can feel frustrating, sebum plays an essential role in protecting and conditioning the skin. 

Understanding how to reduce oily skin begins with recognising your skin type and learning how to support balance rather than trying to remove oil completely. 

 How Do You Know If You Have Oily Skin? 

If you’re wondering how to know if you have oily skin, there are a few common features to look out for: 

• Noticeable shine, especially across the forehead, nose and chin 
• Enlarged-looking pores 
• Makeup that shifts or fades more quickly 
• A greasy feeling that returns soon after cleansing 
• Hair or scalp that feels oily sooner than expected 

If you often ask, “Why is my nose so oily?”, this is common. The T-zone naturally contains a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. 

It is also possible to have oily but dehydrated skin. When hydration levels are low, the skin may increase oil production to compensate. This is why maintaining moisture balance is important, even for an oily skin type. 

What Causes Oily Skin? 

Oily skin develops when sebaceous glands produce more sebum than the skin requires. Several internal and external factors can influence this. 

Common causes of oily skin include: 

• Hormonal fluctuations 
• Genetics 
• Warm or humid weather 
• Over-cleansing or harsh products 
• Stress 
• Using skincare that is too heavy 

Seasonal changes can also affect oil production. In summer, increased heat and humidity may make skin appear shinier. In winter, dehydration from cold air and indoor heating can lead the skin to produce more oil as a protective response. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my skin so greasy?” or “Why is my skin so oily even after cleansing?”, it is often linked to a combination of these factors. 

Oily Skincare Routine

When considering how to reduce oily skin, the focus should be on balance rather than elimination. A consistent oily skincare routine helps manage visible shine while supporting the skin barrier. 

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

Cleansing removes excess sebum, impurities and environmental build-up. However, harsh or overly foaming cleansers can disrupt the skin barrier, which may encourage increased oil production. 

Our Clarifying Facial Cleanser helps cleanse effectively while maintaining skin comfort. Designed for oily and blemish-prone skin, it supports clearer-looking skin without over-drying. 

Step 2: Tone and Refine

A toner can help remove residual impurities while preparing the skin for hydration. 

Our Clarifying Facial Toner helps refresh the skin and support balance, particularly in areas prone to visible shine. 

Step 3: Maintain Hydration

Hydration is essential for an oily skin type. Skin that lacks water may compensate by producing more oil. 

Using a lightweight moisturiser such as our Clarifying Facial Cream helps maintain moisture levels while supporting overall skin resilience without feeling heavy. 

Step 4: Target Weekly Care

For skin that experiences visible congestion, a weekly mask can help support surface clarity. 

Our Clarifying Face and Body Mask helps refine the appearance of pores and support smoother-looking skin as part of an oily skincare routine approach. 

Step 5: Protect Daily

Sun protection remains essential for all skin types. Choosing a lightweight SPF suitable for oily skin helps maintain balance throughout the day. 

Oily Skin and Seasonal Changes 

Oil production can fluctuate throughout the year, and adjusting your routine slightly can help maintain balance. 

In warmer months, heat and humidity can increase sebum production, making skin appear shinier and pores more visible. During this time, consistent cleansing and lightweight hydration are key. Using a clarifying cleanser twice daily and avoiding overly rich creams can help manage visible shine without disrupting the skin barrier. 

In colder months, central heating and low humidity can dehydrate the skin. When skin lacks water, it may increase oil production as a protective response. This is why hydration remains important, even for oily skin. Maintaining a lightweight moisturiser and avoiding over-cleansing can help support balance during winter. 

Rather than changing your routine completely between seasons, small adjustments to texture and frequency are often enough to support your skin as environmental conditions shift. 

Oily Skin and Blemish-Prone Skin 

Oily skin is often associated with blemish-prone skin, as excess sebum can combine with dead skin cells and impurities on the surface. This can increase the likelihood of visible congestion, particularly in areas such as the T-zone. 

However, aggressive routines can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to further imbalance. When the skin feels stripped or irritated, it may respond by increasing oil production, which can contribute to ongoing congestion. 

For oily and blemish-prone skin, a balanced approach is typically more effective than harsh treatments. Gentle cleansing, consistent hydration and regular but mild surface renewal help support clarity while maintaining skin comfort. 

The aim is not to remove oil entirely, but to support the skin so it feels balanced, resilient and less prone to visible build-up. 

The Takeaway 

If you’re wondering how to reduce oily skin, the answer lies in balance rather than removal. Oily skin is a natural skin type, and oil itself is not the problem. 

By cleansing gently, maintaining hydration and choosing products suited to oily skin, it is possible to manage visible shine while keeping skin comfortable and resilient.