Dealing with oily skin and frequent breakouts can feel like a never-ending challenge. Excess oil production can lead to clogged pores, which in turn cause acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. However, with the right skincare routine, you can control oil, manage breakouts, and maintain a healthy, clear complexion. The key is to use products that balance oil production without over-drying the skin, while targeting acne at its source. In this article, we’ll explore the best skincare practices and products for breakout control and acne treatment for oily skin.
Why Does Oily Skin Lead to Breakouts?
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands in your skin produce too much sebum, the oil that naturally protects your skin. When excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and dirt, it can clog pores, leading to the development of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. While sebum is essential for keeping your skin moisturized, too much of it can lead to acne flare-ups.
Many people with oily skin believe they need to strip the oil away with harsh cleansers, but this can actually make the problem worse. Over-drying the skin triggers it to produce even more oil to compensate, creating a cycle of oiliness and breakouts. The solution is to follow a balanced skincare routine that regulates oil production, clears pores, and treats acne without compromising your skin’s moisture barrier.
The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin and Breakouts1. Start with a Gentle, Oil-Controlling Cleanser
A good cleanser is the foundation of any skincare routine, especially for those with oily skin. The goal is to remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin. Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help clear clogged pores and treat acne by reducing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria.
Avoid harsh, foaming cleansers that can over-dry the skin. Instead, opt for gel-based cleansers that balance oil while providing a gentle cleanse.
Best Product for acne-prone skin: Sebium Gel Moussant This gel-based cleanser is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps remove excess oil and impurities while unclogging pores and reducing breakouts.
Key Benefits:
- Gently cleanses without over-drying
- Controls excess sebum production
- Suitable for daily use on oily, acne-prone skin
- Use a BHA Exfoliant to Unclog Pores
Exfoliation is crucial for oily, acne-prone skin because it helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. For oily skin, a chemical exfoliant containing beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid is ideal. BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess oil and dead skin, preventing acne from forming.
Exfoliating 2-3 times a week can significantly reduce breakouts and keep your skin smooth and clear. However, avoid over-exfoliating, as this can irritate the skin and lead to more oil production.
Best Product Recommendation: Sebium Exfoliating Gel This exfoliant contains salicylic acid and micro-exfoliating beads to help clear clogged pores and prevent future breakouts. It’s gentle enough for regular use on oily, acne-prone skin.
Key Benefits:
- Unclogs pores and reduces breakouts
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- Improves skin texture and clarity
- Apply a Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still needs moisturizer. In fact, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce even more oil to make up for the lack of hydration. The key is to choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that hydrates the skin without clogging pores.
Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which hydrates without adding oil) and niacinamide, which helps regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation.
Best Product Recommendation: Hydrabio Gel-Cream This lightweight moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. It’s formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.
Key Benefits:
- Hydrates without clogging pores
- Controls excess oil production
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Use a Spot Treatment for Active Breakouts
For active pimples, using a spot treatment can help reduce their size and inflammation quickly. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid, as these ingredients target acne-causing bacteria and help reduce swelling and redness.
Apply the spot treatment directly to the affected areas after cleansing and moisturizing. Make sure not to overuse it, as these treatments can be drying if applied too frequently.
Best Product Recommendation: Sebium Global This targeted treatment works to treat existing breakouts while preventing new ones from forming. It contains active ingredients like salicylic acid to unclog pores and regulate sebum production.
Key Benefits:
- Targets breakouts and reduces inflammation
- Prevents new acne from forming
- Balances oil production
- Finish with a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
One of the biggest mistakes people with oily, acne-prone skin make is skipping sunscreen. While it’s important to avoid products that feel greasy, sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen can also help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) that often occur after a breakout heals.
Best Product Recommendation: Photoderm Max SPF 50+ This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen provides high-level protection against UV rays while helping control excess oil. It’s perfect for daily wear on oily or acne-prone skin.
Key Benefits:
- Provides SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Lightweight and suitable for daily use
Additional Tips for Managing Oily Skin and Breakouts
- Avoid Over-Washing: Cleansing your face more than twice a day can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce more oil. Stick to cleansing in the morning and evening.
- Choose Non-Comedogenic Products: Make sure all your skincare and makeup products are labeled “non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores.
- Watch Your Diet: While skincare is essential, your diet can also affect your skin. Try to limit sugar, dairy, and processed foods, which can trigger breakouts.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out and can help regulate oil production.
Managing oily skin and breakouts requires a consistent skincare routine that balances oil production while keeping your pores clear and hydrated. By using gentle cleansers, chemical exfoliants, lightweight moisturizers, and targeted treatments, you can control acne and maintain a healthy, clear complexion. With the right products and practices, you can keep oil and breakouts in check, giving you the confidence of clear, radiant skin.
If you work in a dusty place or garden and you use garden rake, it will be ok to use hand cream and sun protection.
