There’s that dewy, lit-from-within glow that we all strive for, and then there’s the annoyance of oily skin. No matter how often you wash your face, how many blotting sheets you use, or the amount of mattifying foundation you apply, the excess oil just keeps returning. Beyond the aesthetic reasons for desiring less shine, oily skin also tends to be more acne-prone, has more visible pores, and experiences more congestion. So what is the solution for oil glands that seem to be in overdrive?
While we can’t snap our fingers and change your skin type, there are things you can do to help keep oily skin at bay. We chatted with dermatologist Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, to answer the question “What causes oil skin?” and her expert tips on keeping oily skin balanced.
Meet the Expert
Stephanie Saxton-Daniels, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Dallas, TX.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Before you start playing the blame game, let’s put your mind at ease: Having oily skin is most likely not your fault. All of our skin has sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil) as a means of protecting our skin from external factors. Those of us with dry skin could use more sebum, and those of us with oily skin could stand to have a little less. Dr. Saxton-Daniels explains, “Oily skin is caused by increased sebum production. This can be genetic, hormonal, stress-induced, or caused by environmental factors.”
Genetic Factors: You can thank your parents for your active oil glands. Oily skin tends to be genetic, as even the size of your sebaceous glands is hereditary. If your skin is naturally oily, you might be tempted to up your cleansing, but Dr. Saxton-Daniels says this is a common misconception. “The genetic component of oily skin is not because people aren’t washing their face,” she clarifies. “It’s not something they can control. However, it is a treatable condition.”
Hormones: If your skin's oiliness fluctuates at various times of the month, it could be attributed to hormonal changes. Androgens (like testosterone and estrogen) affect the way that our skin functions. With higher testosterone levels, skin tends to be oilier, while higher estrogen is associated with drier skin.
Environment: Your skin likely behaves differently in a dry, arid climate than it does in a sticky, humid environment. Humidity tends to increase oil and sweat production, hence why you might need to reach for a mattifying primer when packing for your next tropical vacation.
Stress: Feeling shiny before your big presentation at work? It’s not just in your head—your skin could be oily as a result of stress. When we’re under stress, our body produces cortisol (the stress hormone), which prompts our oil glands to get to work.
How to Prevent Oily Skin
While the factors that make you more prone to oily skin might be out of your control, there are still measures you can take to manage and prevent oily skin. Dr. Saxton-Daniels says, “There is not a way to change the genetic component of oily skin…but washing your face once daily with a gentle cleanser” is a great place to start.
Using a gentle cleanser like FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Face Cleanser is recommended, but be careful not to overwash your face. Washing your face three or more times a day in an attempt to banish excess oil can do more harm than good. Overwashing can strip your skin of essential moisture and, in turn, cause your sebaceous glands to work even harder to replace it, leading to even oilier skin.
How to Treat Oily Skin
No matter how much shine you have on your T-zone by midday, you can still benefit from a full skincare routine, including a moisturizer suitable for oily skin. Dr. Saxton-Daniels explains, “Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup. There are also products designed to absorb and disperse oil that are safe for daily use. Look for mattifying products, as long as they are non-comedogenic.” She also recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist for medical management of severe oily skin. She continues, “Treatment examples include topical and systemic retinoids.”
While there are many over-the-counter retinol products available that will do wonders for your skin, Dr. Saxton-Daniels highly recommends leaving the systemic retinoids to the professionals and warns against ingesting any medication without a prescription from a dermatologist.
Ready to take control of your oily skin? Keep scrolling to see our favorite products for managing unwanted shine.
1. SKINCEUTICALS Retinol 0.3
Retinol is usually praised for its anti-aging benefits, but it is also powerful in regulating sebum production. While you can enjoy the benefits of increased cell turnover and reduced lines and wrinkles, it also has soothing properties to keep irritation to a minimum, making this gentle formula ideal for new retinol users.
2. SUNDAY RILEY Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner
This toner has the instant gratification of a soothing, cooling sensation with the long-term results of clear, shine-free skin. It’s formulated specifically to target oily skin, featuring bentonite clay to mattify excess oil while visibly reducing pore size and manuka extract to balance oil production. The results are a clearer complexion, oil control, and skin that’s prepped for next steps.
3. TULA SKINCARE The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Loyal customers can’t get enough of this cult classic cleanser. The gel-based formula gently removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin or over-drying. Aside from the dreamy texture, we love that it is hydrating, balances the skin, and improves radiance, all while minimizing pores.
4. IT COSMETICS Confidence In a Gel Lotion Moisturizer
Yes, even oily skin needs a moisturizer. This oil-free, lightweight lotion's gel texture is perfect for oily skin. It features skin-loving ceramides for anti-aging benefits, and it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and plumped with moisture—not greasy.
5. FENTY BEAUTY Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
Before you apply your foundation, reach for this mattifying primer to reduce excess oil and keep unwanted shine to a minimum. It promises all-day oil control and extended foundation wear, and we love the way it applies smoothly for a pore-free finish.
6. MAKEUP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation
If you want a matte finish that still looks like skin, this blurring powder foundation is for you. The waterproof and sweatproof formula instantly mattifies your skin while delivering lightweight, medium-to-full coverage. We love that it promises 24 hours of mattifying power for a shine-free perfection that lasts all day long. Plus, it has clean ingredients that you can feel good about.
Looking for more skincare advice? Check out our summer guide to retinoids and discover everything you need to know about vitamin C. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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