by Raspmoon | Beauty, RM Stories

What is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a skin type with higher sebum production,
where the oil and water balance leans toward excess oil.
Because of this, the skin often looks shiny, especially in the T-zone, and makeup may not last as long.
Pores tend to be larger and more visible, and breakouts or blackheads can appear more easily
when the excess oil mixes with dead skin cells.

Even though oily skin can feel greasy,
it still needs proper hydration. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger more oil production.
With the right routine focused on balancing oil and water, controlling shine,
and keeping pores clear, oily skin can stay fresh, healthy, and resilient.

Cleansing

For oily skin, cleansing is just as important as moisturizing.
Excess sebum can mix with dirt, sunscreen, and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores, blackheads,
and breakouts if not removed properly.
Because of this, cleansing needs to be thorough but also gentle, so the skin barrier is not stripped or irritated.

A good approach is to keep cleansing balanced.
Over cleansing with harsh or high-pH products can damage the skin barrier,
leaving the skin feeling tight and triggering even more oil production.
Instead, using a gentle, low-pH cleanser helps the skin stay clean while maintaining its natural balance.

When sunscreen or heavier buildup needs to be removed,
a two-step method can be used if needed: start with an oil or milk cleanser to break down sunscreen
and excess oil, then follow with a mild foam cleanser to wash away residue.
This keeps the skin fresh, reduces shine, and helps prevent clogged pores without over-drying.

For the best results, cleanse twice a day,
once in the morning to refresh the skin and
once at night to thoroughly remove sunscreen, oil, and impurities.

How to Use Cleansers

Foam Cleansing

Dispense a pea-sized amount of foaming gel cleanser.
Lather well with water until it forms a soft foam.
Apply gently across the face, focusing more on the T-zone where oil and buildup are heavier.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Avoid scrubbing too harshly, as this can trigger rebound oil production.

Cleansing Gel

Dispense about a dime-sized amount.
Apply directly to damp skin or lather lightly with water if it foams.
Massage gently in circular motions for 20–30 seconds, especially around the T-zone.
Rinse off with lukewarm water until no residue remains, and pat the skin dry.

Oil Cleansing (when sunscreen or makeup is used)

Start with dry hands and a dry face.
Pump 2–3 pumps of oil cleanser and massage gently, focusing on the T-zone to dissolve sunscreen and sebum.
Add a little lukewarm water gradually to emulsify until the oil turns milky.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Always follow with a mild foaming cleanser to ensure no oily residue remains that could clog pores.

Cleansing Milk (optional use)

Not recommended as a daily or main cleanser for oily skin, since it may leave residue and lacks deep cleansing power.
Can be useful when the skin feels irritated, over-exfoliated, or sensitive.
Apply directly to dry skin and massage gently, then remove with lukewarm water.
For oily skin, it should always be followed by a gel or foaming cleanser to ensure complete cleansing without clogging pores.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps for oily skin,
because even though the skin produces excess sebum, it can still be dehydrated underneath.
Skipping moisturizer often backfires, since dehydration signals the skin to produce even more oil,
leading to a shinier complexion and frequent breakouts.
The key is not to avoid moisturizing, but to choose lightweight, oil-friendly formulas.

A gel-based or very lightweight lotion moisturizer is ideal for oily skin.
These absorb quickly, provide hydration, and leave a refreshing finish without clogging pores.
Products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or green tea extract can hydrate and calm the skin
while keeping the texture fresh and matte.

It is important to avoid thick creams or occlusive products,
as they can trap excess oil, block pores, and worsen breakouts in oily-prone areas.

When applying moisturizer, spread a thin layer evenly over the whole face,
then lightly pat extra only on areas that may feel dehydrated after cleansing.
This way, the skin stays hydrated without stimulating more oil production.

Always choose products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic,
since these are less likely to block pores.
For acne-prone or sensitive spots, thinner layers applied more frequently work better than one heavy coat.

Moisturizing Routine

Follow the order: Toner → Essence/Serum → Cream.

Toner
Dry skin benefits the most from applying toner as quickly as possible after cleansing ideally within the first minute—because moisture evaporates very fast.
Place a few drops into your palms and press gently into the skin instead of wiping harshly. This step helps restore hydration and prepares your skin to absorb the following layers more effectively.
Essence/Serum
For oily skin,
using an essence or serum should feel more like an optional step
rather than something you must do every day.
Think of it as a light boost you can add
when your skin feels rough, tired,
or slightly dehydrated. It’s usually best to apply it at night,
when your skin has time to rest, although you can also use a little in the morning if certain areas feel dry.
The important thing is not to overload the skin just a few drops are enough.
Spread it gently over your face, keeping the layer thin on oily zones like the forehead and nose,
while giving a little more attention to the cheeks or chin if they feel tight.
Starting with two or three times a week is more than enough.
As you get used to it, you can adjust depending on how your skin responds.
The key is to keep it light and treat it as extra care,
only when your skin really needs it.
Cream (instead of Lotion)
For dry skin, cream is more effective than lotion because of its richer, more protective texture.
It creates a stronger barrier to lock in water, prevent flakiness, and protect the skin from external stress like wind and cold.
Cream works especially well in autumn and winter, or at night when your skin needs extra nourishment. During hot, humid seasons you can still use a lighter cream, but avoid skipping this step altogether.

Sun Protection

For oily skin, sunscreen often feels uncomfortable because many products leave a shiny or heavy finish.
Still, skipping sunscreen is not an option.
Daily protection helps prevent dark spots,
early wrinkles, and irritation caused by UV rays.
The secret is choosing a formula that feels fresh on the skin.

Light gel or fluid sunscreens work best.
They spread easily, absorb quickly, and leave the skin with a soft finish rather than a greasy layer.
These types also help control shine during the day and are less likely to block pores compared to thick or creamy products.
A thin, even layer is enough to give strong protection.

Reapplying is just as important as the first layer.
Sunscreen gradually loses effect as the skin produces oil and sweat,
so refreshing it every two to three hours keeps the skin safe.
For people who wear makeup, cushion or powder sunscreens make it simple to touch up without disturbing the base.
If you do not wear makeup, a gel or fluid sunscreen
can be reapplied directly and still feel comfortable.

Using sunscreen this way does not make oily skin worse.
On the contrary, it helps the skin stay balanced
and healthy while staying safe from long-term UV damage.
Making sunscreen a daily habit is one of the easiest ways to care for oily skin.

Understanding Sunscreens

There are two main types of sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.
They usually feel light, spread easily, and do not leave a white cast,
which makes them comfortable for daily use and under makeup.
For oily skin, this type often feels more suitable
because it sinks in quickly and does not add extra heaviness.
The only drawback is that some people may notice mild stinging or irritation if their skin is sensitive.

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays like a shield.
They are gentle and stable, which makes them safe for sensitive skin,
but they can feel heavier and sometimes leave a white cast.
For oily skin, this thicker texture can feel greasy, especially during hot or humid days.
To make them easier to use, many newer formulas are lighter or tinted,
blending more naturally with the skin without leaving a chalky finish.

To understand why sunscreen is essential, it helps to know about UV rays.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are the main cause of premature aging
such as wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation.
A simple way to remember is “A equals Aging.”
UVA can pass through windows and is present all year round, even on cloudy days.

UVB rays affect the surface of the skin
and are responsible for sunburn, redness, and DNA damage.
A simple way to remember is “B equals Burn.”
UVB is strongest during summer and midday hours,
but both UVA and UVB need to be blocked to keep the skin safe.

This is where SPF and PA ratings become important.
SPF measures how well sunscreen protects against UVB.
SPF 30 means it takes about 30 times longer for your skin to burn compared to not wearing sunscreen.
If you usually burn in 10 minutes, SPF 30 extends that to about 300 minutes.
SPF 50 means about 50 times longer, which is around 500 minutes.
The higher the number, the longer and stronger the protection.

PA measures protection against UVA.
It is shown with plus signs.
PA+ offers basic protection, PA++ is moderate, PA+++ is strong, and PA++++ is very strong.

For oily skin, the best choice is not only about SPF or PA but also about texture and comfort.
A gel or fluid sunscreen is usually easiest to wear every day
because it feels light, controls shine, and does not clog pores.
Thick creams or heavy formulas can trap oil and feel greasy, so they are better avoided.
The most important point is to pick a sunscreen that feels comfortable enough
that you will actually use it every morning and reapply it during the day.
By choosing a lightweight formula that suits oily skin,
you can stay protected from UV damage while keeping the skin fresh and balanced.

Extra Guide

Taking care of oily skin is not only about the products you apply, but also about the habits you keep every day.
Simple routines and steady balance are what help the most.

Getting enough sleep makes a big difference.
When you rest well, your skin can reset itself and produce oil more evenly.
On the other hand, staying up late or sleeping irregularly often leads to a shinier T-zone and more frequent breakouts.
Going to bed and waking up at regular times keeps the skin calmer and less reactive.

Stress is another factor that can make oily skin worse.
When stress levels rise, oil glands become more active and pimples show up more easily.
Finding ways to relax, like stretching, walking, or simply taking short breaks during busy days,
helps the skin stay balanced.

Food choices also matter.
Eating too much sugar or greasy food can make the skin oilier and cause inflammation.
Adding more vegetables, fresh fruits, and lighter meals helps the skin stay clear.
Drinking enough water is also important
because it prevents the skin from becoming dehydrated underneath while still controlling shine on the surface.

Your environment plays a role too.
Hot weather, air conditioning, or sudden changes in temperature can increase oil production
and irritation. Washing pillowcases often, keeping your space ventilated,
and protecting your skin outdoors all support healthier skin.

Lifestyle habits are just as important as skincare products.
Smoking, heavy drinking, or touching your face too often all increase the chance of clogged pores.
Since oily skin is easily affected by bacteria and dirt,
keeping your hands, phone screen, and pillow clean helps reduce unnecessary breakouts.

Finally, remember that exercise and daily movement
improve blood circulation, which supports natural skin health.
When paired with gentle cleansing and light hydration,
these habits make oily skin look fresher and more stable over time.

Skincare Glossary

- Sebum: The natural oil produced by the skin. In oily skin, too much sebum can build up in the T-zone, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples.
- T Zone: The forehead, nose, and chin area where oil production is usually the highest. For oily skin, this is the area that shines most often.
- Hydration: The process of giving the skin enough water to stay healthy. Even oily skin can be dehydrated underneath, so light hydration keeps balance without adding extra oil.
- Oil Control: Methods that help manage shine and extra oil on the surface. This can include lightweight lotions, blotting papers, or powders that reduce greasiness during the day.
- Barrier Function: The skin’s outer layer that protects from dirt, bacteria, and water loss. In oily skin, the barrier can still weaken if cleansing is too harsh or if hydration is ignored.
- Exfoliation: Removing dead skin cells to keep pores clear. For oily skin, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can prevent clogged pores, but doing it too often may irritate the skin and cause more breakouts.
- Non Comedogenic: A label for products that do not clog pores. This is especially important for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Stress Hormones: When stress rises, oil glands work harder and make more sebum. This can trigger pimples and worsen shine in oily areas.
- Pollution Particles: Small particles in the air that stick to oily skin, mix with sebum, and clog pores. Cleansing and protecting the skin daily helps reduce their impact.
- Patch Test: Trying a new product on a small spot before using it all over. Oily skin can react with breakouts if the product is too heavy, so patch testing prevents problems.
- Low-pH Cleanser: A gentle face wash that removes oil and dirt without damaging the skin barrier. For oily skin, this helps keep pores clear without leaving the skin tight or stripped.
- Skin Barrier: The protective shield that locks in moisture and blocks outside irritants. Supporting the barrier with the right hydration helps oily skin stay strong.
- Toner: A watery product used after cleansing to refresh the skin and prepare it for the next steps. For oily skin, toner can help control shine and keep the skin feeling fresh.
- Essence: A light liquid that adds gentle hydration and helps other products absorb better. In oily skin, it can be used to give water without heaviness.
- Serum: A more concentrated liquid that targets specific concerns such as visible pores or uneven texture. For oily skin, it should be used lightly and only as needed.
- Lotion: A light moisturizer that hydrates without feeling sticky. For oily skin, lotion often works better than cream because it absorbs quickly and does not block pores.
- Cream: A heavier moisturizer that locks in water. For oily skin, creams are usually unnecessary unless the skin feels very dry in winter.
- SPF & PA: Ratings that show how well sunscreen protects against UVB (burn) and UVA (aging). Oily skin benefits from lightweight gel or fluid sunscreens that protect without adding shine.
- UV Rays (UVA & UVB): UVA causes wrinkles and aging, while UVB causes redness and burning. Both damage the skin, so daily sunscreen is important even for oily skin.