Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin: A Dermat-Approved Guide

Dermatologists say that an effective skin care routine for oily skin should be divided into two parts and include gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration, and targeted treatments. Using active-based skincare products with the right ingredients helps regulate oil production, prevent clogged pores, and maintain a healthy skin barrier without causing dryness or irritation. Consistency is key.

Key Highlights:

1. Morning Routine:

• Face wash (Gel/Foaming)
• Face toner 
• Face serum
• Oil-free face moisturizer
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++)

2. Night Routine:

• Face cleanser
• Face serum 
• Face moisturizer

3. Weekly Routine:

• Clay mask (1-2x per week)
• Exfoliate (1-2x per week)

Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid 
• Niacinamide 
• Retinol
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycolic Acid

Try Our Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin!

Oily skin is a skin type where the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (or natural oil). This makes it look shiny and prone to clogged pores and acne. It keeps on secreting more oil throughout the day and night, and can make your facial skin more greasy and sticky if not cared for.

Hence, our oily skin care routine is designed by dermatologists to cater to both morning (AM) and nighttime (PM) routines. We shall also add relevant skincare products to the same section to make your choice easier. Designed by dermatologists, these are our best skin care products in India for oily skin and can be used by men and women alike.

A.  AM or Morning Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

1. Face Cleanser: Start Fresh

Use a gentle foaming or gel-based cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities accumulated overnight. This step forms the basis of any effective routine related to skin care for oily skin.

We recommend starting with The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash as it is specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into pores to remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup, helping prevent breakouts. It keeps the shine under control while leaving skin fresh, clean, and balanced throughout the day.
Official Website: On our website, it holds an average rating of ~4.5★ out of 5.

Other e-commerce platforms: The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash is rated around 4.2-4.4★ out of 5.

Price: Rs. 299 for a 100 ml pack

2. Face Toner: Balance and Prep 

A lightweight, alcohol-free toner helps refine pores and control shine while preparing your skin for the next steps. Limit it to 2-3x a week.

The Derma Co 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner works well as it gently exfoliates while maintaining hydration, making it suitable for oily skin. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and controls excess oil, helping improve skin texture and clarity over time.

Official Website: On The Derma Co website, it has an average rating of 4.6★ out of 5.

Other E-Commerce Platforms: The Derma Co 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner is rated around 4.3★ out of 5.

Price: Rs. 499 for a 150 ml pack

3. Face Serum: Target Oil and Pores

The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc PCA serum is a great addition as it helps fade acne marks, control sebum & smoothen skin without feeling heavy. This dermatologically designed niacinamide face serum has a lightweight and non-greasy texture.
Official Website: On The Derma Co website, it holds an average rating of 5★ out of 5.

Other E-Commerce Platforms: It is rated around 4.2-4.4★ out of 5. 

Price: Rs. 515 for a 30 ml pack

4. Face Moisturizer: Hydrate Without Heaviness

Choose an oil-free, gel-based moisturizer to maintain hydration without clogging pores, as proper hydration helps prevent excess oil production. The Derma Co Ceramide + HA Intense Daily Face Moisturizer is ideal as it strengthens the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and helps regulate oil production, keeping oily skin balanced, hydrated, and less prone to breakouts.

Official Website: Rated around 4.9★ out of 5.

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.4★ out of 5.

Price: Rs. 349 for 50g

5. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: Daily Protection

Use a matte-textured, non-comedogenic sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). It protects your skin and prevents issues like pigmentation and acne marks.

We recommend 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50. It has Hyaluronic acid for sebum regulation and vitamin E for antioxidant protection with a non-greasy finish.

Official Website: Rated around 4.9★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.4★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 499 for 50g

Ultra Matte Sunscreen Gel SPF 60: Zinc-based filters for broad-spectrum protection + oil-control technology for a matte, shine-free look
Official Website: Rated around 4.9★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.3★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 699 for a 50g pack

B. PM or Night Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin 

1. Cleanser: Remove Build-Up

It effectively removes dirt, oil, and sunscreen buildup while maintaining essential hydration. The Derma Co Creamy Cleanser with Ceramides cleanses gently without stripping the skin, helping prevent excess oil production overnight and keeping the skin balanced, soft, and refreshed.

Official Website: Rated around 4.8★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.3★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 249 for 100 ml

2. Treatment: Control Breakouts

Use targeted treatments 2-3 times a week to prevent over-exfoliation and allow skin recovery time. Cell turnover rates are higher at night, so treatments penetrate better and work more efficiently. Overuse of actives can dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil. Controlled use helps regulate sebum properly.

The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Serum is recommended as a targeted serum because it is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores and dissolve excess sebum and buildup. It helps unclog pores, reduce blackheads and acne, and prevent future breakouts, making this 2% Salicylic Acid Serum effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Official Website: Rated around ~4.9★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.3-4.4★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 499 for 30 ml

3. Face Serum: Repair and Soothe

The Derma Co 1% Retinol Serum is recommended for night use as it works in sync with the skin’s natural repair cycle to boost cell turnover and improve texture. It benefits oily skin by reducing acne, unclogging pores over time, controlling excess oil, and fading post-acne marks for clearer, smoother-looking skin.
Official Website: Rated around 4.9★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.3★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 699 for a 30 ml pack

4. Face Moisturizer: Support Skin Barrier

Reapply a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin balanced overnight. The Derma Co Ceramide Barrier Repair Moisturizer is ideal for your night routine as it supports the skin’s natural recovery process while you sleep. This oil free moisturizer helps oily skin by strengthening the barrier, maintaining hydration, soothing inflammation with niacinamide, and keeping oil production balanced without feeling heavy.

Official Website: Rated around ~4.9★ out of 5 

Other e-commerce platforms: Rated around 4.2-4.4★ out of 5

Price: Rs. 399 for a 100g pack

Did you know? The best ingredients for oily skin are: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycolic Acid. You should combine oil-control ingredients (like niacinamide and salicylic acid) with hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) to maintain a balanced skin barrier.

Table for AM vs PM Routine for Oily Skin

Other Bestsellers

1. Mamaearth Ubtan Natural Face Wash with Turmeric & Saffron: Infused with turmeric and saffron, it helps remove tan while restoring your natural glow. This toxin-free Ubtan Face Wash gently exfoliates and cleanses, leaving skin fresh, radiant, and even-toned.
2. Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer: A lightweight, non-greasy formula that hydrates deeply without clogging pores. Enriched with ceramides and vitamin C, this oil free moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier and boosts radiance.
3. Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+: This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection while giving your skin a healthy, dewy finish. Packed with hydrating ingredients, this dewy sunscreen keeps skin soft, plump, and glowing all day.
4. Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen: Powered with vitamin C and turmeric, it protects skin from UV damage while enhancing glow. The lightweight formula of this daily glow sunscreen absorbs easily, leaving no white cast and a naturally radiant look.

The Bottom Line: Consistency is Key for Oily Skin Care

Managing oily skin is about using the best-suited skincare products in the right order. The best skin care routine for oily skin should comprise gentle cleansing, oil-balancing actives, and lightweight hydration. It would help regulate sebum without damaging your skin barrier, reducing excess shine, breakouts, and improving overall skin texture over time.

Oily skin can feel difficult to manage, but the right routine can make all the difference. With the right ingredients and consistency, you can achieve clear, healthy, and shine-free skin.

Ref: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/2/69
https://www.acofp.org/news-and-publications/journal/article-detail/vol-16-no-3-fall-2024/vitamin-c-topical-retinoids-sunscreen-in-clinical-practice-essentials-for-family-physicians

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best skin care routine for oily skin?
The best routine includes a gentle cleanser, lightweight serum, oil-free moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning, followed by cleansing, treatment, and hydration at night. Consistency with the right ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid is key to controlling oil and preventing breakouts.

2. How do you take care of oily skin daily?
Cleanse twice daily, use lightweight and non-comedogenic products, and never skip moisturizer or sunscreen. Following a consistent daily skin care routine for oily skin helps regulate sebum production and keep pores clear.

3. How do you get rid of an oily face?
You can control an oily face by using oil-regulating ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, along with proper hydration. Avoid over-cleansing, as it can trigger even more oil production.

4. What should be a night skin care routine for oily skin?
A night routine for oily skin should include cleansing the skin pores of toxins and excess sebum, using targeted treatments like salicylic acid or retinol (2-3 times a week). This can be followed by a set of lightweight anti-acne serum and moisturizer. This would help repair the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne.

5. How to reduce oily skin permanently?
Oily skin cannot be permanently eliminated as it is largely genetic, but its issues (like acne and pimples) can be effectively managed with the right routine and ingredients. Long-term consistency helps keep oil production under control and prevents breakouts.

6.What is a good skin care routine for men with oily skin?
Men can follow the same routine: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect with sunscreen in the morning, and use targeted treatments at night. The key is choosing lightweight, oil-free products suited to oily skin.