How to Stop an Oily Face

Co-authored by Joanna Kula

Last Updated: December 21, 2022 References Approved

Dealing with oily skin and acne can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. There’s no need to worry, though—we’ve got your back. From cleansers and makeup to lifestyle changes and prescription medications, there are plenty of different ways to address your oily skin once and for all. Here are 24 effective tips to help you get started.

1

Use a gentle cleanser.

Wash your face using a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating your skin. Using harsh cleansers on your face can actually cause your face to produce more oil to compensate for all of the natural oils that were removed.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Joanna Kula
Skincare Specialist
Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}
- If using a gentle cleanser is not effective for you, try a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Joanna Kula
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}

2

Cleanse your face gently and carefully.

Try not to wash your face with a washcloth or textured sponge. This can irritate your skin; plus, scrubbing causes your face to produce more oil to compensate for all of the natural oils that were removed. If you do use a washcloth to wash your face, apply gentle pressure. ^{[3]
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3

Wash your face in the morning and at night.

Twice daily washing is essential to keeping oil under control. Wash your face after you wake up and before you go to bed. ^{[4]
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4

Cleanse your face with warm water.

Hot water can irritate your skin and strip it of its natural oils. This actually causes your skin to produce more oil to compensate. ^{[5]
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5

Apply toner to the oily parts of your skin.

Using toner on your whole face may create dry, flaky, and red patches of skin. Target oily areas of your skin and leave the normal or dry parts alone. ^{[6]
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6

Use astringent pads on the go.

Astringent pads can be useful to remove excess oil when you can’t wash your face. Keep some in your purse or at your office if you tend to get oily skin later in the day. ^{[7]
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7

Save clay masks for special occasions.

Clay masks dry out your skin and remove most of the oils on your face. Instead, use clay mask treatments only for special events when you need your skin to be oil-free for a long time. ^{[8]
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8

Watch out for moisturizers with oily ingredients.

Petroleum and shea butter are common offenders. These types of ingredients will add excess oil to your skin and make oily skin worse. Read the ingredients listed on the moisturizer packaging before you buy. ^{[9]
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9

Choose a moisturizer that contains dimethicone.

Moisturizers that contain dimethicone will help create a matte effect. On the other hand, petroleum-containing moisturizers may make your skin oilier. Look for moisturizers labeled oil-free and that contain dimethicone rather than petroleum.^{[10]
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10

Look for non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic moisturizers.

Moisturizers with these labels contain ingredients that are less likely to cause pimples. No matter what moisturizer you choose, make sure that the packaging says that it is non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.^{[11]
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11

Use moisturizer sparingly.

A little moisturizer can go a long way. Just apply a thin layer of moisturizer at first and then decide if you need more. Only dispense a chickpea size amount onto your fingertips and only add more if your face still seems dry after applying it. ^{[12]
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12

Experiment with different moisturizers.

A little trial and error may help you find which moisturizer works best for you. Remember—just because a particular moisturizer works well for someone else with oily skin does not mean that it will work the same for you. ^{[13]
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- If a friend recommends a product or you read rave reviews about a moisturizer, try to get a sample before you buy it. Makeup counters in department stores often provide samples of their products if you ask nicely.

13

Use a matte primer.

Matte primers help absorb excess oil throughout the day. Apply some after you have cleansed and moisturized your skin but before you apply foundation.^{[14]
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14

Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup products.

These products will not contribute to oily skin and they will not clog your pores. The next time you go makeup shopping, look for foundation, powder, blush, and bronzer that are labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic. ^{[15]
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15

Use a mineral-based powder.

Mineral-based powders will help prevent a caked-on look. Apply a light layer of mineral-based powder to your face using a large powder brush. If you can, keep powder on hand at all times for touch-ups throughout the day. ^{[16]
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16

Apply all makeup sparingly.

Lighter layers of makeup will help your skin breathe. Plus, thin layers help prevent excess oil production throughout the day. Use just a small amount of each product that you use to reduce the amount of makeup on your face.^{[17]
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17

Stock up on foods that aren’t oil-producing.

Foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt contribute to oily skin. Dairy and enriched flour products also contribute to oily skin. Avoid these foods or at least limit your consumption of them to help stop an oily face. ^{[18]
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18

Eat oil-controlling foods.

Oil-controlling foods help stop oily skin. This includes foods that are high in fiber, such as legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.^{[19]
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Research source} Leafy greens and citrus fruits are especially effective against oily skin. Prepare vegetables without adding excess oil by steaming or boiling them.^{[20]
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19

Drink plenty of water.

Water helps keep your skin hydrated and it also flushes toxins from your body. Getting enough water each day is essential to keeping oily skin under control. ^{[21]
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20

Control your daily stress levels.

Stress causes your body to produce cortisol, which leads to more oil production. To control stress and the excess oils that it causes, incorporate some relaxation techniques into your daily routine such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. ^{[22]
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21

Ask a dermatologist about topical retinoid treatments.

A dermatologist can prescribe a topical retinoid cream to help stop an oily face. Topical retinoid creams can reduce oil and fight acne as well. This treatment is only effective in about 20-30% of patients.

22

Discuss hormonal treatments with your dermatologist.

Women may suffer from excess oil due to hormone fluctuations. In some cases, taking an oral contraceptive pill can stop excess oil production and help clear up acne.

23

Talk to a dermatologist about chemical peels.

AHA/ Glycolic acid peels are gentle peels that help remove excess oils from the skin. The results of these treatments are only temporary, but a dermatologist can combine peels with other treatments to maximize your results.

24

Inquire about Accutane/Roaccutane treatments.

Accutane is a highly effective oily skin control and acne clearing prescription medication. It’s derived from vitamin A. Patients usually take Accutane daily for 15-20 weeks.^{[23]
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Research source} Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant cannot use Accutane because it may cause birth defects. ^{[24]
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Community Q&A

Question

While cleansing my face, is it possible to use cold water?

Community Answer

Of course. Warm water is suggested because it opens up the pores, making moisturizing more effective, but there's nothing wrong with using cold water, it can be very refreshing.
Question

My face is very oily and I have red acne. What do I do?

Community Answer

There are moisturizers that have a matte finish that can prevent you from becoming oily. Invest in a skincare product that is meant for oily skin, and use oil sheets during the day.
Question

My skin is oily, and I have a lot of pimples. How should I care for my facial skin?

Community Answer

Wash your face twice a day: once int the morning and once at night. This will reduce bacteria which feed on the oil produced by skin at night and cause acne and clogged pores. Use a toner and noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic moisturizer after washing. You can also apply a clay mask.