Best Oily Skin Care Routine: Home Remedies for Clear Skin
Does your face get shiny and oily within an hour of washing? Do you get pimples and clogged pores often? Oily skin is very common and very frustrating, which is why many people try homemade remedies for oily face.
Most people use strong face washes to remove the oil. But this actually makes things worse. When you strip oil from your skin, it produces even more oil to make up for it.
The good news is you can fix oily skin with simple home remedies. Things like aloe vera, multani mitti, and rice water already sitting in your kitchen can help control oil and keep your face clear all day.
This guide will show you exactly how.
What Is Oily Skin Type?
Oily skin happens when your skin makes too much oil. This oil is called sebum. A little sebum is good because it keeps your skin soft and protected. But too much makes your face shiny, clogs your pores, and causes pimples.
Top Causes of Oily Skin:
- Genetics — you got it from your parents
- Hormonal changes
- Hot and humid weather
- Using the wrong skincare products
- Stress and poor diet
How to Identify Your Oily Skin Type
Not sure if you have oily skin? Here’s how to know in seconds.
Check these signs:
- Your face looks shiny and greasy within 1–2 hours of washing
- Your forehead, nose, and chin feel oily all the time
- Your makeup doesn’t stay — it slides off by midday
- You get blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples often
- Your pores look big and clearly visible
If 3 or more of these match you — you have oily skin
Know about more your oily skin type
The Blotting Paper Test — Confirm it at Home
- Wash your face and wait 2 hours — don’t apply anything
- Take a tissue or blotting paper
- Press it gently on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin
- Hold it up to light and check
Result: If the paper shows oil from your entire face — you have oily skin.
One More Thing — Why You Should Not Ignore It
Oily skin that is not taken care of leads to:
- Clogged pores that turn into blackheads
- Frequent pimple breakouts
- Dull and thick looking skin
- Acne marks and dark spots over time
The earlier you start the right routine — the easier it is to control.
Best Daily Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin (AM + PM)
You don’t need 10 products. You just need the right steps — done every day. Here is a simple routine that actually keeps oily skin under control, along with simple skin care routine steps for oily skin.
Morning Routine (Takes Only 5 Minutes)
Step 1 — Wash Your Face Start your day by washing your face with a gentle, oil-free face wash. Don’t use hot water — it makes your skin produce more oil. Use cold or lukewarm water.
Step 2 — Apply Toner Toner removes leftover dirt and tightens your pores. Use rose water or a simple alcohol-free toner. It takes 10 seconds and makes a big difference.
Step 3 — Light Moisturiser Yes — oily skin needs moisturiser too. When your skin is dry, it produces more oil. Use a light, water-based moisturiser. Don’t skip this step.
Step 4 — Sunscreen Apply sunscreen every single morning — even if you’re staying indoors. Use a gel-based or matte sunscreen made for oily skin. This one step prevents dark spots, acne marks, and early aging.
Night Routine (Takes Only 7 Minutes)
Step 1 — Double Cleanse At night, first remove dirt and sunscreen with micellar water or a cleansing oil. Then wash your face with your regular face wash. This makes sure your pores are fully clean before you sleep.
Step 2 — Exfoliate (Only 2 Times a Week) Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that clog your pores. Don’t do it every day — twice a week is enough. Over-exfoliating makes oily skin worse.
Step 3 — Treatment (Pimple or Serum) If you have active pimples, apply a neem or salicylic acid spot treatment. If your skin is clear, use a light niacinamide serum — it controls oil production beautifully.
Step 4 — Night Moisturiser Use a light gel moisturiser at night. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep — so don’t skip this.
Quick Reference — AM vs PM Routine
Quick Reference — AM vs PM Routine
| Step | Morning | Night |
| Cleanse | Once | Double cleanse |
| Toner | Yes | Optional |
| Treatment | No | Spot treat or serum |
| Moisturiser | Light, water-based | Light gel |
| Sunscreen | Yes | No |
One Simple Rule to Remember
Oily skin gets worse when you skip steps or use harsh products. Be gentle. Be consistent. Give any routine at least 3–4 weeks before judging results.
Best Home Remedies for Oily Skin in summer
People have been using natural ingredients for skin care for hundreds of years — and for good reason. These simple kitchen ingredients are gentle, affordable, and actually work. No chemicals, no side effects, no expensive products needed. That’s why many people rely on the best natural face pack for oily skin and the remedy for oily skin and acne.
1. Multani Miti (Fuller’s Earth)
This is the best remedy for oily skin — period.
- What it does: Absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, reduces shine
- How to use: Mix 2 spoons of Multani Mitti with rose water. Apply on face. Leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
- How often: 2 times a week
- Warning: Don’t leave it on too long — it can dry your skin
2. Aloe Vera Gel
If you have one plant at home — make it aloe vera.
- What it does: Controls oil, reduces pimples, soothes irritated skin
- How to use: Take fresh aloe vera gel. Apply directly on your face. Leave for 20 minutes. Wash off.
- How often: Daily — even twice a day
- Tip: You can also use it as a light moisturizer every night
3. Rice Water Toner
This is a traditional remedy that actually has science behind it.
- What it does: Tightens pores, controls oil, brightens skin
- How to use: Wash raw rice with water. Collect that water. Apply on face with cotton. Leave for 10 minutes. Wash off.
How often: Every morning after washing your face.
4. Raw Honey
Sounds sticky — but it works really well for oily and pimple-prone skin.
- What it does: Kills acne-causing bacteria, cleanses pores, controls oil
- How to use: Apply raw honey directly on your face. Leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
- How often: 3 times a week
5. Lemon Juice + Honey Mask
Great for oily skin with dark spots and pimple marks.
- What it does: Controls oil, fades marks, deep cleanses pores
- How to use: Mix 1 spoon lemon juice with 1 spoon honey. Apply on face. Leave for 10 minutes. Wash off.
- How often: Once a week
- Warning: Don’t go out in the sun right after using lemon on your face
6. Green Tea Toner
Your leftover green tea is actually a great skin toner.
- What it does: Reduces oil production, shrinks pores, fights pimples
- How to use: Brew green tea. Let it cool completely. Apply it on your face with cotton. Don’t wash off — let it absorb.
How often: Every morning or evening
7. Oatmeal Face Mask
Best remedy for oily skin that is also sensitive.
- What it does: Absorbs oil gently, removes dead skin, soothes redness
- How to use: Mix 2 spoons of oatmeal with plain curd. Apply on face. Leave for 15 minutes. Scrub gently while washing off.
How often: Once or twice a week
8. Tomato Pulp
Simple, cheap, and very effective.
- What it does: Controls oil, shrinks pores, brightens dull skin
- How to use: Cut a tomato in half. Rub directly on your face. Leave for 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
- How often: 2–3 times a week
Read More About Home Remedies for Glowing Skin in Summer here
Best Home Remedy for Oily Skin and Pimples
Mix raw honey + 2 drops of tea tree oil. Apply on pimples for 15 mins, then wash. Use nightly.
Best Home Remedy for Face Cleansing — Oily Skin
Mix besan + a pinch of turmeric + raw milk. Massage gently, rinse with cold water. Use 3–4 times a week.
Best Ingredients for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Not all skincare ingredients are made equal. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, knowing what to put on your face and what to avoid can completely change your skin. Here’s a simple guide.
Ingredients to Look For
| Ingredient | What It Does |
| Salicylic Acid | Goes deep into pores and unclogs them from inside |
| Niacinamide | Controls excess oil production and reduces redness |
| Glycolic Acid | Removes dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores |
| Witch Hazel | Naturally tightens pores and reduces shine |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Kills acne-causing bacteria directly |
| Clay (Kaolin/Bentonite) | Absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities |
| Retinol | Prevents pore blockage and speeds up skin renewal |
| Zinc | Calms inflammation and regulates sebum production |
Ingredients to Avoid
| Ingredient | Why to Avoid |
| Coconut Oil / Mineral Oil | Very heavy — clogs pores and worsens breakouts |
| SD Alcohol | Over-dries skin, triggering even more oil production |
| Isopropyl Myristate | Blocks pores and causes frequent breakouts |
| Lanolin | Too thick and greasy for oily skin types |
| Heavy Silicones | Traps dirt and oil inside pores over time |
How to Read a Product Label
Before buying any skincare product, always check for these three words:
Non-comedogenic — This means the product is formulated to not clog your pores. Always look for this on moisturisers, sunscreens, and foundations.
Oil-free — The product contains no added oils, making it lighter and safer for oily skin.
Matte — Designed to control shine and keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Oily Skin in Summer — Seasonal Care
Summer makes oily skin worse. Heat, humidity, and sweat together increase sebum production making your face look greasy within hours.
Why Skin Gets Oilier in Summer
High temperatures open your pores. Humidity stops sweat from drying. Your skin produces more oil to protect itself. Result — shine, breakouts, and clogged pores, which is why following an best oily skin care routine in summer becomes essential.
Summer Skin Care Tips
- Wash face twice daily with a gentle gel cleanser
- Use micellar water to remove sweat and oil
- Apply matte SPF every morning
- Use clay mask 2–3 times a week
- Carry blotting papers for midday shine
- Double cleanse at night — always
- Drink plenty of water daily
- Avoid heavy creams — switch to gel moisturiser
Summer Product Swaps
| Switch This | Use This Instead |
| Creamy cleanser | Gel cleanser |
| Heavy moisturiser | Lightweight gel moisturiser |
| Regular SPF | Matte or oil-free SPF |
| Toner with alcohol | Rose water or green tea toner |
| Heavy foundation | Oil-free or matte finish foundation |
Simple swaps, big difference. Your summer routine should be light, quick, and oil-controlling — nothing heavy, nothing greasy.
Korean Skin Care for Oily Skin
K-beauty focuses on hydration, gentle layering, and protecting your skin barrier — not harsh drying, which is why choosing the best korean oil cleanser for oily skin is important.
Korean 7-Step Routine for Oily Skin
- Oil Cleanser — Removes sunscreen and excess oil
- Foam Cleanser — Deep cleans pores gently
- Toner — Balances skin and preps for next steps
- Essence — Lightweight hydration layer
- Serum — Target oil control or acne with niacinamide
- Gel Moisturiser — Hydrates without heaviness
- SPF — Matte finish, every single morning
Best K-Beauty Ingredients for Oily Skin
| Ingredient | Benefit |
| Snail Mucin | Repairs skin without clogging pores |
| Centella Asiatica | Calms redness and inflammation |
| Green Tea | Controls oil and fights acne |
| Mugwort | Soothes sensitive, oily skin |
| Niacinamide | Reduces shine and shrinks pores |
Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin
| DO This | DON’T Do This |
| Wash face twice daily | Over-wash your face |
| Use non-comedogenic products | Use alcohol-based products |
| Apply matte SPF every morning | Skip sunscreen thinking oily skin is safe |
| Use blotting papers for midday shine | Touch your face with dirty hands |
| Remove makeup before bed always | Sleep with makeup on |
| Moisturise with lightweight gel | Skip moisturiser thinking it adds oil |
| Drink plenty of water daily | Use heavy creamy cleansers |
| Use gentle gel-based cleanser | Pop or squeeze pimples |
Oily Skin Myths — Busted
| Myth | Truth |
| “Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser” | Skipping it makes your skin produce even more oil |
| “Washing more will reduce oil” | Over-washing strips skin and triggers more sebum |
| “Oily skin doesn’t age” | Oily skin can still develop wrinkles and fine lines |
| “Only teenagers get oily skin” | Hormones, diet and climate affect any age group |
| “Oily skin doesn’t need SPF” | All skin types need sun protection — no exceptions |
Frequently Asked Questions — Oily Skin
Cleanse → Tone → Moisturise → SPF. Use a gel cleanser morning and night, alcohol-free toner, lightweight gel moisturizer, and matte SPF every morning. Keep it simple and consistent.
Look for gel cleansers, clay masks, niacinamide serums, oil-free moisturisers, and matte sunscreens. Avoid anything creamy, heavy, or with coconut oil.
The best face washes for oily skin are The Derma Co Salicylic Acid Face Wash, Minimalist Cleanser, and Chemist At Play Face Wash. These help control excess oil, unclog pores, and prevent pimples without over-drying your skin.
Exfoliate 2 times a week, use Vitamin C serum in the morning, stay hydrated, and never skip moisturizer. Hydrated skin glows — oily skin can look dull without proper care.
Salicylic acid face wash, niacinamide serum, and benzoyl peroxide spot treatment work best. For the natural option- raw honey and tea tree oil at night.
Use salicylic acid, niacinamide, and clay-based products. Avoid heavy oils, silicones, and alcohol. Double cleanse at night and always use non-comedogenic products.
Dermatologists suggest cleansing twice daily, using oil-free products, and applying sunscreen daily. Treatments like retinoids or salicylic acid are often recommended for oil control and acne.
The best moisturiser for oily skin is a lightweight, oil-free, gel-based formula. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera to control oil and hydrate skin.These moisturisers keep your skin soft without making it greasy or clogging pores.
I’m Suma Angari, Founder of SkinGlowRoutine.com and an SEO Executive passionate about digital marketing and skincare. I share SEO tips, blogging ideas, and natural skincare guides to help you grow online and glow naturally.
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