If your face tends to get shiny by lunchtime, especially around the forehead, nose, and chin, you're not alone. Oily skin is incredibly common, particularly for men, thanks to naturally larger pores and more active oil glands. But before you reach for the strongest face wash in the aisle or skip moisturiser altogether, let's set the record straight: controlling oily skin isn't about stripping it bare. It's about balance. Here's how to manage the shine without drying yourself out or triggering a full-blown breakout.
Go Easy on the Cleanser
A squeaky-clean face feels like a win. But if your skin feels tight after washing, that's a red flag. Over-washing or using harsh soaps actually pushes your skin into panic mode and it starts pumping out even more oil to compensate. Opt for a gentle cleanser, ideally something with salicylic acid or charcoal to clear out your pores without freaking your face out.
Moisturiser Isn't the Enemy
This one's a common myth: oily skin doesn't need moisturiser. Wrong. Dehydrated skin produces even more oil, so skipping this step just makes things worse. Go for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser, preferably gel-based. It'll hydrate your skin without clogging pores or making you feel like you've slathered on a layer of grease.
Choose the Right Toner
Toners can be great for calming oily skin and refining pores, just avoid the ones that smell like nail polish remover. Alcohol-heavy formulas will dry you out and mess with your skin barrier. Look for ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or green tea–gentle, effective, and no burn involved.
Exfoliate, But Don't Go Scrub-Happy
Dead skin cells can trap oil and lead to breakouts, so yes, exfoliation is key. But daily scrubbing with gritty formulas? That's a no. Instead, use a chemical exfoliant (like BHA or salicylic acid) two or three times a week. It's gentler, gets deeper into the pores, and doesn't leave your skin red and angry.
Look Beyond the Mirror
What you eat, how much water you drink, and how stressed you are, all of it shows up on your face. If your skin's in chaos, take a look at your habits. Cut back on greasy, sugary foods, stay hydrated, and try not to stress-scroll through your entire feed before bed.
