The Ultimate Skincare Guide For Oily Skin

Morning Routine

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser
Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil and impurities without stripping your skin. Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser offers a refreshing gel-to-lather cleanse, while Superfood Facial Wash helps leave skin looking healthy, balanced and naturally glowing.

Step 2: Alcohol-Free Toner
Follow with Balancing Lavender Toner to help refresh, rebalance and soften skin while maintaining its natural moisture balance.

Step 3: Lightweight Serum
Choose a serum based on your skin's changing needs, whether you're looking to boost hydration, target early signs of ageing, or restore radiance.

Step 4: Lightweight Moisturiser
Hydration is essential – even for oily skin. Lightweight gel-creams like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream or nutrient-rich formulas such as Superfood Day Cream help replenish moisture without feeling heavy.

Step 5: SPF
Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF every morning to help protect against UV-induced skin ageing. Our Marine Cream SPF 30 has the same silky, lightweight texture as our original Marine Cream – or our Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50 has a featherweight texture that’s perfect for layering.

Evening Routine

Step 1: Double Cleanse
Begin with Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm or Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil to melt away makeup, SPF and excess sebum before following with Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser for a deeper cleanse.

Step 2: Alcohol-Free Toner
Sweep over Balancing Lavender Toner to leave skin feeling refreshed and balanced.

Step 3: Facial Oil or Targeted Treatment
Contrary to popular belief, lightweight facial oils can work beautifully on oily skin. Superfood Facial Oil helps nourish and support your skin's natural balance without leaving a greasy finish.

Step 4: Lightweight Night Treatment
Complete your routine with Superfood Midnight Facial, a replenishing overnight treatment that hydrates with a lightweight gel-cream texture.

Now that you've got your routine in place, here are a few key principles to help you get the best results from it.

Cleanse Without Stripping

When oily skin feels greasy, it's tempting to reach for the strongest cleanser you can find. But harsh cleansers and alcohol-heavy products often do more harm than good.

When your skin loses too much of its natural moisture, it often responds by producing even more oil to compensate. Instead, choose gentle cleansers that effectively remove makeup, excess sebum and daily impurities while respecting your skin's moisture barrier.

If you'd like to learn more about choosing the right cleanser, explore our guide to which cleanser is right for you.

Hydration Is Essential

One of the biggest misconceptions about oily skin is that it doesn't need hydration.

In reality, oily skin can still become dehydrated. When moisture levels drop, your skin often compensates by producing even more oil, creating a cycle that's difficult to break.

Lightweight moisturisers help restore hydration without weighing skin down. Look for formulas that deliver long-lasting moisture while leaving skin feeling comfortable and balanced.

Myth: Facial Oil Will Make Oily Skin Worse

This is one of the biggest skincare misconceptions. As ELEMIS CEO Noella Gabriel explains:

"Believe it or not, oily skin needs oil."

Rather than increasing shine, lightweight facial oils can help support your skin's natural balance. Our fast-absorbing Superfood Facial Oil is packed with omega-rich botanical oils that nourish skin without leaving behind a greasy residue, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that work with your skin rather than against it.

Adapt Your Routine with the Seasons

Your skin doesn't stay the same all year round, so your skincare shouldn't either.

Warmer weather and humidity can increase oil production, while colder temperatures and central heating often leave skin dehydrated beneath the surface. Rather than replacing your entire routine every season, make small adjustments to support your skin's changing needs.

Lightweight gel textures often feel more comfortable during summer, while winter may call for additional hydration to help maintain your skin barrier.

Why Is My Skin Still Oily?

Even with a consistent routine, there are several reasons your skin may still feel oily:

1. You're Over-Cleansing

Washing your face too frequently can strip away natural oils, encouraging your skin to produce even more sebum.

2. You're Skipping Moisturiser

Hydration and oil aren't the same thing. Skipping moisturiser can leave skin dehydrated, triggering excess oil production.

3.You're Using Products for the Wrong Skin Type

Rich creams designed for dry skin may feel too heavy, while harsh anti-blemish products can upset your skin's natural balance. Choosing products formulated specifically for oily skin can make a noticeable difference.

4.You're Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but too much can compromise the skin barrier. For most oily skin types, exfoliating two or three times a week is enough.

5.Seasonal Changes Are Affecting Oil Production

Changes in temperature, humidity and indoor heating can all influence how much oil your skin produces, so don't be afraid to adapt your routine throughout the year.

Can oily skin still become dehydrated?

Yes. Oily skin produces excess sebum, while dehydration refers to a lack of water in the skin. It's entirely possible – and quite common – to experience both at the same time.

Should you moisturise oily skin?

Absolutely. Skipping moisturiser can encourage your skin to produce even more oil. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers help keep skin balanced without clogging pores.

Is oily skin more prone to ageing?

No! Naturally higher oil production can sometimes help minimise the appearance of fine lines earlier in life. However, oily skin still benefits from targeted anti-ageing ingredients and daily SPF.

How often should you exfoliate oily skin?

For most people, two or three times a week is enough. Over-exfoliating can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger increased oil production.

Should people with oily skin use facial oil?

Yes. Lightweight facial oils can help support your skin's natural balance while delivering nourishment. Choosing the right formula is key.

Looking to learn more?

• Which Cleanser Is Right for You?
• How to Support Your Skin Barrier
• Skincare Layering: Which Products Go First?

Find Balance with ELEMIS

The best skincare routine for oily skin isn't about removing every trace of oil – it's about helping your skin find its natural balance. Whether you're looking to refresh your cleanser, introduce lightweight hydration or build a routine tailored to oily skin, ELEMIS offers expertly formulated collections designed to work with your complexion, not against it.

Explore our skincare by concern, benefit or category to discover the products that are right for you.