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From Glossy to Glowing: Skin Care for Oily Skin

Oily skin got you feeling a bit ick? Turn that shine into a radiant glow with expert recommendations for the best skin care routine for oily skin.

7 min read
Last Modified: Oct 25, 2024

Adrianne Lackey

Adrianne Lackey

Massage Envy franchising employee and skin care specialist

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From powerhouse ingredients to must-have products, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to keep your complexion balanced, clear, and radiant. Get ready to unleash your inner glow with an oily skin care routine that turns those glossy moments into glowing, gorgeous skin.

Getting to know your glow

Let’s face it: having oily skin can feel like you’re in a never-ending battle against the shine. But here’s the good news—your oily skin has some serious superpowers, too! While it might seem like an endless struggle with breakouts and blotting papers, the right oily skin routine can help you find that sweet spot between dewy perfection and greasy overload.

Characteristics of oily skin

Oily skin shines bright (sometimes too bright), with larger pores and a knack for attracting breakouts. The culprit? Excess sebum[1], which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Look out for a shiny T-zone, frequent breakouts, and larger pores – especially around your nose and forehead.

Want a simple trick to figure out if you’ve got oily skin? Massage Envy franchising employee and skin care specialist Adrianne Lackey shares this neat tip: Wash your face in the morning, say around 6 AM. Then, pay attention to when it starts feeling oily again. If you’re getting that greasy feeling within a couple of hours, you’re probably dealing with oily skin. But if you make it to lunchtime or later before things get shiny, you might have more of a combination skin type.

There is a silver lining...oily skin has its perks, too! The natural oils provide added protection and help keep your skin moisturized. That means fewer wrinkles and a thicker skin texture, which can better withstand environmental damage and aging[2]. So, while managing the shine and breakouts is essential, remember to appreciate the built-in benefits, too.

The clear truth about oily skin: myths and misconceptions

Let’s set the record straight: oily skin absolutely needs moisturizer.

“Sometimes there is a misconception that people don’t need to use a moisturizer in their oily skin routine because it will make them feel greasier, or they are not feeling that tightness or dryness in their skin,” but as Adrianne explains, that’s far from the truth. “Maintaining healthy skin is all about finding that perfect balance between oil and water content.”

Skipping moisturizer can lead to dehydration, causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate. Instead, look for products that help control oil production without drying your skin. Serums, oil-absorbing masks, and balanced moisturizers are your best friends here.

Choosing the right products for your oily skin care routine

When it comes to the best skin care for oily skin, choosing the right products is your first step to a glowing, more confident you. Massage Envy’s got your back (and face) with these top oily skin care recommendations, curated by estheticians at Massage Envy franchised locations, to keep your shine in check.

Powerful ingredients for shine-free skin

  • Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores, kicking out excess oil and dead skin cells to help keep breakouts at bay[3].

  • Bentonite and Kaolin Clays: These clays soak up excess oil and purify pores to smooth your skin[4].

  • Charcoal: A detox powerhouse, charcoal removes toxins and deep-cleans the skin[5].

  • Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that shrinks pores, calms inflammation, and tames oil production[6].

  • Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and boosts cell turnover, reducing pore size[7].

  • Humectants: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate without heaviness, drawing moisture into your skin[8].

  • Beta-Glucan: The new hydration hero, potentially even more effective than hyaluronic acid for keeping skin plump and moisturized[9].

  • Vitamin C: This antioxidant powerhouse helps control excess oil, brightens your complexion, and evens skin tone while protecting against environmental damage[10].

  • Retinol: A form of Vitamin A, retinol promotes cell turnover, reduces the appearance of pores, and helps clear acne while addressing signs of aging[11].

Recommended products for your oily skin routine

According to Adrianne, your at-home skin care routine should focus on six essential goals: Cleanse, Tone, Treat, Hydrate, Protect, and Mask. Each step plays a key role in maintaining balance, preventing breakouts, and achieving a radiant complexion.

Cleanse

A quality cleanser like Jan Marini Skin Research® Bioglycolic Face Cleanser or PCA SKIN® Facial Wash for Oily-Problem Skin removes excess oil, dirt, and impurities. An oily skin cleansing routine sets the foundation for the rest of your day, ensuring you start with a fresh, clean slate.

Tone

Use a toner to help balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores. Toning helps remove leftover impurities and preps your skin for better absorption of serums and treatments. PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner is a pumpkin wine–based formula that also offers gentle exfoliation.

Treat

Treatment products offer a targeted way to address specific concerns such as acne or oily skin. Jan Marini Skin Research Multi-Acid Clear Corrective Peel Pads provide an at-home peel that brightens skin and reduces the appearance of texture, pore size, and wrinkles. PCA SKIN Acne Gel helps reduce excess oil production and promotes a clear complexion.

Hydrate

Hydration is key. Stick to a lightweight moisturizer like PCA SKIN HydraMatte Moisturizer or Jan Marini Skin Research Transformation Face Serum to maintain hydration without adding excess moisture. For an extra boost, PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Cream provides deep, long-lasting hydration both on the surface and deeper into the skin. Jan Marini Skin Research Hyla3D Serum features a patented combination of advanced technologies that enhance hyaluronic acid 5 different ways, and it also helps revitalize and restore skin’s hydration and youthful volume.

Protect

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF like Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 or PCA SKIN Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen can help protect against premature aging and keep your skin looking youthful.

Mask

Incorporate masks with ingredients like clay, charcoal, or enzymes to help draw out impurities, reduce excess oil, and leave your complexion feeling refreshed and clean. PCA SKIN Pore Refining Treatment exfoliates and purifies the skin while absorbing excess oil to minimize the appearance of pores. Jan Marini Skin Research Marini Skin Zyme® Face Mask is formulated with proteolytic enzymes that gently resurface to reveal healthy, smooth, polished skin.

A daily skin care routine for oily skin

Morning Routine

  1. 1. Cleanse: Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil buildup.
  2. 2. Tone: To balance your skin and tighten pores, use a toner with exfoliating or astringent properties (look for salicylic acid, witch hazel, etc.).
  3. 3. Serum: Apply a serum with ingredients that target your specific skin care concerns, such as Vitamin C to keep your skin clear and bright.
  4. 4. Eye cream: If you need it, an eye cream may help address any puffiness or dark circles.
  5. 5. Moisturize: Keep it light and non-comedogenic to provide essential hydration to your oily skin care routine without clogging pores.
  6. 6. Protect: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays – even on cloudy or hazy days.

Evening Routine

  1. 1. Cleanse: Start your nighttime oily skin cleansing routine with a glycolic cleanser to remove the day’s makeup, oil, and impurities.
  2. 2. Exfoliate or Mask: Use an exfoliant or mask two to three times a week to detoxify and restore balance to your skin.
  3. 3. Serum: Apply a treatment serum like retinol to promote cell turnover and clear pores overnight.
  4. 4. Eye Cream: Use an eye cream to address any overnight repair needs for the delicate eye area.
  5. 5. Moisturize: Apply a hydrating gel moisturizer to keep your skin balanced overnight.

Tailored treatments for your oily skin

Even the best oily skin care routines could use a helping hand, like the skin care services offered at participating Massage Envy franchised locations. The Microderm Infusion service is a fan favorite because it’s like a triple threat for your pores, offering exfoliation, gentle extraction, and infusion of a targeted serum. Your skin will feel cleaner, clearer, and oh-so-smooth.

A great place to start is with a Customized Facial. One of the skin-savvy estheticians at a participating Massage Envy franchised location will analyze your skin and use a mix of professional products that balance oil, deeply cleanse, and exfoliate, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized.

Embrace your natural glow

Maintaining a consistent skin care routine for oily skin is the secret to achieving that perfectly balanced, radiant complexion. With the right products and professional treatments, you can keep oiliness in check and let your natural beauty shine (in a good way).

Ready to dial down your shine? Book a facial or skin care service at your local Massage Envy franchised location and let a skilled skin care specialist help you achieve clearer, more radiant skin.