Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: Complete Daily Guide

Managing oily skin can feel like an impossible battle. Your skin produces excess oil due to overactive sebaceous glands, resulting in clogged pores, breakouts, and that unwanted midday shine.

A consistent morning and evening skincare routine for oily skin with the right products can control oil production and prevent acne. 

The first step is to understand what your skin needs and use products that work in harmony with your natural oil production, rather than fighting against it.

You don't need expensive treatments or a complicated 10 step-by-step skin care routine for oily skin to see real results. With the right cleanser, moisturizer, and a few targeted products, you can transform your oily skin from a daily struggle into your biggest confidence booster.

Oily Skin 101 - What You Should Know Before Starting

Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands make too much sebum. This natural oil protects your skin, but excess amounts can cause problems.

Your skin might look shiny by midday. Pores often appear larger and more visible, and you may regularly experience blackheads, whiteheads, or acne breakouts.

Understanding your skin type is the first step to better care. 

Key Signs of Oily Skin:

• Shiny forehead, nose, and chin.

• Enlarged pores

• Frequent breakouts

• Makeup slides off easily

• Greasy skin a few hours after washing

What Should Be In Your Morning Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin?

Each step in your morning routine works together to control oil production and keep your skin healthy and protected.

Step 1 - Gentle Cleanse

Morning cleansing removes the oil and impurities your skin produced overnight. Your face naturally creates sebum while you sleep, which can clog pores.

Start with clean hands before touching your face. Wet your face with lukewarm water to open up the pores gently.

Apply your face wash cleansing gel using small, circular motions. Focus on your T-zone, where oil production is typically highest.

How To Do It: 30-Second Massage, Lukewarm Water.

Use your fingertips to massage the cleanser for exactly 30 seconds. Work in upward circular motions from your chin to your forehead. Pay extra attention to areas around your nose and hairline where oil tends to accumulate.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Hot water strips your skin and triggers more oil production. Cold water doesn't remove oil effectively.

Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Never rub or scrub your skin dry, as this can increase oil production and cause irritation.

What Products to Use: Mud Soap, Oil-Free Gel, or Foam Cleanser

Seacret Mud soap made from Dead Sea minerals works well if you use it 2 to 3 times per week as a deeper cleanse. Use it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the best results.

“The physicochemical and biological effects of DS mud are driven by its rich mineral ion composition, including magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and strontium - elements known to improve skin barrier function, enhance hydration, and reduce inflammation." ~ Ma’or et al. (2024)

You can also go with gel or foam cleansers labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." These formulas clean deeply without leaving residue that can clog pores.

Look for products that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in low concentrations in your skincare products. These help control oil without being too harsh for daily use.

What Are The Benefits? 

Proper morning cleansing removes excess oil while keeping your skin's natural barrier intact. This balance prevents both breakouts and dryness.

Dead Sea minerals in mud-based cleansers naturally absorb oil from deep within pores. These minerals also provide trace elements that support healthy skin function.

“Cosmeceutical DS mud-based preparations are reported to improve customers' quality of life, and as a complementary treatment for a wide range of symptoms, including mild to moderate severity levels of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and acne-prone skin” ~ Ma’or et al. (2024)

Regular gentle cleansing trains your skin to produce less oil over time. Your skin adjusts to having a clean, balanced environment.

Clean skin helps serums and moisturizers to penetrate properly. This means your other products work more effectively throughout the day.

Step 2 - Hydrating Toner Or Mist (Optional)

Toners help balance your skin's pH after cleansing and prepare it for serums. Look for alcohol-free formulas that won't dry out your skin. Hydrating toners like the Refreshing & Balancing Skin Toner from Seacret help pull moisture into your skin without adding oil.

Apply toner with a cotton pad or spray it directly onto your face. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before moving to the next step. Skip toner if your skin feels tight or irritated. Some people with very oily skin don't need this extra step.

Step 3 - Oil-Regulating Serum

Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to control oil production. Apply them to clean skin for maximum absorption.

One of the best skincare tips for oily skin is to use the Bio Skin Hydration Nourishing Serum to reduce oil production and minimize pore appearance. Start with 5% nicamide concentration and increase gradually if needed.

Salicylic acid serums help unclog pores and prevent blackheads. Use 0.5% to 2% concentration depending on your skin's tolerance.

Apply 2 to 3 drops to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. Pat the serum gently to help it absorb completely before applying moisturizer.

Step 4 - Moisturiser

Skipping moisturizer from your skincare routine actually makes your skin produce more oil to compensate.

Choose gel-based or water-based moisturizers like our Bio Skin Hydration Moisturizing Cream that absorb quickly. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won't clog your pores. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides work best for oily skin.

Apply moisturizer on slightly damp skin from the toner. This helps lock in extra hydration.

Step 5 - Sunscreen

UV damage can worsen oily skin and cause premature aging. Choose broad-spectrum SPF 50. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide work well for oily, sensitive skin.

Chemical sunscreens absorb more easily but may irritate sensitive skin. Try both types to see which works better for you. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.

What To Include In Your Evening Skincare Routine?

A nighttime skin care routine for oily skin works harder because your skin regenerates faster during sleep.

Step 1 - Cleansing (Single Or Double)

Start with an oil cleanser if you wore makeup or sunscreen during the day. Massage it gently for 30 seconds to break down products.

Follow with your regular face wash. Use a gel or foam cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for oily skin.

Single cleansing works when you:

• Didn't wear makeup

• Used minimal products during the day

• Have sensitive skin that gets irritated easily

Double cleansing is best when you:

• Wore makeup or heavy sunscreen

• Live in a polluted area

• Used multiple skincare products

Step 2 - Night Treatments 

Apply treatments on clean, slightly damp skin for better absorption. Use different active ingredients on different nights to avoid irritation.

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Use retinol or retinoid products like night cream from Seacret’s Day & Night Moisturizing Set.
  
  

• Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: Apply BHA (salicylic acid) or AHA treatment.
  
  

• Sunday: Give your skin a break or use a gentle niacinamide serum.
  
  

Wait 10 to 15 minutes between applying treatments and moisturizer. This lets the active ingredients work properly.

Step 3 - Moisturizer

Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores. Look for hyaluronic acid or ceramides among the key ingredients.

Apply moisturizer even if your skin feels oily. Skipping this step makes your skin produce more oil to compensate.

Best ingredients for oily skin at night:

• Niacinamide controls oil production and is one of the key ingredients in our Bio Skin Hydration Night Cream.
  
  

• Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without heaviness, has been used to create the Seacret Bio Skin Glow Advanced Radiance Cream.
  
  

• Ceramides (repair skin barrier)

Use gentle upward motions to apply. Don't forget your neck area.

Skincare Tweaks By Age

Your oily skin needs to change as you get older. What worked in your teens won't be the best choice in your 30s or 40s.

• Teens and Early 20s must focus on gentle cleansing twice daily. Use a light moisturizer even though your skin feels oily. Add a BHA product 2 to 3 times per week to manage breakouts.
  
  

• Mid to Late 20s individuals must start using sunscreen daily if they haven't already. Consider adding a retinol product once or twice per week. Your oil production may start to balance out slightly.
  
  

• In your 30s, your skin begins producing less oil naturally. Switch to a slightly richer moisturizer. Increase retinol use to 3 to 4 times per week for anti-aging benefits.
  
  

• 40s and Beyond Oil production drops more significantly. You might need a cream-based moisturizer instead of a gel. Add a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid.

Key Changes to Watch For:

The Bottom Line

Building a step-by-step skin care routine for oily skin takes time and patience. You won't see results overnight.

Consistency is key. Stick to your routine for at least 6 to 8 weeks before making changes. Your skin needs some time to adjust to new products.

Good skin takes time to develop. Focus on gentle, steady care instead of quick fixes that might damage your skin barrier. Track what works for you in a simple journal or phone notes. This helps you remember which products help your skin look and feel its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can diet or lifestyle changes help with oily skin?

Yes, they can. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and antioxidants can support overall skin health and help balance oil levels from within.

2. How can I stop my makeup from sliding off oily skin?

Start with a mattifying primer designed for oily skin, then use oil-free, non-comedogenic foundations. Setting powders and sprays can lock everything in place. Blotting papers are great for touch-ups during the day as they absorb shine without disturbing makeup.

3. Should I exfoliate if I have oily skin?

Yes, but gently and in moderation. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin and trigger more oil production. Aim for 1 to 2 times per week with chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than harsh scrubs, which can irritate the skin.

4. Can oily skin still get dehydrated?

Absolutely. Oily skin produces excess sebum, but that doesn’t always mean it has enough water content. Dehydrated oily skin often looks greasy yet feels tight. Using lightweight hydrating products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin ensures your skin stays balanced without feeling heavy.