Oily skin care regimen

Morning regime

Step 1: Face wash

Choose a gentle, oil-removing face wash that leaves your skin feeling normal to slightly dry, not tight or overly stripped. Avoid excessive washing (more than three times daily). For persistent midday oiliness, consider incorporating salicylic acid or retinol-based gels into your night routine. Ensure thorough cleansing. The goal is to remove excess sebum without disrupting the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Over-stripping can paradoxically lead to increased oil production.

Brand recommendations: Best face wash for oily skin

Step 2: Rose water

Instead of traditional toners, which can be harsh, opt for a pure rose water spray. Its hydrating and soothing properties are beneficial. Rose water provides gentle hydration without the potential irritation of some astringent toners

Brand recommendations: Best pure organic Rosewater in India.

Step 3: Vitamin C serum

Introduce a Vitamin C serum around the age of 20. Look for formulations that also contain salicylic acid for oil control and pore appearance, if desired. Vitamin C offers antioxidant protection, aids in collagen production, and can help with mild hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid can provide additional benefits for oily, acne-prone skin.

Brand recommendations: Best Vitamin C serum

Step 4: Sunscreen

Select a lightweight, water-based, non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Apply generously 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2-3 hours if outdoors. Consider powder touch-ups for a matte finish. Avoid thick, silicone-based sunscreens. Gel, lotion, or fluid formulations are generally best. Zinc-based sunscreens can offer added benefits for acne-prone skin.

SPF 30 provides adequate protection for daily use without the often heavier formulations of higher SPFs. Water as a primary ingredient and avoiding occlusive silicones are key for oily skin.

Brand recommendations: Best dermatologist-recommended Sunscreen

Step 5: Make-up (optional)

Choose liquid or thin formulations of foundation or BB cream, ideally containing salicylic acid. Avoid heavy layering and limit daily use to essential occasions. Always remove makeup before sleeping, preferably with micellar water. A powder foundation can help absorb excess oil. Opting for lighter formulations and ingredients like salicylic acid can help minimize pore congestion.

Noon Regime

Most of you would feel that your looks greasy and dark by mid-day. In this case, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Wash your face.

If you can’t wash your face at the workplace, then wipe your face with cotton dipped in micellar water. It removes excess oils and gives an instant matt look.

Brand Recommendation: Dermatologist Recommended Micellar water

Step 2: Rose water

Spray chemical-free pure rose water on your skin and massage your skin.

Step 3: Sunscreen

Put on sunscreen only if you plan to go out in the next 30 minutes.

Night regime

You should do your night regime immediately after returning home from work or after finishing the kitchen work to remove oil, dust, pollutants, and dead skin cells from your skin.

Step 1: Double cleanse

Use micellar water to remove makeup, followed by your regular gentle face wash.

Step 2: Rose water

Step 3: Night Treatment

Apply a night moisturiser in a gel, lotion, or serum base, containing active ingredients targeted to your primary skin concern.

Blackheads/Open Pores: Use salicylic acid or retinol serums at night.
Acne: Apply benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or niacinamide formulations.
Pigmentation: Incorporate azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C serums.
Aging: Retinoids or peptides can help control sebum and prevent fine lines.

It is essential to address skin concerns in the following sequence: Sensitive skin, acne, pigmentation, and ageing skin.

Weekly regime

Exfoliate:

Gently scrub your face for no more than 2-3 minutes. Avoid scrubbing if you have significant blackheads, whiteheads, or inflammatory acne. Physical exfoliation should be gentle to avoid irritation and potential worsening of acne.

Face Mask:

Apply a clay-based mask to absorb excess oil and buildup after exfoliation. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer if needed.