Oily skin is a result of excess sebum secretion, it leads to clogged pores, which means acne or breakouts. Now it's important to have a skincare routine for your skin type so that you don't constantly feel like you have to keep washing your face (you shouldn't wash more than twice a day as it can dry out your skin leading to overproduction of sebum and even oilier skin).
Dealing with oily skin can be tricky, you're trying to keep the excess oil at bay without drying your skin out. While setting a skincare routine for yourself, you should look into adding the following actives to regulate oil production and also target specific problems one at a time:
1. Salicylic Acid: It is a chemical exfoliant (BHA) that helps deeply cleanse pores, remove dead cells, and remove excess oil. It's a commonly used active for oily acne-prone skin, especially in face wash.
2. Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an antioxidant that helps with inflammation, stabilises oil production and also helps retain moisture. It basically tackles quite a lot on its own.
3. Retinol: A form of Vitamin A, retinol can do wonders for your skin, most people start adding this to their routine in their mid-twenties. It helps not only clearing acne and keeping pores clean but also has anti-ageing benefits (increases collagen). Make sure to use sunscreen while using retinol as skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays.
The first step to any good skincare routine starts with a good cleansing routine. In the morning, I suggest you use a gentle yet effective cleanser, and for the night, go for a double cleansing system (the first one breaks down your makeup, dirt, and pollution, and the second one is more targeted to your concern) to deeply cleanse after a long day. Here's a list to make your search a littler easier:
