How to Stop an Oily Face

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Dealing with oily skin and acne can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. There’s no need to worry, though—we’ve got your back. From cleansers and makeup to lifestyle changes and prescription medications, there are plenty of different ways to address your oily skin once and for all. Here are 24 effective tips to help you get started.

1

Use a gentle cleanser.

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  1. Using harsh cleansers on your face can actually cause your face to produce more oil to compensate for all of the natural oils that were removed. [1]
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2

Cleanse your face gently and carefully.

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  1. This can irritate your skin; plus, scrubbing causes your face to produce more oil to compensate for all of the natural oils that were removed. If you do use a washcloth to wash your face, apply gentle pressure. [3]
3

Wash your face in the morning and at night.

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  1. Wash your face after you wake up and before you go to bed. [4]
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4

Cleanse your face with warm water.

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  1. This actually causes your skin to produce more oil to compensate. [5]
5

Apply toner to the oily parts of your skin.

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  1. Target oily areas of your skin and leave the normal or dry parts alone. [6]
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6

Use astringent pads on the go.

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  1. Keep some in your purse or at your office if you tend to get oily skin later in the day. [7]
7

Save clay masks for special occasions.

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  1. Instead, use clay mask treatments only for special events when you need your skin to be oil-free for a long time. [8]
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8

Watch out for moisturizers with oily ingredients.

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  1. These types of ingredients will add excess oil to your skin and make oily skin worse. Read the ingredients listed on the moisturizer packaging before you buy. [9]
9

Choose a moisturizer that contains dimethicone.

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  1. On the other hand, petroleum-containing moisturizers may make your skin oilier. Look for moisturizers labeled oil-free and that contain dimethicone rather than petroleum. [10]
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10

Look for non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic moisturizers.

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  1. No matter what moisturizer you choose, make sure that the packaging says that it is non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. [11]
11

Use moisturizer sparingly.

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  1. Just apply a thin layer of moisturizer at first and then decide if you need more. Only dispense a chickpea size amount onto your fingertips and only add more if your face still seems dry after applying it. [12]
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12

Experiment with different moisturizers.

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  1. Remember—just because a particular moisturizer works well for someone else with oily skin does not mean that it will work the same for you. [13]
    • If a friend recommends a product or you read rave reviews about a moisturizer, try to get a sample before you buy it. Makeup counters in department stores often provide samples of their products if you ask nicely.
13

Use a matte primer.

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  1. Apply some after you have cleansed and moisturized your skin but before you apply foundation. [14]
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14

Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup products.

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  1. The next time you go makeup shopping, look for foundation, powder, blush, and bronzer that are labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic. [15]
15

Use a mineral-based powder.

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  1. Apply a light layer of mineral-based powder to your face using a large powder brush. If you can, keep powder on hand at all times for touch-ups throughout the day. [16]
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16

Apply all makeup sparingly.

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  1. Plus, thin layers help prevent excess oil production throughout the day. Use just a small amount of each product that you use to reduce the amount of makeup on your face. [17]
17

Stock up on foods that aren’t oil-producing.

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  1. Dairy and enriched flour products also contribute to oily skin. Avoid these foods or at least limit your consumption of them to help stop an oily face. [18]
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18

Eat oil-controlling foods.

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  1. This includes foods that are high in fiber, such as legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. [19] Leafy greens and citrus fruits are especially effective against oily skin. Prepare vegetables without adding excess oil by steaming or boiling them. [20]
19

Drink plenty of water.

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  1. Getting enough water each day is essential to keeping oily skin under control. [21]
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20

Control your daily stress levels.

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  1. To control stress and the excess oils that it causes, incorporate some relaxation techniques into your daily routine such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. [22]
21

Ask a dermatologist about topical retinoid treatments.

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  1. Topical retinoid creams can reduce oil and fight acne as well. This treatment is only effective in about 20-30% of patients.
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22

Discuss hormonal treatments with your dermatologist.

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  1. In some cases, taking an oral contraceptive pill can stop excess oil production and help clear up acne.
23

Talk to a dermatologist about chemical peels.

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  1. The results of these treatments are only temporary, but a dermatologist can combine peels with other treatments to maximize your results.
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24

Inquire about Accutane/Roaccutane treatments.

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  1. It’s derived from vitamin A. Patients usually take Accutane daily for 15-20 weeks. [23] Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant cannot use Accutane because it may cause birth defects. [24]

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    While cleansing my face, is it possible to use cold water?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Warm water is suggested because it opens up the pores, making moisturizing more effective, but there's nothing wrong with using cold water, it can be very refreshing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 48
  • Question
    My face is very oily and I have red acne. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    There are moisturizers that have a matte finish that can prevent you from becoming oily. Invest in a skincare product that is meant for oily skin, and use oil sheets during the day.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 37
  • Question
    My skin is oily, and I have a lot of pimples. How should I care for my facial skin?
    Community Answer
    Wash your face twice a day: once int the morning and once at night. This will reduce bacteria which feed on the oil produced by skin at night and cause acne and clogged pores. Use a toner and noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic moisturizer after washing. You can also apply a clay mask.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
      2. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
      3. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      9. ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcjir/oily-skin-myths-solved
      1. ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/skin-care/2013-01/how-to-moisturize-oily-skin-types
      2. ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/skin-care/2013-01/how-to-moisturize-oily-skin-types
      3. ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/skin-care/2013-01/how-to-moisturize-oily-skin-types
      4. ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcjir/oily-skin-myths-solved
      5. ↑ http://beautyhigh.com/oily-skin-tips/
      6. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/oily-skin-how-to-make-makeup-last
      7. ↑ http://beautyhigh.com/oily-skin-tips/
      8. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/oily-skin-how-to-make-makeup-last
      9. ↑ http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/skin-care/9212-foods-for-oily-skin-what-to-eat-and-avoid.html
      10. ↑ http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/skin-care/9212-foods-for-oily-skin-what-to-eat-and-avoid.html
      11. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-29960/Eat-way-healthy-skin.html
      12. ↑ http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/skin-care/9212-foods-for-oily-skin-what-to-eat-and-avoid.html
      13. ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109194053.htm
      14. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6661/accutane-oral/details#uses
      15. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6661/accutane-oral/details#precautions
      16. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
      17. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/oily-skin
      18. ↑ http://beautyhigh.com/oily-skin-tips/
      19. Videos provided by Diana Saldana

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stop an oily face, wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, which will keep your face clean without causing excess oil. After you wash your face, apply an oil-free moisturizer that contains dimethicone, which will give your face a matte finish. Also, apply a clay mask before special occasions, which will help dry out your skin and remove most of the oils on your face. You can also eat more leafy greens and citrus fruits, which can help prevent oily skin. For more tips, like how you should do your makeup to avoid an oily face, keep reading!

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        Oct 4, 2016

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