Oily Skin: What Actually Works for Shine and Breakouts?

Notice your skin feeling greasy by noon? You're not alone. Oily skin is super common and can be tough to handle, especially when you start seeing bigger pores and breakouts that seem to pop up out of nowhere. The good news? You don’t have to settle for that constant slick shine or never-ending acne flare-ups. With the right approach, you can stop chasing matte skin and actually get results.

The first step is figuring out what your skin is telling you. Washing your face a bunch of times a day with harsh soaps often makes things worse—it kicks your oil glands into high gear. Instead, use a gentle, foaming face wash in the morning and evening. If you’re tempted by anything labeled “for all skin types,” hold back. Oily skin does best with lightweight, oil-free cleansers and moisturizers. Gel-based moisturizers and serums absorb fast and don’t add extra grease. Skip heavy creams—they just sit there and feel sticky.

Acne is a common sidekick for oily skin. Products with adapalene, a mild retinoid, make a big difference because they stop pores from clogging up in the first place. If you’re thinking about adapalene, know it’s now available without a prescription in many places, so you don’t need to wait for a dermatologist appointment to get started. Most folks see less redness and fewer pimples after a few weeks, but results keep getting better over time.

If you’ve tried everything on the shelf and still look shiny by lunch, consider adding an emulgel. This modern mix of a cream and gel soaks in faster and leaves no residue. For people who need medication on the skin, emulgels make sure the treatment gets through the oil barrier your skin makes. It’s practical stuff for acne spots, prescription creams, or even things like anti-fungal gels.

Ready for a skincare switch-up? Look for labels saying "non-comedogenic"—that’s code for “won’t clog pores.” If you wear makeup, pick powders or oil-free foundations. Always take it off before bed (no exceptions). For quick fixes during the day, carry blotting papers or a micellar water spray to mop up oil without wrecking your look or over-drying.

Getting oily skin under control also means checking behind the scenes: hormones, stress, and even the weather can crank up your skin’s oil production. If you notice big changes in oiliness (say, starting a new medication or a change in diet), give your routine a tweak and see what helps. Sometimes, even prescription treatments or a quick telehealth consult can make all the difference.

Don’t stress—oily skin isn’t something you have to just “live with.” With the right tools (and a little patience), you can find that just-right glow without the greasy feel. Check out real user stories and expert tips here at BMPHARMACY.COM to make sense of all the options.

How do I get rid of acne and marks for oily skin?

Acne and oily skin can be a frustrating combination to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the appearance of acne and marks. Start by cleansing your skin twice a day with an oil-free cleanser, followed by a moisturizer specifically formulated for oily skin. Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne and marks. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or an exfoliating brush to get the job done. Additionally, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Finally, consider seeing a dermatologist for more intensive treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. With dedication and the right approach, you can get rid of acne and marks for oily skin.

Written by

Paul Davies, Mar, 13 2023