How to Care for Oily Skin

Cleansing oily skin can be tricky; while you may have the urge to wash your face frequently, cleansing it only in the morning and at night maintains a good balance. Do not use harsh soap or a washcloth because both can overstimulate oily skin. Use warm water for the same reason instead of hot. If you need some added assurance when on the go or your skin gets shiny during the day and you don't wear makeup, facial cleansing pads work well.

A proper all-around skin care regimen uses toners that target specific skin types. For oily skin, a toner with "acids" is suitable. These include salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid and glycolic acid. If you have patches on your skin that are not oily, do not apply toner there because it will dry out the skin too much.

Even oily skin benefits from moisturizers, though this sounds redundant. Choosing the right type for oily skin care is very important, more so than for other skin types. Look for products labeled noncomedogenic; this applies to sunscreens as well. Yes, even oily skin needs protection from the sun.

Exfoliation benefits all skin types. If you have oily skin with acne, exfoliate no more than once a week. Even without acne, exfoliate no more than twice a week. Exfoliate after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing.

If you have oily skin with enlarged pores, use a mask treatment once a week. Cleanse your face first, but apply the mask before toning your skin. If you feel your skin is somewhat dry after using a facial mask, skip the toner.

When buying skin-care products for oily skin, try to obtain samples first and test products for a while. Since everyone reacts differently to skin products, what works for others may not work for you. The most important part is to find a balance and not to dry out your skin too much.