Skincare Routine for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin: Morning and Night

Quick answer: The best routine for oily, acne-prone skin is simple: cleanse twice a day with a gentle face wash, moisturise with a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturiser, and use a gel-based SPF 50 sunscreen every morning. Do not skip moisturiser, avoid harsh scrubs, introduce one new active at a time, and give any routine six to eight weeks before judging results.

Oily skin is one of the most common concerns I see, especially in our humid summers. The instinct is to strip the oil away with strong cleansers and skip moisturiser altogether. In my experience, that almost always backfires: dehydrated skin often produces even more oil, and irritated skin breaks out more.

Why does my skin get so oily?

Oil, or sebum, is produced by the glands in your skin and is influenced by genetics, hormones, climate and stress. Heat and humidity increase it. Oil itself is not bad. It only becomes a problem when it mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores, which can lead to blackheads and breakouts.

Morning routine for oily skin

1. Cleanse: a gentle, foaming face wash removes overnight oil without leaving skin tight. Our Facewash for Brighter & Clear Skin is made for daily use.
2. Moisturise: a lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturiser such as our Hyaluronic Moisturizer with Vitamin B5. Hyaluronic acid hydrates without heaviness.
3. Protect: a gel-textured SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen that does not feel oily. Our Sweat Resistant Sunscreen works well for oily skin.

Night routine for oily, acne-prone skin

1. Cleanse: wash away sunscreen, sweat and pollution.
2. Treat (optional): if you use a targeted serum, apply it now. Start every new active slowly, two or three nights a week.
3. Moisturise: a thin layer of lightweight moisturiser.

Habits that make oily skin worse

• Washing your face more than two or three times a day.
• Skipping moisturiser.
• Using rough scrubs or very hot water.
• Picking or squeezing spots, which can leave dark marks.
• Sleeping in makeup or sunscreen.
• Changing products too often before they have time to work.

Ingredients that suit oily skin

• Hyaluronic acid: hydration without oil.
• Niacinamide: helps balance the look of oil and supports the skin barrier.
• Salicylic acid: helps clear pores, used in moderation.
• Vitamin B5 (panthenol): soothing and hydrating.

How long until I see results?

Skin renews itself roughly every four to six weeks, so give a new routine six to eight weeks of consistent use. If you have painful, deep or widespread acne, or acne that leaves scars, please see a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

Should oily skin use moisturiser?
Yes. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser keeps skin balanced and can reduce excess oil over time.

Does sunscreen cause breakouts?
Heavy formulas can. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic gel sunscreen and cleanse well at night.

Is there a ready-made routine for oily skin?
Our 3 Step Glow-Shield Kit brings together a face wash, moisturiser and SPF 50+ sunscreen in one routine.

Every oily skin is different. Book a free consultation and a Bellesta expert will help you build the right routine.