25 Soothing Skincare Tips to Control Oil in 2025

Oily skin can be a blessing in disguise. Sure, the shine might be annoying, and breakouts can feel like an everyday struggle—but here’s the upside: oily skin tends to age more slowly! That said, excess oil still needs balancing. If you constantly find yourself blotting your forehead or dodging photos because of that midday gleam, you’re not alone. Many of us with oily or combination skin types face the same issues.The trick isn’t to wage war against your sebaceous glands. Instead, it’s about working with your skin to calm, balance, and support it. In this guide, you’ll find 25 gentle yet powerful skincare tips that aim to reduce oil without drying you out. These tips are soothing, sustainable, and perfect for anyone trying to achieve a glow that says “healthy,” not “greasy.” Let’s get into it!

1. Start with a Gentle Gel-Based Cleanser

• Choose a pH-balanced gel cleanser
• Avoid harsh soaps or overly foamy cleansers
• Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil

2. Don’t Over-Cleanse Your Face

• Stick to washing twice daily
• Overwashing can trigger more oil production
• Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking your skin

3. Incorporate a Balancing Toner

• Go for alcohol-free formulas
• Witch hazel and rose water are great gentle options
• Helps refine pores and calm redness

4. Exfoliate with Care—Once or Twice a Week

• Use BHA (salicylic acid) or lactic acid for oily skin
• Avoid gritty scrubs that can irritate
• Prevents clogged pores and breakouts

5. Try a Clay Mask Weekly

• Bentonite or kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil
• Reduces pore size and detoxifies skin
• Apply once a week after cleansing

6. Hydrate with an Oil-Free Moisturizer

• Choose gel-based or water-based products
• Ingredients like hyaluronic acid provide hydration without oil
• Keeps skin balanced without clogging pores

7. Use Blotting Papers During the Day

• Instant fix for midday shine
• Doesn’t remove makeup or irritate skin
• Carry them in your purse for convenience

8. Switch to Non-Comedogenic Products

• Avoid pore-clogging ingredients
• Non-comedogenic makeup and skincare are essential
• Look for labels that say “oil-free”

9. Limit Heavy Makeup

• Go for lightweight foundations or BB creams
• Heavy layers can trap oil and bacteria
• Tinted moisturizers offer a breathable alternative

10. Apply a Mattifying Primer

• Helps makeup stay in place longer
• Controls shine throughout the day
• Apply sparingly to oily zones like the T-zone

11. Add Niacinamide to Your Routine

• Regulates sebum production
• Calms inflammation and redness
• Use a serum or moisturizer containing 5% niacinamide

12. Avoid Touching Your Face

• Transfers oil and bacteria from hands
• Can lead to more breakouts
• Be mindful when resting your face on your hands

13. Drink More Water

• Hydration regulates oil production internally
• Aim for at least 8 glasses a day
• Add lemon or mint for flavor

14. Stick to a Skincare Routine

• Consistency helps balance oil over time
• Basic routine: cleanse, tone, moisturize, protect
• Don’t jump from one product to another too quickly

15. Use Oil-Free Sunscreen

• SPF is crucial, even for oily skin
• Look for mattifying or gel-based sunscreens
• Avoid greasy or thick formulations

16. Avoid Coconut Oil and Heavy Emollients

• Can clog pores and worsen breakouts
• Opt for lighter oils like squalane or jojoba
• Always patch-test new oils

 

17. Double Cleanse—Only If Wearing SPF or Makeup

• Start with an oil cleanser, follow with a gel cleanser
• Removes buildup without stripping the skin
• Only needed at night

18. Eat a Balanced, Low-Glycemic Diet

• Reduce sugar and processed foods
• Focus on leafy greens, whole grains, and lean protein
• Avoid dairy if it seems to trigger breakouts

19. Apply a Cooling Aloe Vera Gel

• Naturally soothes and hydrates oily skin
• Great post-cleansing treatment
• Store in the fridge for an extra refreshing touch

20. Don’t Skip Moisturizer After Cleansing

• Skipping it can trigger more oil
• Choose non-greasy, lightweight formulas
• Keeps skin calm and protected

21. Limit Use of Harsh Acne Treatments

• Spot treat instead of full-face
• Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur can be drying
• Balance with hydrating products

22. Use Witch Hazel Sparingly

• Natural astringent, but can be drying
• Best used in diluted formulas or toners
• Don’t layer it with alcohol-based products

23. Choose Water-Based Serums

• Absorb quickly, no sticky residue
• Layer under moisturizer or SPF
• Great choices include hyaluronic acid or green tea

24. Sleep on a Clean Pillowcase

• Dirt and oil build up quickly
• Change every 2–3 days if you have oily skin
• Consider silk or bamboo pillowcases

25. Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil

• Natural antimicrobial properties
• Dilute with a carrier oil to avoid irritation
• Use on blemishes before bed

Conclusion

Oily skin isn’t the enemy. In fact, it just needs some extra TLC to stay happy and healthy. These 25 tips aren’t about stripping your skin dry—they’re about soothing, balancing, and protecting it. Whether you’re adopting one or five tips today, know that small, consistent steps can lead to big transformations over time.So next time your skin feels a little too shiny, remember this: with the right care, your glow can be your greatest strength. Happy skincare!