Generally, men have to worry less about their skin than we do and frankly, that makes green with jealousy. However, one thing I certainly do not envy is the fact that men usually have more oily skin than women (I guess mother nature can be fair).
That translates to very tough severe acne breakouts, especially during puberty and greasiness which is not always fun. While adulthood may bring some reprieve in terms of acne, oily skin will follow men with this skin type. The good news is I am here to keep you with all the best tips to manage oily skin.
Skincare For Oily Skin Men
Our skin types are usually determined by genetics (although this can change under certain circumstances.). In the case of oily skin, sebaceous glands tend to overwork themselves resulting in a constant overproduction of sebum, clogged pores and acne breakouts. Given that men have more sebaceous glands than women, a man with oily skin will have even more oily skin than the average individual.
Dealing with oily skin is simpler than most people think. All it takes is the right skincare ingredients and most importantly a consistent skincare routine to help regulate oil production in the skin. The best part is a guy, a simple 3-step skincare routine made up of a salicylic acid-based cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a non-greasy sunscreen. Simple, straight forward and efficient.
Best Skincare For Routine For Men With Oily Skin
The key when dealing with oily skin is using products made with ingredients that help your skin regulate the amount of sebum your skin produces. Some of the most common options are salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, etc. These ingredients can be found in all sorts of skincare products but here is what a simple and efficient routine will look like;
Step 1: A Gentle Cleanser
The first step is to find a gentle cleanser to help wash off the excess oil on your skin without completely stripping all the oil. The goal is not to eliminate all the sebum your skin secretes because this oil is necessary for optimal skin health. A gentle cleanser is without harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, and is preferably oil-free, free of harsh alcohols.
My bonus tip is to use a gentle cleanser that contains a low dosage (below 0.5%) of salicylic acid, an exfoliant that works particularly well to unclog the pores in the skin.
Step 2: A Balancing Toner (Optional)
While toners are not a must, they help add moisture and nourishment to the skin. If you wish to use a toner, pick one that contains ingredients like niacinamide, witch hazel, zinc etc. These ingredients help balance sebum production restoring it to normal levels.
Step 3: An Oil-Free Moisturizer
Just like other skin types, oily skin needs to be nourished and hydrated by using a moisturizer. The key is picking a non-greasy preferably oil-free moisturizer, that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or glycerin and non-clogging emollients that will help trap moisture in the skin. Lightweight or gel moisturized should be your go-to option.
Step 4: A Non-greasy Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most essential step of a skincare routine and while its main role is to prevent the skincare from UV damage, sunscreen can help keep sebum production under control too. Exposure to UV rays usually triggers inflammation which in turn causes excess sebum production. For men with oily skin sunscreens with a matte finish will help keep the excess shine at bay
What Are The Best Products For Oily Skin In Men?
Choosing a cleanser that removes excess oil while maintaining the skin's natural balance is crucial. Here are some top picks:
Best Cleansers For Oily Skin Men
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This cleanser effectively removes oil and impurities without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. It contains ceramides and niacinamide, which help restore the skin's protective barrier and calm irritation.
Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Formulated with calendula extract, this foaming cleanser gently cleanses while soothing the skin, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
This gel cleanser is designed for oily skin, helping to remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying. It contains zinc pidolate to help reduce oiliness.
Top Moisturizers For Oily Skin Men
Hydration is essential, even for oily skin. Opt for oil-free, lightweight moisturizers to maintain moisture without adding shine.
Lab Series Oil Control Moisturizer
This moisturizer provides hydration while controlling excess oil and shine, thanks to ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion
An oil-free moisturizer that provides hydration with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, helping to restore the skin's barrier.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
This gel-based moisturizer offers 24-hour hydration without oil, making it ideal for oily skin types.
Best Serums And Toners For Oily Skin Men
Incorporating serums and toners with specific active ingredients can help balance oil production and improve skin texture.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
This serum helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and balances visible sebum activity, thanks to niacinamide and zinc.
Murad Clarifying Toner
This toner helps control oil and tighten pores, leaving the skin refreshed and balanced.
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Formulated with niacinamide, this toner helps reduce pore size and balance oil production.
Do Men With Oily Skin Need Moisturizer?
People with oily skin tend to avoid using moisturizing lotions or creams for fear of making things worse. This alongside washing their face several times during the day are two misconceptions that only make things worse.
Moisturizers are important to help balance the water-to-oil ratio in the skin. When oily skin gets dehydrated, this sends a signal to the pores to produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This causes even more oily skin and the same goes for washing your skin too often.
That is why using lightweight and oil-free gels or creams, is the best way to balance your sebum production while maintaining the skin’s hydration levels.
Which Facial Treatments Are Best For Men’s Oily Skin?
Clay Masks
For years clay has been used for skin care for its detoxifying properties. On oily skin clay masks help absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and reduce the shine on the skin. The best for oily and acne-prone skin is bentonite clay, Highly absorbent, helps draw out toxins and impurities, and reduces excess oil.
Chemicals Peels
These are in-clinic treatments with exfoliating acids like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids at high concentrations to deeply unclog pores, reduce skin texture and reduce sebum production.
Microdermabrasion
This is another spa treatment that consists of exfoliating the skin with a tool that creates micro-abrasions on the skin causing dead skin cells to shed improving skin texture, reducing oiliness, and unclogging pores.
Professional Extractions
Professional extraction is highly recommended for men with oily skin to safely remove blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. Performed by trained aestheticians, it prevents damage or scarring while deeply cleansing the skin. Regular extractions reduce acne, minimize pore size, and improve skin texture, promoting a clearer, healthier, and more balanced complexion.
What Are The Most Effective Skincare Tips For Men With Oily Skin?
Managing oily skin requires a combination of effective skincare, proper product use, and lifestyle adjustments. Here are expert-backed tips to keep skin healthy and matte:
A Consistent Skincare Routine
Cleanse Twice Daily: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores.
Exfoliate regularly: Incorporate chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid to reduce buildup and maintain smooth skin at most 3x a week.
Hydrate Properly: Choose a lightweight, gel-based, oil-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without adding shine.
Apply Sunscreen: Use a non-comedogenic, matte-finish SPF daily to protect skin without clogging pores.
These tips will help regulate the amount of oil your skin produces and keep your skin matte all day long.
Which Skincare Ingredients Work Best For Oily Skin In Men?
For men with oily skin, choosing the right ingredients can make a significant difference in controlling shine, reducing breakouts, and maintaining balanced skin. Here are the most effective ingredients:
Salicylic Acid
What It Does: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oily pores to exfoliate, remove buildup, and prevent acne.
Best For: Clearing clogged pores, treating blackheads, and reducing oil production.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
What It Does: Balances sebum production, minimizes pore appearance and soothes inflammation.
Best For: Oily skin with redness or sensitivity.
Hyaluronic Acid
What It Does: Provides lightweight hydration without clogging pores, helping oily skin maintain proper moisture balance.
Best For: Hydrating skin without adding shine.
Zinc PCA
What It Does: Regulates oil production, reduces acne-causing bacteria, and supports skin barrier function.
Best For: Men with excessively oily and acne-prone skin.
Clay (Bentonite, Kaolin, Or French Green Clay)
What It Does: Absorbs excess oil and impurities, tightens pores, and mattifies the skin.
Best For: Weekly deep cleansing and oil control.
Retinoids (e.g., Retinol)
What It Does: Increases cell turnover, prevents clogged pores and regulates oil production over time.
Best For: Men with oily and acne-prone skin.
Glycolic Acid
What It Does: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin, reducing dullness and smoothing texture.
Best For: Brightening oily skin with rough patches.
Witch Hazel
What It Does: A natural astringent that tightens pores and controls shine without over-drying.
Best For: Men seeking a toner to reduce midday oiliness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Care For Oily Skin Men
Do Men With Oily Skin Need Moisturizer?
Yes, men with oily skin need a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate skin and prevent excess sebum production.
What Is The Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin In Men?
Cleanse twice daily, exfoliate weekly, hydrate with an oil-free moisturizer, use sunscreen, and apply clay masks for oil control.
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