Dawn Siler

How do you treat very oily skin?

It’s not enough your skin pumps out more sebum than it needs or that pimples throw a party on your chin every week.

Your skin is oilier than oil. So oily that, no matter what you use, you can’t catch a break from all the grease and shine. And let’s not get started about breakouts.

Is there anything you can do to keep all that oil under control and get your clear, matte skin back?

You’re in luck. Here are the best tips, habits and products for very oily skin:

Why Is Your Skin So Very Oily?

You have very oily skin when your sebaceous glands produce way, way, way more sebum than it needs.

Sebum isn’t a dirty word. It’s your skin’s natural moisturiser. Its job is to keep your skin naturally soft and plump. Without it, your skin would be drier than the Sahara.

It’s only when skin makes too much sebum that things start to go wrong… Why does this happen?

Blame it on hormones and genetics.

It works like this: dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone that controls the production of sebum. Its levels are genetically determined – that’s why you have to put up with all that oil, and your friends don’t.

DHT levels also tend to be higher during puberty and menopause. That’s why oily skin is worse during those awful high school years and after your 50s.

If it makes you feel better, you can blame this one on men. DHT is a male hormone. It just so happens that both men and women have it.

DHT isn’t the only culprit. The luteinizing hormone (LH) never fails to send sebum levels through the roof after ovulation. It’s the reason why you breakout just before your period starts. 

You get the point. Hormones play a huge part in very oily skin. *sighs*

Related: The Complete Guide To Treating Hormonal Acne

How To Treat Very Oily Skin

Here’s the deal: you can’t treat very oily skin with skincare alone. This is a hormonal problem, remember?

The right skincare products can help to keep the oil under control and kill any pimples that dares make an appearance on your face.

But the problem won’t go away unless you fix its root cause. That’s where medication and diet come in.

Let’s see what really works for very oily skin, shall we?

1. Take Prescription Retinoids

Retinoids is a catch-all terms for all forms of Vitamin A. It’s a powerful skincare family that treats both wrinkles and acne at the same time.

You’re probably familiar with retinol, the most common member of the family in OTC products. It fights free radicals, boosts collagen production, and even helps keep acne under control.

Retinol is a must for anyone seriously concerned with anti-aging. But if you have very oily skin, it won’t cut it. You need to go one level up. I’m talking about Isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin “is an oral retinoid that has been proven to result in the greatest reduction of sebum” compared to other common options, like other retinoids and anything else mentioned in this post.

Studies show it works by decreasing the size and secretion of sebaceous glands. This feat reduces sebum production by a whooping 90%!

The best part? Sebum production stays low even one year after you’ve completed your isotretinoin therapy.

But, there’s a catch. Like all powerful weapons, isotretinoin isn’t without side effects. It can irritate skin, causing severe dryness and redness.

One more thing: if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, stay away. Isotretinoin can harm your baby.

Wondering where can you get some of it? It’s prescription only. Ask your doctor about it.

Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Add Retinoids Into Your Skincare Routine

2. Cut Back On Sugar And Dairy

The verdict is in: a bad diet can give you acne. Dairy and sugar are the worst culprits. Here’s why:

When it comes to dairy, it’s all about hormones. Androgens in milk can increase oil production, leaving you with very oily skin.

Fun fact: skimmed milk is more likely to aggravate your acne than whole milk. Hormone-free milk, on the other hand, is safe for everyone (unless you’re allergic/intolerant to it).

What about sugar? Too much sugar makes your blood sugar and insulin levels spike. This in turn, causes inflammation (the main causes of wrinkles and acne) and triggers the production of excess oil. Everything your skin does NOT need.

Unfortunately, a Western diet is loaded with dairy and sugar. Especially sugar. It’s not just in cakes and biscuits. You’ll also find it in sodas, salad dressings, processed meats… everywhere basically.

The fix? Studies show that going on the low glycemic diet can dramatically clear skin in just 12 weeks. The name says it all: the low glycemic diet is about eating foods that are low in sugar.

Like berries. Vegetables. Lean meats (especially when grass-fed and unprocessed). Wild salmon… The list goes on and on.

The low glycemic diet isn’t about deprivation. You can still have a slice of cake every now and then.

But it’s a more balanced way to eat that encourages you to munch more on foods that nourish your body and less on those that make your skin oilier than a BigMac.

P.S. A low glycemic diet also improves your mood, pumps up your energy levels, and helps you lose weight. That’s the power of healthy food.

Related: I Went On The Low Glycemic Diet And It Transformed My Skin

3. Use The Right Oils

I know what you’re thinking: “Gio, my skin is an oil slick already! And you want me to add even more oil to it? Are you nuts?!”

Hear me out. I’m not saying you should add any oil. In fact, most oils will make oily skin oilier and worsen acne.

What you want is linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid found in some oils – and your skin. Here’s what it does for you:

• It’s moisturizing: It makes even the driest of skin soft and smooth
• It’s anti-inflammatory: It soothes redness and irritations
• It’s healing: It helps skin heal faster
• It “exfoliates”: It’s involved in the natural exfoliating process
• It lightens: It treats hyperpigmentation 

When your skin has all the linoleic acid it needs, everything works properly. But what happens when you don’t have enough?

FYI, people with very oily skin and/or acne-prone have lower levels of linoleic acid than normal. They produce more sebum than necessary and are more prone to pore-clogging (hello, acne!).

Good news: you don’t have to use an oil to add linoleic acid back into your skin. You can just get a moisturizer with it. But if you’re gonna opt for an oil, opt for rosehip or evening primrose.

Best Picks:

Don’t Forget Your Skincare Routine

Skincare alone isn’t enough to treat very oily skin, but that doesn’t mean you can skip your routine. I’ve put together the best skincare routine for oily skin in this post, but here are the basics:

Not sure how to create the best skincare routine for oily skin? I’ve done the work for you. Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and receive the “Oily Skin Skincare Routine Cheatsheet.” It tells you the right order for both your AM and PM skincare routine + my fave product recommendations:

Related: How To Take Care Of Oily Skin

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to put up with very oily skin. A change in diet, a small tweak to your skincare routine and the right medication can keep the excess oil under control and give you the clear, matte skin you crave.

How do you treat your very oily skin? Share your experience in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

Did you know that Rihanna dabbed on Egyptian Magic for shooting her “Bitch Better Have My Money” video?

If it’s good enough for her…

Just kidding! This is still a science-based blog, so we’ll review the cream with our lab tools. But it’s hard to resist the hype, isn’t it?

Rihanna isn’t the only celeb fan. Since Egyptian Magic made its debut more than 25 years ago, it’s been a staple in celebs’ beauty stashes. Rumour has it, Kate Hudson, Eva Mendes and Lauren Conrad all use it, too.

What makes this cream, made by tweaking an ancient Egyptian recipe, so special? Let’s find out:

Key Ingredients In Egyptian Magic

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is a staple – both in my pantry and my skincare routine.

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and oleic acid, olive oil is incredibly moisturizing. Its fatty acids (like oleic) create a barrier on the skin that holds moisture in, keeping it soft and hydrated for hours.

Plus, its antioxidants help you prevent premature wrinkles. Here are a few highlights:

Oh, it helps protect skin from UVB damage, too. Is there nothing it can’t do?

Related: 4 Skincare Uses For Olive Oil

HONEY, BEE POLLEN, PROPOLIS & ROYAL JELLY

Egyptian Magic contains everything bees make. Literally. The cream has:

P.S. Bee-derived ingredients are safe for most people. But if you’re allergic to them, this cream isn’t for you.

Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Honey In Skincare

Texture

I wouldn’t call it thick, but it’s a bit tacky and takes a while to sink in – even on dry skin.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free.

How To Use It

It’s multipurpose, so you can use it all over your face and body. Just make sure to warm it up between your palms first! Once it turns into an oil, massage it on your skin.

P.S. A little goes a looooooooooooong way. The jar will last you for ages.

Perfomance & Personal Opinion

Egyptian Magic is one of the most moisturizing creams I’ve ever used in my life.

I don’t use it on my face because I’m not a huge fan of the texture. It takes a while to absorb and, in the meantime, it feels a little tacky. I don’t like that feeling on my face.

But on my body? Love.

The skin there is so hard, only the richest body butters can keep it soft and smooth from morning till evening. This cream does the same – and more.

It deeply moisturises skin, heals any flaky patches and prevents your skin from becoming dry – all without clogging your pores and giving you pimples.

This is how I like to use it, but Egyptian Cream is a multitasker. The brand claims you can use it as:

• Moisturizer: It definitely keeps skin soft and hydrated from head to toe.
• Holistic acne treatment: There’s some anecdotal evidence that honey and propolis can help with acne, but they’re not a substitute for anti-acne remedies like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
• Lip balm: It feels slippery on the lips, but it gives them a beautiful shine and keeps them soft and kissable for hours.
• Eye cream: It moisturises from head to toe, remember? That includes the eye area, too.
• After-sun moisturizer: I haven’t tried this personally (it’s winter here in London), but it’s got what it takes to soothe skin after a long day in the sun.
• Hair mask: I don’t like using this on my hair because of its texture. But it does make it softer.

How does it differ from Vaseline or Aquaphor? The texture’s lighter and absorbs more quickly. Plus, it’s all natural.

Related: Salicylic Acid VS Benzoyl Peroxide: What Is The Best Acne Treatment?

Who Is This For?

• Dry skin
• Anyone looking for an all-natural multitasking cream

Who Is This Not For?

• Oily skin may find it too rich

Packaging

Egyptian Magic cream comes in a big (118ml) white, red, and blue jar decorated with Egyptian symbols. It’s definitely eye-catching!

Does Egyptian Magic Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

$26.00/£30.00 at Asos, Look Fantastic, Selfridges and Urban Outfitters

Do You Need It?

If you’re looking for a multitasking, natural cream for dry skin you can use from head to toe, Egyptian Cream is definitely worth a try. It’ll last you for ages, too.

Dupes & Alternatives

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

I used to roll my eyes when someone tried to tell me how to apply sunscreen.

Dude, how difficult can it be? Pour a small amount on your hands, rub it all over your body, wait 20 minutes and go out in the sun. Job done.

Except, I still got a sunburnt every now and then. WTH?

Worse, if I got a sunburn, did that mean I’d get wrinkles later, too? (Priorities, ladies!)

Turns out, it’s not enough to apply sunscreen. You have to apply it the RIGHT way too.

Here are a few tricks to help you make the most of your sunscreen and keep those pesky sunburns and wrinkles as far away from you as possible:

Be Generous

I used to be a scrooge with sunscreen. I’d treat it like my moisturizer. Put on a pea-size amount and off in the sun I went.

That’s not nearly enough, my friend. Derms recommend you use an average ounce (30ml) to cover your entire body (adjust based on your height and weight – no judgments. It’s about safety, girl!).

Apply any less and your SPF50 turns into SPF15 (or lower!). No kidding.

Slather It On Everywhere

If it’s exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen there. That means your face, arms, legs and all those often-forgotten areas like ears, the back of knees, feet and nose. And don’t forget to use a lip balm or lipstick with SPF on the lips, too.

Related: What Are The Best Lip Balms With SPF?

Shop My Fave Sunscreens

Wait 20 Minutes Before Going Outside

Have you noticed everyone tells you to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure but no one explains why?

Here’s the mystery solved: you need to give sunscreen time to dry down and form a shield on the skin. If you go out before this shield is properly in place, UV rays all get through AND hurt your skin.

Be a little patience. It’s worth the wait.

Put It On Again, And Again, And Again (And Again)

UV filters may fight UV rays well, but they don’t come out of the battle unscathed. Nope, those pesky UV rays slowly deactivate UV filters overtime. The longer you stay in the sun, the quicker they’ll stop working.

Then, there’s sweating. Swimming. Drying yourself with a towel. All things that brush the sunscreen off your body. If it ain’t there anymore, it can’t protect you.

That’s why you have to reapply sunscreen frequently at the beach. That means every two hours or after every swim/sporting activity that makes you sweat. 

If it’s winter and you’re spending most of your time indoors, you can get away with reapplying your sunscreen less often. But, do reapply it. That’s NOT optional.

Related: Why Do I Need To Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours?

Are you applying sunscreen the right way? Let me know in the comments below.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

You know what they say: everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Backfire, even.

I totally agree. And yet…

There’s an exception to the rule: Niacinamide. This is an ingredient absolutely anyone can use. It does everything you want it to, and yet it’s so gentle, it won’t irritate skin.

But then…. Why does The Inkey List Niacinamide claims to be “a dream come true for oily skin” only? That’s the marketing spiel. This serum is Beautiful with Brains approved for all skin types. Here’s why:

What’s In The Inkey List Niacinamide?

NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide is the undisputed star of The Inkey List Niacinamide. This form of Vitamin B3 does everything for your skin:

No matter what your skin type is, it’s a must for everyone:

• Dry skin: it helps keep it soft and hydrated
• Oily skin: it helps shrink large pores and heal pimples faster
• Sensitive skin: it helps soothe redness and irritations
• Mature, sun-damaged skin: it helps lighten dark spots and keep wrinkles at bay

See why I recommend it to everyone, now?

Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

SQUALANE

Squalane is a non-comedogenic oil that works for everyone, including bacterial and fungal acne sufferers.

It’s super moisturising. Squalane is almost identical to human sebum, so your skin instantly recognises it and allows it to sink in quickly – no greasy residue whatsoever.

Its main job is to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, a feat that moisturises skin by keeping water in it. If this barrier is intact and healthy, water can’t evaporate into thin air.

Plus, this barrier helps protect skin from the assaults of harsh weather, pollutants, and bacteria, preventing both dryness and irritations.

Related: Squalane Oil: What It Is And How Does It Benefit Skin?

Texture

The Inkey List Niacinamide has a gel texture that feels a little tacky for the first few seconds. But it absorbs quickly, leaving no residue behind.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free.

How To Use It

Morning and night, after cleansing and exfoliation.

Performance & Personal Opinion

I’m a skincare minimalist. Most mornings, I cleanse, follow up with vitamin C serum and end my routine with sunscreen. Why add more steps if you don’t need it?

In winter, my skin does need a little extra care. What does it crave? Moisture. That’s where The Inkey List Niacinamide comes in. I slather it on in between Vitamin C and sunscreen to up my moisturizing game.

It works. The serum does a wonderful job at strengthening my skin’s protective barrier. How do I know? For starters, my skin feels so soft and plumper straight after application.

But the main evidence is this: I can walk around freezing London for days and my skin never gets worse for wear. There’s no tell-tale sign of dryness or flakiness that lets me know my skin’s barrier’s compromised. Thanks, Niacinamide!

I’ve also noticed that, whenever I use niacinamide, the large pores around my nose area look smaller. Instead, I can’t stay I’ve seen a reduction in oil production or breakouts, but then my skin isn’t that oily to begin with.

But I’ll tell you this: if I were dealing with very oily, acne-prone skin, I’d go with The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc. Zinc makes it more drying than The Inkey List Niacinamide, but it’s also better at keeping excess oil production under control.

Instead, my main concerns are dryness and antiaging. When I’m done with The Inkey List Niacinamide, I’m going back to my beloved Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster.

I know it’s way more expensive, but there’s a reason for that: it has antioxidants (like Vitamin C), skin-lightening ingredients and soothing agents that help fight the premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots.

The Inkey List Niacinamide only has one antiaging superstar (that’s niacinamide, duh!), so you’ll see results on a smaller scale. Unless…

If you’re already using moisturisers and serums with Vitamin C & co and wondering how the heck to incorporate Niacinamide too, this is it. It’s a basic formula that won’t interfere with anything else you’re using.

Related: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Full Review

Who Is This For?

Anyone who’s currently not using niacinamide into their skincare routine. It’s a basic formula that’s easy to incorporate without interfering with other antiaging actives.

Related: Mix And Match: Which Skincare Ingredients Should You NOT Use Together?

Who Is This Not For?

• Oily and acne-prone skin: You’ll benefit more from a niacinamide product with zinc.
• Anyone who wants a more multitasking antiaging product: This only gives you niacinamide, without any extra antioxidants or soothing ingredients.

Related: 5 Antiaging Superstars You Should Add To Your Skincare Routine

Packaging

The Inkey List Niacinamide comes in a sleek black and white bottle. It’s cute, but small. It only gives you 30ml of product.

Does The Inkey List Niacinamide Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

$6.99/£6.99 at Asos, Cult Beauty, and Feel Unique

Do You Need It?

If you’re not using Niacinamide yet, and are looking for a cheap way to add it to your skincare routine without interfering with your other actives, definitely check out The Inkey List Niacinamide.

Dupes & Alternatives

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.