My Go-To Skin Routine for Oily Skin (From Someone Who’s Had Skin Issues Since age 9)

If you’ve ever dealt with oily skin, you know the struggle — midday shine, clogged pores, breakouts that come out of nowhere, and products that promise everything but deliver nothing. I’ve been there. I’ve had skin problems since I was 9 years old, and after years of trying dermatologist-recommended products, drugstore cleansers, and even trendy TikTok routines, I finally found a system that works.

Now, I’m sharing my simple, no-fluff skincare routine for oily skin — because you shouldn’t have to guess anymore.

Gentle, Oil-Controlling Cleanser

I start every morning and night with a gentle cleanser made for oily or acne-prone skin. Harsh products stripped my skin in the past and only made it produce more oil. A balanced cleanser helps reduce excess oil without leaving my skin feeling tight.

✨ Check out La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

2% Salicylic Acid Exfoliant (2x a Week)

This one changed my life! Salicylic acid unclogs pores from the inside out. I use it just two times a week at night to avoid over-exfoliating. It helps keep blackheads, texture, and inflammation under control. My forehead and nose — my oil zones — are smoother and clearer because of it.

✨Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer

A huge mistake I made early on was skipping moisturizer because I thought oily skin didn’t need it. Truth is, dehydration can actually cause more oil. Now I use a gel-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without greasiness.

✨La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Mineral Sunscreen (Yes, Even for Oily Skin)

Sunscreen felt like a greasy mess until I found the right one. I go for a mineral SPF that’s matte, sheer, and won’t clog pores. Protecting my skin from sun damage is key to fading old acne marks and preventing premature aging.

✨La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen Dry Touch SPF 60

Clay Mask (Once a Week)

Once a week, I treat myself to a deep-cleansing clay mask that draws out impurities and balances sebum. It’s like a reset button for my skin. I use it after cleansing and follow with my moisturizer to avoid drying out.

✨ Aztec Secret– Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

Retinol

If you have oily skin, retinol might sound like something to avoid — but hear me out: it's one of the most effective ingredients to control oil production, treat acne, and improve texture and tone.

I introduced retinol slowly into my routine (just 1x a week at first) and always at night, following with a moisturizer to reduce dryness. Now I use it once every 3–4 nights, depending on how my skin feels. It also helps with dark marks from old breakouts and keeps my pores looking tighter.

💡 Tip: Never use retinol on the same night as exfoliating acids — that’s why I follow the skin cycling method!

✨CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Bonus: How to Schedule Your Routine with the Skin Cycling Method

If you’re not sure how to apply all of this without overloading your skin, try Skin Cycling. It’s a dermatologist-approved way to rotate your skincare treatments to give your skin time to recover and respond better to active ingredients.

Here’s how to do it:

• Night 1: Exfoliation Night
  Cleanse, use your 2% salicylic acid exfoliant, then moisturize.

• Night 2: Treatment Night (Retinol)
  Cleanse, apply your retinol serum or cream, then moisturize.

• Night 3 & 4: Recovery Nights
  Cleanse, use hydrating or barrier-repairing products like your moisturizer and a soothing serum

  .

Then, repeat the cycle. This method keeps your skin from becoming irritated or overwhelmed while still making room for powerful results.

Final Thoughts

My skin is far from “perfect,” but it’s come a long way. Managing oily skin doesn’t mean fighting your face — it means working with it using products that actually suit your skin type. The skin cycling method and introducing retinol slowly is what finally gave my skin a break and helped me stay consistent.

Everything I use now is the result of years of trial and error — and I’m sharing it so you don’t have to go through the same. Whether you're struggling with shine, breakouts, or just tired of wasting money, I hope this routine helps bring you closer to clear, confident skin.