AM And PM Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

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In my life, I’ve had acne-prone skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin (at least I thought so). I haven’t had oily skin. However, based on my experience, the principles are the same for all skin types, including the oily skin type. Specifically, it all boils down to preserving and maintaining the skin barrier and skin microbiome. Skincare products with active ingredients that work to support your skin microbiome can help immensely. I speak from personal experience because I used to have massive problems with my skin well into my late thirties. But after I started using skincare products with active ingredients aimed at building up my skin barrier rather than just killing the bacteria, my skin came back to life. Although I’m approaching my fifties now, my skin looks and feels as if I were in my twenties.

When it comes to the oily skin type, its distinguishing characteristic is an overproduction of the skin’s natural oils, or sebum. This can lead to a shiny appearance, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. However, following a skincare routine specifically designed for oily skin can make a world of difference. By using the right products at the right times, you can maintain a clear, healthy, and glowing complexion. Your skin’s requirements change throughout the day, so today, I’m sharing a morning and nighttime skincare routine that caters to oily skin. You will also learn about specific skincare products that I consider helpful and powerful in keeping your skin microbiome healthy and whole.

Why Follow An AM And PM Skincare Routine For Oily Skin?

To begin with, maintaining an effective AM and PM skincare routine for oily skin is essential for keeping your complexion balanced and blemish-free. Indeed, your skin’s needs are different in the morning compared to the evening, so it’s crucial to tailor your routine accordingly.

Thus, your morning routine should include products to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and free radical damage. Conversely, your nighttime routine is all about repair, hydration, and rejuvenation. Using the right skincare products with active ingredients targeted for oily skin will ensure that your skin stays clear, healthy, and well-hydrated, without feeling greasy.

If your oily skin is the result of a hormonal imbalance typical of teenagers, take advantage of my blog post Skincare For Teenagers: Essential Tips For Healthy And Clear Skin.

Morning Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Predominantly, a morning skincare routine for oily skin should focus on controlling excess sebum production while maintaining hydration.

First, start by cleansing with a gentle, foaming cleanser to remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture. Second, follow up with a gentle toner to minimize pores and control oil. Third, use a lightweight serum with concentrated powerhouse active ingredients for special skin treatment. Fourth, apply a lightweight moisturizer that balances hydration without adding greasiness. Fifth, remember to use a mattifying, broad-spectrum SPF to protect the skin from sun damage without clogging pores. Incorporating these steps helps maintain a fresh, shine-free complexion throughout the day.

Let’s talk about these steps a bit more.

Step 1: Cleanse With A Foaming Cleanser.

First, cleansing is the first and most crucial step in any skincare routine for oily skin. In the morning, use a gentle foaming cleanser to remove excess oil from the skin that has built up overnight. Foaming cleansers are effective at deep-cleaning pores without stripping the skin barrier, leaving your skin feeling fresh and ready for the day.

Step 2: Apply A Hydrating Toner.

Second, balance your skin’s pH and hydrate your skin. Choose a toner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and witch hazel that help to lock in moisture without adding excess oil. A good toner prepares your skin to absorb the next steps more effectively.

Step 3: Use A Lightweight Serum With Active Ingredients.

Third, treat your skin with a concentrated serum that can address specific skin concerns. For oily skin, look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum with active ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C or sea fennel extract to control oil production and minimize pores.

If you have sensitive skin, you will benefit from my blog post Are Serums Good For Sensitive Skin?.

Step 4: Moisturize With A Lightweight Moisturizer.

Next, use a lightweight moisturizer because even oily skin needs hydration. Opt for a moisturizer with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sea kelp extract, and sea moss extract that hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Lightweight moisturizers are perfect for oily skin because they provide the moisture your skin needs without adding any greasiness.

Step 5: Protect With A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen.

Lastly, sun protection is vital, especially for oily skin prone to hyperpigmentation. Choose a mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields your skin from harmful UV rays while also controlling shine. This final step is key to preventing sun damage and keeping your skin healthy. My face sunscreen guide can help you select a safe product. Conversely, read on to see what mineral sunscreen I use and recommend for all types of skin, including oily skin.

Nighttime Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

In a nutshell, a nighttime skincare routine for oily skin should focus on deep cleansing and addressing free radical damage. The skincare products should be potent and gentle enough to replenish the skin while preventing breakouts. (Use this acne skincare guide if acne is your primary concern.)

First, start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle gel or foaming cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Second, occasionally treat your skin with an exfoliator containing lactic and glycolic acid to unclog pores and prevent excess oil buildup. Third, your skin will benefit from a toner that will balance its pH. Next, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum with active ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. It will help stabilize oil production and hydrate the skin. Last, finish with a lightweight moisturizer to lock in hydration without adding greasiness.

Let’s look at these steps more closely.

Step 1: Double Cleanse To Remove Makeup And Impurities.

First, your nighttime routine should start with a thorough cleansing of your skin. Use an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup, sunscreen, and any buildup from the day. Follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser to remove any remaining impurities and excess oil from the skin. Double cleansing is essential for oily skin to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Step 2: Exfoliate 2-3 Times A Week.

Second, exfoliation is important for oily skin, but it should be done sparingly. Use an exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid and glycolic acid to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. This step helps to prevent acne and keeps your skin smooth and clear. Avoid over-exfoliating as it can damage your skin barrier.

Step 3: Apply A Balancing Toner.

Third, after cleansing and exfoliating, use a balancing toner to restore your skin’s pH and soothe any irritation. A toner with calming ingredients like aloe vera or tea plant is ideal for this step.

Step 4: Treat With A Targeted Serum.

Next, because at night your skin is in repair mode, this is the perfect time to use a serum with active ingredients that address your specific skin concerns. Whether you’re targeting acne, dark spots, or fine lines, choose a serum that works overnight to improve your skin’s appearance.

Step 5: Moisturize With A Night Cream.

Last, finish your nighttime routine with a hydrating night cream. Even oily skin can become dehydrated, especially after using active ingredients. Choose a night cream without comedogenic ingredients that nourishes your skin while you sleep without clogging your pores.

How To Build A Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

The main tips on how to build a skincare routine for oily skin include the following:

Look for non-comedogenic products.
Incorporate lightweight formulas.
Focus on active ingredients.
Use sunscreen.

Tip 1: Look For Non-Comedogenic Products.

When building a skincare routine for oily skin, it’s essential to choose products without potentially comedogenic ingredients. These products are specifically formulated to avoid clogging pores, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. For a better understanding, use this helpful list of pore clogging ingredients to avoid.

Tip 2: Incorporate Lightweight Formulas.

Notably, oily skin benefits from lightweight skincare products that hydrate without adding greasiness. Lightweight morning and nighttime serums and moisturizers are excellent choices for maintaining moisture without overwhelming your skin.

Tip 3: Focus On Active Ingredients.

Further, look for active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides in your skincare products. These ingredients help support the skin microbiome and maintain the health of your skin barrier while also controlling oil, minimizing pores, and keeping your skin hydrated and clear.

Tip 4: Don’t Skip Sunscreen.

Finally, even if you have oily skin, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Choose a matte, mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide that won’t add shine or clog your pores.

12 Best Skincare Products For Oily Skin

Let’s discuss the following critical skincare products for oily skin type and my personal favorites:

oil-based cleanser
foaming cleanser
facial exfoliator
balancing toner
facial oil
serum with vitamin c
serum with peptides
morning moisturizer
nighttime moisturizer
mineral sunscreen with SPF
tinted moisturizer with SPF, and
skincare sets for oily skin type.

Let’s give them a closer look.

Product 1: Oil-Based Cleanser

This product is a part of your double cleansing nighttime routine. First, remove makeup, sunscreen, and any buildup from the day with an oil-based cleanser. And follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser to wash off any remaining impurities and excess oil from the skin. This will help you prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

My favorite: Crunchi I AM The Balm Makeup Cleansing Balm (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

This gentle and effective formula works as both makeup remover and nourishing cleanser. It is formulated for all skin types, including the oily skin type, and is safe for use around your eyes. Active ingredient-wise, the balm is powered by turmeric, sweet almond oil, and plant-based squalane. First, turmeric root extract is known for its skin-soothing antioxidant properties. Second, sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Third, plant-derived squalane mimics the skin’s lipid barrier to help with healthy skin barrier function.

Product 2: Foaming Cleanser

A gentle foaming cleanser is a must-have for oily skin. It removes excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. You can use it for your morning skincare routine as well as a second step during your evening double cleansing routine.

My favorite: Crunchi Charcoal Facial Bar (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase of $50+)

This purifying facial cleanser is made by the process of saponification, the safest process for making bar soap. It helps clarify pores and balance the skin’s natural oils and is formulated for normal, combination, or acne-prone skin. Its active ingredients are charcoal and kaolin clay that help detoxify and improve your skin’s radiance. Additionally, organic lemon and tea tree essential oils are here to support a soft, radiant complexion. I use this soap and love how clean and fresh my skin is afterwards.

Product 3: Facial Exfoliator

Applied twice a week, an exfoliating treatment with lactic and glycolic acid helps to unclog pores and prevent acne, leaving your skin smoother and more even-toned.

My favorite: Crunchi I AM Polished® Facial Exfoliator (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

This exfoliating treatment multi-tasks as an exfoliating scrub and a 5-minute treatment mask. It is powered by a 10% blend of glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids for safe exfoliation. In addition, it includes pumice, which acts as a gentle, but effective, natural exfoliant for the skin. It also contains green tea leaf extract, a potent antioxidant known to protect against environmental stressors while soothing the skin. Every time I use this facial exfoliator, I am impressed with how gently it resurfaces my skin, helping to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Product 4: Balancing Toner

A toner with hyaluronic acid provides hydration while balancing your skin’s pH, preparing it for the next steps in your routine. You can use it both in the morning and in the evening.

My favorite: Crunchi Clarilight® Facial Essence (Toner) (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

This toner not only balances your skin’s pH, but also gently exfoliates the skin and removes surface impurities, enhancing the performance of your following skincare products. Its active ingredients help improve the appearance of skin tone while soothing and hydrating the skin. Thus, it uses witch hazel water, birch and willow leaf extracts, and fruit extracts that provide a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation. On top of that, hyaluronic acid delivers intense hydration to help minimize the appearance of fine lines. I use this skin toner every day and my skin feels soothed, hydrated, and refreshed.

I Read Labels For You suggestions for skincare products for oily skin.

Product 5: Facial Oil

It’s important to understand that the general concept of “oil-free” skincare for oily skin should be taken with a grain of salt. When it comes to skincare, the formulation matters. Indeed, the choice of ingredients, their amounts, and their interaction in a product play a great role. In other words, not all “oil-free” products are automatically “good” for oily skin. Conversely, not all oil-based products are automatically “bad.” In fact, the facial oil described below was formulated specially for the oily skin type. You can use it day or night as the final step in your skincare routine. Alternatively, you can use it before or after your preferred moisturizer to provide a boost of moisture.

My favorite: Crunchi I AM Luminous® Facial Oil (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

This lightweight facial oil is powered by clinically proven plant actives rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants. These ingredients visibly balance and renew oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. What’s more, it regulates oil production and minimizes the look of pores on your face as well as soothes irritation, calms redness, and balances hydration. The featured active ingredients are sea fennel extract, organic pumpkin seed oil, organic argan oil, and organic sea buckthorn berry extract.

Product 6: Vitamin C Serum

As you may know, vitamin C is a powerful ingredient for skin protection and rejuvenation. However, you must also know that the form of vitamin C matters. You want your serum to contain a stable form of vitamin C. Indeed, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect against environmental damage, including blue light. However, if vitamin C is not stable, it can degrade quickly and lose its effectiveness. Hence, stable forms of vitamin C ensure that the product maintains its potency over time, delivering the promised benefits to your skin. (You can learn more in my blog post What is a Vitamin C Serum?.)

My favorite: Crunchi I AM Bright® Vitamin C Facial Serum (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

Through consistent use, I have found that this vitamin C serum has effectively reduced the appearance of dark spots on my hands. It does the same to post-acne marks, all the while providing sustained skin brightening thanks to ascorbyl glucoside (a stable form of vitamin C). The formula incorporates kakadu plum for additional vitamin C and snow mushroom extract, a hydrating antioxidant. Moreover, it contains other star ingredients such as ferulic acid (a superstar antioxidant) and niacinamide (vitamin B3) that make it extra effective and my favorite vitamin C serum. Personally, I use it in the morning, applying 1-2 pumps to my freshly cleansed and toned face and neck before my moisturizer.

Product 7: Multi-Peptide Serum

Peptides are versatile ingredients that do wonders for your skin. But make sure you select products with collagen stimulating peptides as opposed to Botox-like peptides. You can learn more about types of peptides and see examples in my blog post Non-Toxic Anti-Aging Beauty Routine Guide.

My favorite: Crunchi Goldenlight® Multi-Peptide Facial Serum (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

Now that I am approaching my 50s, this serum is my favorite skincare product. It contains four collagen-stimulating peptides at 15% concentration! The serum works overtime to visibly plump fine lines, firm and tighten the appearance of the skin, and help reduce the signs of aging, leaving the skin with a natural glow. Moreover, the serum contains other powerhouse ingredients that help improve the appearance of pores and skin blemishes and visibly brighten the skin tone. These active ingredients include organic sea buckthorn fruit extract, niacinamide (vitamin B3), tamarindus indica seed, organic green tea, panthenol (vitamin B5), and hyaluronic acid. This serum is a must in my evening skincare routine. It addresses free radical damage effectively and helps my skin repair itself during the nighttime.

I Read Labels For You suggestions for skincare products for people with oily skin type.

Product 8: Morning Moisturizer

A lightweight moisturizer with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, won’t clog your pores, which is perfect for the oily skin type.

My favorite: Crunchi Daylight® Advanced Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

Because I have aging skin, I use an advanced formula of a Crunchi moisturizer with a youth-activating complex of ingredients. It is light, absorbent, non-greasy, and rich in antioxidants. Also, it is very hydrating because it contains sodium hyaluronate and chondrus crispus extract along with organic argan and jojoba oils and sea kelp powder that draw water into the skin to plump and firm it. Further, the youth-activating complex features a blend of azelaic acid, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and non-GMO propanediol, working together to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while visibly plumping and firming the skin. Consistent use of this cream will help enhance your skin’s brightness, smoothness, and radiance. (Learn more about advanced skin care, including what eye cream to use.)

For non-aging skin, use Crunchi Daylight® Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase). It is also light, absorbent, non-greasy, and rich in antioxidants. Sodium hyaluronate and chondrus crispus extract draw water into the skin and make the moisturizer very hydrating, too. Indeed, it has withstood the test of living in the high desert in Colorado!

Product 9: Night Moisturizer

A lightweight night cream provides deep hydration, helping to repair your skin overnight without clogging pores.

My favorite: Crunchi Nightlight® Advanced Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase)

Just like Crunchi Daylight Advanced facial cream, the nighttime moisturizer is an advanced version for aging skin. It is formulated with a youth activating complex featuring azelaic acid, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and non-GMO propanediol. They work in combination overnight to rejuvenate the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With continued use, the skin will appear firmer, plumper, brighter, smoother, and more radiant. (Learn more about advanced skin care, including what eye cream to use.)

For non-aging skin, use Crunchi Nightlight® Facial Cream (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase). Similar to the daytime cream, it is light, absorbent, and non-greasy. Among its active ingredients is hibiscus sabdariffa flower acid for deep hydration without making the skin greasy. Plus, it contains organic lavender essential oil that creates the perfect spa-like sensory experience to help you relax at the end of your day.

Product 10: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a mineral sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection while controlling shine.

My favorite: Crunchi Sunlight® Facial SPF 30 (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase of $50+)

Made with non-nano zinc oxide, this sunscreen protects against both long (UVA) and short (UVB) sun rays. It is light, non-greasy, hydrating, and leaves almost no white cast. It will fit as easily into your skincare routine as it does into your purse. And, by the way, like most of the products above, it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Product 11: Tinted Moisturizer With SPF

If you want to add some tone to your face but are not a fan of facial foundation, a tinted moisturizer with SPF is for you. It is also perfect for busy women who want to simplify their morning routine and stay polished throughout the day.

My favorite: Crunchi Sunlight® Tinted SPF 30 (ADVOCATE10 on the 1^st purchase of $50+)

This tinted moisturizer is dermatologically tested to be safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin and oily skin. It’s absolutely my favorite product! I apply it with my fingertips, and it visibly brightens, plumps, and hydrates my skin, giving it a natural dewy finish. Ingredient wise, it features the highest purity mineral pigments, including iron oxides and ethically sourced mica, which undergo third-party testing to ensure the lowest possible heavy metal content.

The non-nano zinc oxide is 9.4% to protect your face from UVA and UVB rays. It also includes stable vitamin C (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) and niacinamide, a powerful combination of clinically proven antioxidants that help brighten the complexion and minimize the appearance of pores. Additionally, the formula is enriched with squalane and hyaluronic acid, which deliver deep, long-lasting hydration, plump the skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and support the strengthening of the skin’s natural barrier.

Product 12: Effective Skincare Sets For The Oily Skin Type

Note that using a combination of products that are supposed to work together will give you better results. Below are some skincare sets made up of the products we discussed above. You can choose the best one for you based on the specific skin needs you are facing. Remember to use the ADVOCATE10 discount code for 10% off on your first purchase.

Importantly, I have studied every ingredient in every Crunchi product and stand by their purity and safety. (You can learn more about Crunchi Non-Toxic Makeup and Skincare here.)

Summary: AM And PM Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

Consistently Following The AM And PM Skincare Routine For Oily Skin Will Help You Support Your Skin Barrier And Skin Microbiome, Which Will Contribute To Keeping Your Oily Skin Healthy, Balanced, And Glowing.

To sum up, oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of the skin’s natural oils, known as sebum, often resulting in a shiny complexion, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. However, adopting a skincare routine tailored to oily skin can significantly improve its condition. By choosing the appropriate products and applying them at the right times, you can achieve a clear, healthy, and radiant complexion.

Here is a list of safe, non-toxic, and effective products I love and recommend for oily skin (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on the 1^st purchase of $50+):

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