Oily skin can be caused by lots of different factors. It could be stress, diet, hormones or even just plain old genetics that leads to increased sebum (oil) production. For skin to be classed as oily, it needs to be the whole face that’s affected (not just the T-zone area, that’s known as combination skin).

Having an oily skin type can make your face look shiny, your skin feel greasy and mean that you struggle to keep make up products from sliding away after a few hours. Oily skin also leaves you more prone to blackheads, blemishes and visible pores.

There is some good news though: some signs of ageing are reduced when you have oily skin.

How To Work With Oily Skin

Many people try to remove the oil from their skin with this skin type and it's often a mistake. Skin that's dried out and dehydrated will usually produce even more oil to compensate.

Here's our tips to work with your oily skin, rather than trying to battle against it:

• Use SPF – even though you might be reluctant to add “more oil” to your skin, sunscreen is essential for all skin types. You can get oil-free or specially formulated sunscreen for your face.
• Maintain your skincare routine – you need to keep your skin cleansed and maintained to avoid excess oil, blocked pores and breakouts
• Clean your brushes, applicators and sponges – this is even more important with oily skin to avoid cross-contamination, bacteria and product degredation
• Use the right make up – look for mattifying, shine-free base products and long-lasting formulas for things like eye make up

What not to do with oily skin

• Don’t skip the moisturiser – it might seem counterintuitive, but if your oily skin dries out it might overcompensate and get oilier. Choose a moisturiser formulated for oily skin.
• Don’t skip a clean pillowcase – many people see an improvement in their skin when they move to a silk pillow that they clean regularly. Grease and grime all build up in that spot where you lay your head and face for eight hours.
• Don’t discount face oils – adding oil to oily skin sounds crazy, right? Not necessarily. Oily skin doesn’t equal moisturised skin. Face oils help to keep moisture in your skin, which in turn stops overproduction. Choose a non-comedogenic oil to avoid blocking your pores.

Skincare recommendations for oily skin

CLARINS GENTLE FOAMING CLEANSER 125ML (COMBINATION OR OILY SKIN) | $40

This purifying facial cleanser gently cleanses and mattifies combination skin as well as refining pores.

SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT CLEANSING OIL 250ML | $105

Remove dirt, impurities and residue without dehydrating your skin with this oil-based cleanser that's suitable for all skin types. It even removes the toughest waterproof makeup!

DECLARE ANTI-OIL MASK | $35

This highly effective Anti-Oil mask with healing clay regulates keratinization and thus prevents clogging of the pores. At the same time, it regulates sebum production and refines your pores. It has a clarifying effect on the skin and helps to prevent the spread of bacteria that cause pimples.

Need some help putting together the best skincare routine for your skin type? Try our skin quiz!