Oily skin thrives on care that respects its unique needs—gentle cleansing, targeted treatments, and lightweight hydration—without stripping it or triggering more oil. Below is a six-step oily skin care routine designed to keep oily skin calm, confident, and under control without overwhelming it. 

1. Start with a Deep But Gentle Cleanse

Cleansing sets the foundation for any skincare routine, but for oily skin, balance is critical. Over-cleansing with harsh cleansers or washing too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing the sebaceous glands to overcompensate and produce more oil, leading to increased shine and congestion. 

Choose a luxurious cream-based cleanser like Pure Fiji’s Coconut Cleanser with Papaya & Moringa, which gently removes makeup, excess oil, and impurities without stripping essential moisture. Creamy coconut oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, acts as a natural decongestant to unclog pores while nourishing the skin. Moringa oil purifies and protects against pollution, and papaya extracts gently exfoliate to brighten skin tone. 

●      Use this morning and night to control shine and prep your skin for subsequent steps.

●      Massage a small amount into dry skin for 30–60 seconds to dissolve buildup, then rinse with lukewarm water.

●      Avoid hot water, which can stimulate oil glands and worsen shine.

2. Exfoliate—But Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation is vital for oily skin, removing dead skin cells that clog pores and cause blackheads or breakouts. Over-exfoliating, however, can irritate skin and boost oil production, so stick to 2–3 times per week. A gentle exfoliating scrub like Pure Fiji’s Coconut Exfoliating Scrub with Papaya and Pineapple Enzyme keeps your complexion smooth and clear.

This tropical scrub blends pineapple enzymes for chemical exfoliation with jojoba beads for physical exfoliation. The enzymes dissolve dead skin, while the beads polish gently without causing micro-tears. Virgin coconut oil hydrates and soothes, preventing a stripped feeling. 

●      Focus on congested areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and avoid dry or sensitive patches.

●      Apply to damp skin, use light circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry to avoid residue.

3. Brighten and Treat with a Targeted Serum

A lightweight, multi-tasking serum addresses oily skin’s common issues: post-breakout marks, uneven tone, and enlarged pores. Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Hyaluronate + Bakuchiol powered by kakadu plum, delivers antioxidants to brighten and protect. Hyaluronic acid hydrates without heaviness, while niacinamide regulates sebum, minimizes pore appearance, and calms redness.

●      Apply 1–2 pumps after cleansing and exfoliating (or post-cleanse on non-exfoliating days).

●      Press the serum into your skin with your fingertips to maximize absorption and minimize waste. This step is especially effective for fading hyperpigmentation or dullness from past breakouts.

●      Store the serum in a cool, dark place to preserve vitamin C’s potency.

●      If new to actives, use every other night to ensure skin tolerance.

4. Moisturize With a Lightweight, Oil-Free Gel

Oily skin needs hydration to maintain balance, but heavy creams can clog pores and feel overwhelming. Skipping moisturizer, however, can backfire—without adequate moisture, your skin may ramp up oil production to compensate, leading to more shine and breakouts. 

Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t block pores, featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, aloe vera for soothing, or niacinamide for oil control. These products often include mattifying properties to keep shine at bay all day, making them perfect for oily skin types.

●      After your serum, apply a pea-sized amount of gel moisturizer to your face, focusing on areas that feel tight. Gel textures absorb quickly, leaving no greasy residue.

●      If your skin feels overly dewy, blot gently with a clean tissue before applying SPF.

●      When shopping, check reviews for terms like “shine-free” or “lightweight” to ensure the product suits oily skin.

5. Seal with SPF

A lightweight, oil-free mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide provides excellent protection. It shields against UV damage, prevents excess melanin production (which causes dark spots), and reduces post-acne scarring risk—without clogging pores or feeling heavy.

●      Apply a nickel-sized amount as the final morning step, reapplying every two hours if outdoors. A sheer, matte finish keeps skin shine-free.

●      Use blotting papers for mid-day oil control instead of skipping reapplication. Keep a pack in your bag for quick touch-ups.

6. Makeup Tips

Oily skin can make makeup slide off or turn shiny by midday, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting look. 

●      Before makeup, apply a mattifying primer to control shine and ensure a seamless base.

●      For foundation, opt for a matte-finish formula or a gel-based tinted moisturizer that stays put without slipping. Apply in thin, buildable layers using a foundation brush or sponge for even coverage, avoiding a heavy, cakey look.

●      Use concealer sparingly to brighten under the eyes, but skip it on eyelids if they’re oily—instead, use an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.

●      Set your makeup with a loose or pressed powder, focusing on the T-zone for oil control. For extra staying power, try “baking” by applying a generous layer of powder under the eyes and on oily areas, letting it sit before dusting off.

●      Lock everything in with a mattifying setting spray to keep shine at bay. 

●      Throughout the day, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

●      Avoid luminous or dewy products, as they amplify shine. Stick to powder-based blush, bronzer, and highlighter for better adherence.

●      Keep your brushes clean to prevent oil and bacteria buildup, which can trigger breakouts. 

These steps ensure your makeup stays fresh, matte, and flawless, even on oily skin.

Summary

Oily skin can feel like a constant battle, with shine, breakouts, and clogged pores leaving you self-conscious and frustrated. But you don’t need a shelf full of products to win. A streamlined routine lets you zero in on what truly works, targeting excess oil and acne with precision. By keeping it simple, you’ll find it easier to stay consistent—your skin will shine less and feel clearer, empowering your natural beauty to stand out. Nature knows balance—and so does your skin. With the right care, crafted with intention, oily skin can feel refreshed, refined, and naturally radiant.