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How this guide was made: researched from dermatology guidance and product labels, plus what Anna's brother uses. Drafted with AI help, then checked and edited by Anna. Artem uses the six La Roche-Posay products and the VT body mist. Anna uses some of the same products, plus the VT mist and Vaseline Advanced Repair. The iota and Sol de Janeiro lotions and the brands in the comparison table are researched picks we haven't used.
Hi, and welcome! If your face looks shiny by lunch, this guide is for you. My brother Artem has oily skin like mine. My husband has dry skin, and my dad uses one product and refuses the rest. So I’ve seen plenty of men’s routines up close.
Keep it short. In the morning, wash with a gentle foaming cleanser. Then use an oil-free moisturizer and finish with sunscreen. At night, wash and moisturize again. Add a treatment only if you also get breakouts. Dermatologists say not to skip moisturizer, even with oily skin, and not to scrub AAD.
Comfort Mind Body Take: Gentle beats harsh. If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too strong. Oily skin still needs moisture.
Why Men's Skin Gets Oily, and Why Drying It Out Backfires
Oil on your face is normal. It’s called sebum, and it helps protect your skin. Studies have found that men have more sebum on the face than women, except on the forehead (Dermatology Times). So a shiny nose by midday isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong.
The common mistake is trying to strip it all away. Harsh face washes can irritate your skin and may even increase oil. Dermatologists also advise against scrubbing and alcohol-based cleansers AAD. The goal is less shine and clear pores, not a squeaky, tight face. If your skin already feels tight or stings, our guide on how to protect your skin barrier explains what to do.
How do you know your skin is oily? Your forehead, nose, and chin look shiny a few hours after washing. A blotting paper picks up oil. Your pores look larger in those areas. If you also get breakouts, read the breakouts section below.
A Simple Morning and Night Routine
For your face, start with three steps: cleanse, moisturize and sunscreen. Add an acne treatment only if you need one. Body care is separate. Start with the basics for a few weeks before you add anything.
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin Men, Morning and Night
Swipe left or right to view the full table on mobile.
| Step | Morning | Night | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse Essential | Gentle foaming gel, lukewarm water | Same cleanser | Removes oil and sweat without stripping |
| 2. Treat Optional | Usually skip | One acne treatment, only if you get breakouts | Targets pimples and clogged pores |
| 3. Moisturize Essential | Oil-free gel or lotion | Same moisturizer | Keeps skin comfortable, so you don't over-wash |
| 4. Sunscreen Essential | Oil-free, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ | Not needed | Protects from sun damage every day |
| 5. Body Essential | Moisturize after the shower | Or after an evening shower | Your body needs moisture too |
The essential steps are cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen, plus moisturizing your body.
A treatment is optional. Toners, serums, and pads can come later, one at a time. If you want to understand how layers fit together, our Korean skincare routine guide explains the order.
Choosing a Face Wash for Oily Skin
Look for a gentle foaming gel that says “non-comedogenic”. That means it’s made not to clog pores. Skip bar soap: dermatologists say it often contains harsh ingredients AAD. Skip alcohol-based cleansers too.
Wash up to twice a day and after you sweat. Use lukewarm water, not hot AAD. A medicated wash with salicylic acid is for breakouts, not for oil alone. Artem uses a regular foaming wash and a separate breakout treatment.
How we chose the products: these are the six products in Artem’s routine, and Anna uses some of them too. We checked each label for oil-free or non-comedogenic claims.
Each pick says who it suits and its main drawback. For men’s picks beyond oily skin, see our guide to the best products for men’s skincare.
Anna's Note: My brother Artem uses La Roche-Posay's products for oily skin, and they work perfectly for him. I use some of them too. These are the six in his routine, starting with his face wash.
Artem's face wash
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Best fit: everyday washing for oily or combination skin. It's soap-free and non-comedogenic, with zinc PCA.
Watch: its ingredient list includes fragrance. Skip it if fragrance bothers your skin.
Check on AmazonMoisturizer and Sunscreen That Don't Feel Greasy
Oily skin still needs moisturizer. Skipping it is one of the most common mistakes, and dermatologists advise against it AAD. Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic gel or lotion. Put it on after washing, and right after shaving while your skin is still damp AAD.
For more options, see our guide to the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Oily skin can still feel thirsty. Our post on the difference between hydrating and moisturizing explains why.
Anna's Note: Artem has three moisturizers in his routine. He doesn't layer them. He uses them at different times and in different seasons.
Artem's everyday moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Best fit: a light, fragrance-free moisturizer for any day, including after shaving. It's oil-free and non-comedogenic, with ceramide-3 and niacinamide.
Watch: it's a cream, not a matte gel. Very oily skin may still shine by afternoon.
Check on Amazon Artem's lighter moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizing Drops
Best fit: men who want the lightest layer possible. Its label lists niacinamide and glycerin, and it's fragrance-free.
Watch: drier patches may need the cream instead.
Check on Amazon Artem's shine control
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Supramolecular Oil & Pores Correct
Best fit: very shiny skin and larger-looking pores. It's a mattifying gel moisturizer with salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Watch: it contains salicylic acid, so go slowly if you also use Effaclar BPO or acid pads. It has no SPF. Its ingredient list includes alcohol denat. and fragrance, so patch test if your skin is sensitive.
Check on Amazon Artem's sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Best fit: men who skip sunscreen because it feels heavy. It's broad-spectrum SPF 50, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, with the newer filter bemotrizinol (BEMT). It's a milky fluid with an invisible finish.
Watch: it's a hydrating formula, so very oily skin may still want to blot at midday. Reapply every two hours outdoors.
Check on AmazonSunscreen is the step men skip most when it feels greasy. Pick one labeled oil-free and broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher. Dermatologists suggest zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for oily skin, with no fragrance or oils AAD.
Outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating AAD. Our sunscreen match guide helps you compare textures.
Ingredients That Help Oily Skin, and What To Skip
You don’t need many active ingredients. One or two that fit your skin are enough.
- Salicylic acid can help unclog pores and prevent new breakouts Mayo Clinic. Use it in one product, not three.
- Niacinamide is common in moisturizers for oily skin. It made the 2025 dermatologist consensus list of useful ingredients. Our dermatologist-approved ingredients guide explains it.
- Benzoyl peroxide and adapalene are for breakouts. See the breakouts section below.
Skip alcohol-based cleansers, heavy oils, and harsh scrubs AAD. Witch hazel is often sold for oily skin. We found no good evidence that it controls oil. If you combine actives, check our list of skincare products you shouldn’t mix first.
How Often To Exfoliate, and How
There’s no fixed schedule. The stronger the exfoliant, the less often you should use it. Oily, thicker skin may handle stronger chemical exfoliants than dry skin. Over-exfoliating causes redness and irritation AAD. We suggest starting once or twice a week and seeing how your skin feels.
A few rules keep it safe. Don’t exfoliate cuts, fresh shaving nicks, or sunburned skin. Don’t exfoliate while using retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, because it can dry your skin or cause breakouts. If your skin is acne-prone, skip harsh scrubs.
Acids like glycolic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen (FDA).
Anna's Note: For my own oily skin, toners, acidic essences and pads help the most. For our bodies, Artem and I both use the VT 7% Glycolic Reedle Shot Head-To-Toe Mist, every other day, and it works for him too.
Anna's and Artem's body mist
VT 7% Glycolic Reedle Shot Head-To-Toe Mist
Best fit: exfoliating the body, such as a rough or breakout-prone back, chest or arms, with an easy spray.
Watch: it has 7% glycolic acid. Wear sunscreen on sprayed skin. Skip it on freshly shaved, cut or irritated skin. Its ingredient list includes propolis and arnica, so patch test if you react to either.
Availability: hard to find in the US right now. We'll add a link when it's back.
Shaving With Oily or Breakout-Prone Skin
Shaving is part of skincare for most men. Done roughly, it adds irritation on top of oil. Dermatologists suggest these steps AAD:
- Wet your skin and hair first, then use a moisturizing shave cream.
- Shave in the direction the hair grows, and rinse the blade after each stroke.
- If you get bumps or irritation, try a single- or double-blade razor. Don’t pull your skin tight.
- Change blades every 5 to 7 shaves.
- Moisturize right after, while your skin is still damp.
Don't Forget Your Body
Oily skin on your face doesn’t mean oily skin everywhere. Hot showers, sweat and dry indoor air can leave your arms, legs and back feeling tight. Moisturize your body right after a shower, while your skin is still damp AAD.
It takes a minute. If your back or chest feels rough, see the VT body mist in the exfoliation section above. For more ideas, visit our body care page.
In Anna's home
Vaseline Advanced Repair Body Lotion
Best fit: very dry, rough skin and a budget-friendly big bottle. Its label says fragrance-free, with lipids, Vaseline Jelly and 0.5% pro-vitamin B5.
Watch: it's on the rich side. On an oily or breakout-prone back or chest, use a lighter lotion there.
Check on Amazon
Researched pick
iota Supermatcha Body Lotion+
Best fit: everyday body moisturizer after the shower. It's a light, non-sticky lotion with green tea, niacinamide and shea butter, and no added fragrance in its ingredient list.
Watch: it sells out often, so check stock before you plan around it.
Check on iota Trending pick, researched
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion
Best fit: dry body skin, if you like a scented lotion. The brand describes it as fast-absorbing and non-sticky, with hyaluronic acid and Brazil nut oil.
Watch: it has a strong sweet scent (Cheirosa 62, pistachio and salted caramel). Skip it if fragrance irritates your skin.
Check on AmazonOily Skin With Breakouts: What To Add
If you also get pimples, add one treatment at night. Three are sold without a prescription Mayo Clinic:
- Benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 10%) kills acne bacteria. It can dry the skin, and it bleaches towels and pillowcases.
- Adapalene (0.1% gel) is a retinoid that helps unclog pores. It can sting and dry at first.
- Salicylic acid (0.5% to 2%) helps unclog pores. It can sting a little.
Artem's breakout treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BPO Multi-Target Acne Treatment
Best fit: oily skin with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. It has 5.5% benzoyl peroxide. The brand says to start once a day.
Watch: it can dry or peel the skin, so cut back if it does. Keep it away from your eyes. Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric. Don't exfoliate the same areas while using it.
Check on AmazonStart with a low strength and use it less often at first. Acne may look worse before it gets better.
Give it two to three months. If nothing changes, see a doctor or dermatologist (Mayo Clinic). Our skincare routine for acne goes deeper.
Other Brands to Compare, by Step
Artem’s routine is one brand. If you’d rather mix brands, these are popular picks for oily skin. We haven’t used them ourselves. We chose them based on their labels and how often they’re recommended for oily skin.
Swipe left or right to view the full table on mobile.
| Step | Product | Why it suits oily skin | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face wash | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Made for normal to oily skin. Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free. | A plain, no-frills wash. Not a breakout treatment. |
| Moisturizer | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | Oil-free, non-comedogenic gel with hyaluronic acid. Feels light. | Contains fragrance. |
| Sunscreen | EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | 9% zinc oxide, oil-free, fragrance-free, made for acne-prone skin. Zinc is the filter dermatologists suggest for oily skin. | Pricier. Also contains octinoxate, a chemical filter. |
| Exfoliant | Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | 2% salicylic acid in a leave-on liquid, for clogged pores. | Start a few times a week. Don't stack it with other acids or benzoyl peroxide. |
| Breakouts | Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% | An over-the-counter retinoid that helps unclog pores and prevent new breakouts. | Can sting and dry at first. Use at night and wear sunscreen. Give it 2 to 3 months. |
Common Mistakes Men Make With Oily Skin
- Washing with bar soap or hot water.
- Washing too often. Twice a day and after sweating is enough.
- Skipping moisturizer, or using too little.
- Skipping sunscreen because it feels greasy. A light, invisible formula helps.
- Scrubbing hard, or using several acid products at once.
- Forgetting the body.
- Expecting results in a week. Acne treatments take two to three months.
My dad uses moisturizer and refuses anything else. He’s stubborn about it. If that sounds like someone you know, a moisturizer is a fine start. Add sunscreen next.
When To See a Dermatologist
See a board-certified dermatologist if oil, blackheads, or acne bother you and home care isn’t helping (AAD). Also go if an acne treatment hasn’t helped after two to three months (Mayo Clinic).
And see one about any spot or mole that itches, bleeds, or changes color (AAD).
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: Gentle, Simple and Every Day
So skincare routine for oily skin men doesn’t need to be harsh. It needs a gentle wash, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen every day. Add one treatment only if you get breakouts. Moisturize your body too. Then give it a few weeks before you judge.
If you change one thing this week, swap a harsh wash for a gentle one. Your skin will tell you the rest.
With care,
Anna
P.S. from Sushi: Mommy says men should wash their face twice a day, not ten times. Good thing I'm a lady. I wash all day, and I still look this good.
Safety Notes
This article is for general skincare education and isn’t medical advice. Patch test new products and add them one at a time. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide can irritate skin, especially when combined.
Glycolic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric. Stop using a product that causes a reaction. See a doctor for severe or lasting irritation, or for acne that doesn’t improve.
