For whom? Shiny skin, visible pores, prone to blemishes, gets oily quickly during the day.

Oily skin: what to do first?

Before layering products, observe. A shiny film on the T-zone, an irregular texture, visible pores, sometimes blackheads: all signs of sebaceous glands producing too much sebum. The causes are numerous—hormones, stress, heat, overly aggressive treatments. However, sebum is not an enemy: it is part of the hydrolipidic film that protects the epidermis. The goal is therefore not to eliminate it, but to mattify and preserve the balance of this skin type. To identify its origin, read our page understanding oily skin (causes, signs).

First rule: never strip the skin. Aggressive washing weakens the skin barrier, causes tightness, and eventually increases shine. Each step is more important than the number of bottles: light textures, simple gestures, and regularity—the beauty of clear skin primarily comes from consistency. This is the essence of the following method, designed for oily-prone skin.

Frequency: Twice a day; mask 1 to 2x/week.

Upon waking: four steps, in order

1. Face cleanser for oily skin

A gentle cleansing base, free of harsh sulfates, with a pH close to that of the skin: light foam or foaming gel. It removes excess sebum accumulated overnight without stripping. Massage the face for thirty seconds with lukewarm water—never hot—then rinse thoroughly.

2. Mattifying serum (niacinamide, zinc)

A few drops of a light aqueous concentrate are sufficient. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is known to refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores; zinc, for its mattifying effect. This targeted treatment is applied to clean skin.

3. Light hydration

A non-comedogenic fluid—aloe vera, hyaluronic acid—provides hydration without an occlusive effect. The texture absorbs quickly and leaves a fresh finish, pleasant under makeup or foundation.

4. Fluid sun protection

Essential, even when shiny: sun exposure visibly accentuates skin texture and spots. Choose an SPF with a dry touch, non-comedogenic, without forgetting the eye contour, where dark circles and spots become noticeable faster.

Evening: double cleansing and light care

Double cleansing without stripping

Remove makeup, SPF, and pollution in two steps: first a fine oil or micellar water to dissolve impurities, then the gentle foaming cleanser to perfect the gesture. This two-step makeup removal respects the epidermis more than a single vigorous pass.

Concentrate and comfort before bed

Repeat the morning duo: a few drops of the same concentrate, then a light emulsion. At night, the skin renews itself; an adapted treatment helps it maintain its comfort, without overload or rich cream.

Clay mask: 1 to 2 times a week

Kaolin and rhassoul capture excess sebum and impurities on the surface, for a visibly refined texture. Remove this weekly step after about ten minutes, before the clay cracks. Alternatively, a very gentle scrub or a BHA exfoliant—never on the same day.

Ingredients known for mattifying

The star active ingredients for oily skin care and beauty: vitamin B3 and zinc (mattifying effect, refined texture), kaolin and rhassoul (absorbent clays), tea tree, and salicylic acid, a BHA known to help unclog surface pores. Avoid highly comedogenic fatty substances; however, a light dry oil can be suitable, as we will see. For details on each active ingredient—usual concentration and tolerance—see our guide to the causes and active ingredients for oily skin.

Oil on oily skin? The case of prickly pear

The paradox is only apparent. Not all oils are equal: some, called "dry" oils, absorb quickly and leave a non-greasy finish. This is the case with prickly pear seed oil, rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and vitamin E, with a non-comedogenic profile. Applied at the very end of the evening—two to three drops of oil pressed onto the face—it is popular with combination to oily skin for the feeling of comfort it provides, without an oily film in the morning.

To understand this profile, we compare it to the two most common vegetable oils in cosmetics. What distinguishes an oil suitable for oily skin is primarily its richness in linoleic acid and its comedogenic index, on a scale of 0 (does not clog pores) to 5 (very occlusive):

Prickly pear has the highest linoleic acid content of the three—the fatty acid best tolerated by oily-prone skin—combined with one of the highest concentrations of vitamin E in the plant kingdom. Its rarity explains its price: it takes almost a ton of fruit to extract just one liter of oil. This is the active ingredient NOPAL LIFE has chosen as the signature for its formulas.

Mistakes that perpetuate shine

Rubbing hard, using too many stripping products or alcohol-based lotions: the most common reflex is also the most counterproductive. Aggressed, the epidermis reacts and oiliness increases—this is the rebound effect. The same logic applies to repeated exfoliation: beyond two sessions per week, acids and grains end up sensitizing the skin. Introduce one product at a time, and give each new product a few weeks to prove itself.

Hydrating oily skin without making it greasy

Dehydration is a typical pitfall for oily skin. Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer—aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid—rather than a rich texture. When well-hydrated, the skin is less likely to increase its sebum production to compensate; when dehydrated, it shows more—tired features, more visible dark circles under the eyes. Drink enough water, get enough sleep, monitor stress and diet: these common-sense tips preserve the face's balance and visibly complement skincare.

Adapting the routine: T-zone, age, men, women

The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is often the oiliest, while the cheeks and eye contour remain finer—dark circles are quickly visible there. If only the central area is shiny, reserve the clay for this part of the face. At any age, the skin evolves: more pronounced in adolescence due to hormones, shine often calms down after thirty; adjust treatments to your skin type and the current moment.

For men, shaving adds to the equation: gentle cleansing beforehand, light non-comedogenic care afterwards, and the same anti-stripping logic. For everyone, daily beauty routines remain identical: gentle cleansers, light moisturizer, sunscreen. Final advice: avoid excessive products and strong active ingredients, which can trigger sebum production; when done correctly, these steps reduce shine, blackheads, and minor imperfections in oily skin.

Associated needs: blemishes, pores, combination skin

Shine rarely comes alone, and our beauty tips complement each other. If breakouts dominate, our anti-blemish program extends these gestures. If skin texture concerns you, head to the enlarged pores page. And if only certain areas get oily, the combination skin routine will be more suitable. In case of persistent acne, a dermatologist's advice is paramount.

Pair with

Frequently asked questions

Cosmetic and educational content. In case of severe or persistent acne, consult a dermatologist.

Read next

• In what order should I apply my facial treatments?
• Oily Skin: Nopal Life Complete Guide
• What anti-aging facial routine morning and evening according to your age?
• Oily skin: mattify appearance and refine pores
• Oily or dry skin: how to tell? The simple test
• Take my free skin diagnostic (2 min)