How To Build A Skincare Routine For Oily Skin In India

Learn how to create a skincare regimen for oily skin in India with simple steps you can take each day, a few of the best products to use, and even how to prevent it from getting oily naturally.

By NDTV Shopping Staff Published On: Jun 06, 2026 03:02 PM IST Last Updated On: Jun 06, 2026 03:02 PM IST

Oily skin can be even more challenging to handle in India due to humidity, sweat, pollution and long summer days. Your skin is bright and clear one minute, and a few hours later, you find yourself with a glistening T-zone, your make-up has started to slide, and your breakouts are starting to turn up.

Learn simple steps and find the best products to manage oily skin naturally every day.

Learn simple steps and find the best products to manage oily skin naturally every day.
Photo Credit: Learn simple steps and find the best products to manage oily skin naturally every day.

The wonderful thing about oily skin is that it doesn't require the use of harsh scrubs or a whole host of products. It normally requires a balance. The right skincare routine can help keep excess oil in check, minimise the appearance of acne, and keep skin health looking its best without stripping it. This article explains how to create a step-by-step skincare regimen for oily skin in India, some common mistakes to avoid, and some products that you should check out.

Also Read: How To Choose The Right Cleanser For Oily Skin | 10 Expert Tips And Recommendations

How To Start A Daily Skincare Routine For Oily Skin

It is advisable to use a good facial cleanser that moisturises. You should use a good facial cleansing gel that contains moisturising ingredients.

When it comes to oily skin, it's important to find a skincare regimen that's balancing rather than too harsh on the skin. In India, humidity, pollution, and perspiration often cause the skin to feel greasy all day, which is why it's important to select light, non-stripping skin products.

Step 1: Begin With A Gentle Cleanser

A gentle cleanser will help eliminate oils, sweat, dirt, and excess sunscreen that accumulate during the day. Gel-based face washes are generally easier to apply to oily skin in the summer in India when the weather is humid.

Step 2: Use A Lightweight Toner

If you have oily skin, you can use a toner to refresh your skin and to get rid of any traces of cleanser. Alcohol-based toners typically do not work as well as lightweight formulas comprised of ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea or rose water.

Step 3: Choose An Oil-Free Moisturiser

If you feel your skin is greasy, many people feel that it's unnecessary to use moisturiser, but this typically causes dehydration and makes your skin feel even more oily. The dryness can cause the skin to overproduce oil to make up for it.

Step 4: Wear Sunscreen Every Single Day

One area of skin care that many people with oily skin neglect is applying sunscreen, but there are many sunscreen products that actually feel, or are, heavy or sticky. However, prolonged sun exposure will cause acne marks, tanning and pigmentation to worsen.

What Treatment Products Can Help Oily Skin?

After you've settled into your simple skin care regimen, begin to introduce new products which address particular skin issues such as blackheads, enlarged pores, and acne. But too much of several active ingredients can cause a barrage of skin irritation.

Step 1: Add A Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide is a favourite ingredient for oily skin, as it controls excess oil and promotes healthier skin. It may also help to minimise the look of enlarged pores over the long term.

Once the product has been applied, follow the instructions by applying salicylic acid carefully.

Step 2: Use Salicylic Acid Carefully

Salicylic acid works to unclog pores and soothe any blackheads and/or acne formations. This ingredient is particularly beneficial for dry and oily skin and acne-prone skin, as it shrinks the pores from within.

How Weekly Skincare Habits Can Support Oily Skin

Although it's important to take care of your skin every day, certain weekly skincare habits can help maintain healthy skin even if you have oily skin. The additional steps primarily aim at minimising buildup while avoiding over-drying.

Step 1: Exfoliate Gently Once A Week

Exfoliation will help to peel away dead skin cells and help to clear up clogged pores. Chemical exfoliants tend to be the preferred choice over the use of harsh scrubs since they do not tend to be as abrasive.

Step 2: Try A Clay Mask Occasionally

In humid weather, clay masks can absorb excess oil and help to freshen up the skin. They are also beneficial to individuals who have difficulty getting rid of their blocked pores around the nose or forehead region.

Common Mistakes People With Oily Skin Often Make

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using harsh products in an attempt to completely remove oil from the skin. Strong scrubs, over-cleansing, and layering too many acne treatments can actually damage the skin barrier.

Step 1: Avoid Switching Products Too Frequently

Most skin care products have to wait for a while before they can reveal their results. Frequently changing products on a daily basis may lead to skin irritation and confusion about what works and what doesn't.

Step 2: Avoid Over-Exfoliating The Skin

Frequent use of scrubs or exfoliating acids could irritate or make skin more vulnerable. Many folks think that they'll get the oiliness off their hands quicker by scrubbing harder, but that typically doesn't work.

Does Diet And Lifestyle Affect Oily Skin?

Step 1: Build Skin-Friendly Daily Habits

Practising good skin care habits, such as getting a good night's sleep, keeping well-hydrated and avoiding repeated contact with your face, can help improve the health of your skin in the long run. Stress management is another way of making sure that there aren't any sudden eruptions of acne.

Step 2: Maintain A Balanced Diet

For some, eating refined foods and too much sugary food is a culprit for acne breakouts. By adding fresh fruits, vegetables and ample water to your schedule, you can help to keep your skin healthy.

Discover how to treat oily skin daily using the best products and natural prevention tips.

Discover how to treat oily skin daily using the best products and natural prevention tips.
Photo Credit: Amazon

Consider what your skin really needs and choose products that can provide the desired benefits. For oily skin, keep things minimal yet effective. Remember that a good diet and lifestyle habits can change the game. And with the right skincare regime, you can keep sweat and oil at bay.

Some Skincare Products You May Like

1. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

2. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash

3. Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner

4. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum

5. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser

6. Dot & Key Cica Niacinamide Oil-Free Moisturiser

7. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

8. Re'equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many times should oily skin be washed in a day?

Cleanses oily skin twice a day and ensures that it isn't too dirty. Overwashing can remove the natural oils from the skin and increase oiliness.

2. Is oily skin more prone to acne?

Yes, oily skin has the ability to clog pores more easily, which leads to a higher risk of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

3. Can oily skin skip moisturiser in summer?

No, that doesn't mean you have to add moisture to oily skin. A light gel moisturiser can be used to help maintain balance and does not feel greasy.

4. Which ingredients are best for oily skin?

Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil are popular ingredients used for problematic acne and oily skin.

5. Is sunscreen necessary for oily skin indoors?

Yes, even in the house, particularly when you are exposed to the sun through windows or spend a lot of time watching screens during the day. 



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