Oily Skin-Care Tips for Men

Anyone can have oily skin, but men are known to have higher sebum production and larger pore size than women. To control the oiliness, building a routine with products like a toner, oil-free moisturizer and clay mask is key. Here, we rounded up the best skin-care tips for men with oily skin, plus product recommendations.

Oily Skin-Care Tip #1: Cleanse Your Skin Twice Daily

The first step in anyone’s skin-care routine should be to cleanse the skin, but it can be especially important for those with oily and acne-prone skin. The Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel is an effective yet non-drying option that contains ingredients like salicylic acid to treat and prevent acne. 

Oily Skin-Care Tip #2: Gently Exfoliate Your Skin Once or Twice a Week

Exfoliating can help remove impurities and dead surface skin cells that can clog pores, as well as help control excess sebum. Try an exfoliating scrub like the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub that’s specifically formulated for men’s skin. 

Oily Skin-Care Tip #3: Follow Up With Toner

Toner is designed to help balance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing, and a balanced complexion equals a less oily complexion. Most toners can also remove lingering impurities and residue to ensure your skin is truly clean as it can be. We like the Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner.

Oily Skin-Care Tip #4: Use Retinol

Use a retinol serum to help refine pores. The SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 also helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and promotes cell turnover. Just be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day if you’re using retinol because it does increase sun sensitivity. 

Oily Skin-Care Tip #5: Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer 

Everyone’s skin needs moisture, even oily skin types. When skin is dehydrated, you can experience a hypersecretion of oil. Plus, a strong moisture barrier can help keep acne-causing bacteria out of pores. Look for a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog pores or exacerbate greasiness. We like the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 because it’s hydrating yet has a lightweight, non-greasy feel.

Oily Skin-Care Tip #6: Purify With a Clay Mask

Clay can help purify pores and absorb excess oil. Try the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask. The formula combines Amazonian white clay with aloe extract to gently decongest pores, lift impurities and remove excess oil.

Oily Skin-Care Tip #7: Spot Treat Blemishes

We recommend keeping a spot treatment product handy to zap breakouts as soon as they appear. One of our favorites is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. Formulated with benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating LHA, it can help visibly reduce acne blemishes and deeply cleanse pores.

Photo: Jaun Miranda

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