Helpful Tips for Managing an Oily T-Zone

If you have oily or combination skin, chances are you’ve dealt with an oily T-zone at one point or another. The bad news is the T-zone is a hot spot for excess shine, clogged pores and blackheads. The good news is that there are ways to combat this and restore your skin’s balance. Ahead, find our favorite skin-care tips to help with an oily T-zone. 

Tip #1: Use the Right Cleanser

The first step in caring for your skin is finding the right face wash. The goal is to remove impurities, dirt and of course, excess shine on your T-zone, without eliminating your skin’s natural oils. If you have an oily T-zone accompanied by dry cheeks, it’s especially important that your cleanser doesn’t dry out the rest of your facial skin further. For a mild, mattifying cleanser that won’t strip your skin dry, we recommend the Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel. Stick to a cleansing schedule of twice per day, once in the morning and once at night, as cleansing any more than that can cause your skin to dry out.

Tip #2: Follow With an Oil-Free Moisturizer

An oily T-zone indicates excess sebum production, but that’s no reason to skip moisturizer. No matter your skin type, it needs daily hydration. That said, finding a moisturizer that can hydrate dry areas and mattify oily areas is tricky. We recommend a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat. Apply the formula sparingly on your T-zone for long-lasting hydration without leaving your skin oily. 

Tip #3: Blot Excess Oil Away 

If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of that midday shine on your T-zone threatening to ruin your makeup. To sop up excess oil and reduce shine in a pinch — without ruining your carefully-crafted beat — reach for blotting papers. Pop a pack in your handbag and you’re all set for on-the-go touch-ups throughout the day as needed. Our favorite blotting papers are from NYX Professional Makeup. 

Tip #4: Multi-Masking Is Your Friend

Clay masks are a fan-favorite for those with oily complexions as they can help mattify the skin and address clogged pores. If you have combination skin with dry cheeks, try the multi-masking approach and apply a hydrating face mask onto your cheeks and a pore-cleansing one to your T-zone. This allows you to make the most of your masking session by targeting the different areas of your skin based on your specific needs.

Tip #5: Be Picky With Your Makeup

Just like finding the right cleanser and moisturizer is key, using the proper cosmetics is also important. When you’re ready to apply your makeup, start with a primer that can help reduce excess shine. We like Urban Decay De-Slick Complexion Primer. For foundation, mattifying formulas are a great option for oily skin types. If your skin is still looking a little too shiny for your liking, dab a setting or pressed powder onto your T-zone to diminish any lingering sheen. Pro tip: Keep powder in your bag, along with blotting papers, for touch-ups throughout the day.

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