Skincare Routine for Oily Skin UK: The Complete Guide
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin UK: The Complete Guide
Oily skin is one of the most misunderstood skin types. Many people with oily skin make the mistake of using harsh, stripping products to control shine — which actually triggers the skin to produce even more oil in response. The key to managing oily skin is not to strip it, but to balance it: providing the right lightweight hydration, supporting the skin barrier and using targeted ingredients that regulate sebum production without causing irritation.
This guide covers the causes of oily skin, the most effective ingredients, and how to build a complete morning and evening routine using Ammuri’s range.
What Causes Oily Skin?
- Genetics — oily skin is largely determined by genetics; some people naturally produce more sebum than others
- Hormones — androgens stimulate sebum production; hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy) can increase oiliness
- Over-cleansing or harsh products — stripping the skin of its natural oils triggers compensatory sebum overproduction
- Humidity — warm, humid conditions increase sebum production
- Diet — high-glycaemic foods and dairy may contribute to increased sebum production in some people
The Most Important Ingredients for Oily Skin
- Niacinamide — regulates sebum production, minimises the appearance of pores and evens skin tone; one of the most effective ingredients for oily skin
- Retinol — accelerates cell turnover, helps to keep pores clear and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores over time
- Aloe vera — provides lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration without adding oil or heaviness
- Vitamin C + SPF — lightweight SPF protection and brightening; essential for all skin types including oily
What to Avoid With Oily Skin
- Heavy, occlusive moisturisers — thick creams can clog pores and worsen oiliness
- Harsh foaming cleansers with sulphates — strip the skin and trigger compensatory oil production
- Alcohol-based toners — temporarily reduce shine but worsen oiliness over time by disrupting the skin barrier
- Skipping moisturiser — dehydrated oily skin produces more oil; lightweight hydration is essential
Your Complete Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Morning Routine
Step 1: Gentle, Balancing Cleanser
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser suited to oily skin. Avoid harsh sulphate-based foaming cleansers that strip the skin’s natural oils and trigger compensatory sebum production.
Step 2: Niacinamide Serum — The Oily Skin Essential
Ammuri’s Niacinamide 10% Brightening Elixir is one of the most effective ingredients for oily skin. At 10%, it helps to regulate sebum production, visibly minimise pores and even skin tone — making it a cornerstone of any oily skin routine.
Step 3: Aloe Vera Gel (Lightweight Moisturiser)
Ammuri’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel is ideal for oily skin as a lightweight moisturising step. It provides the hydration oily skin needs without adding oil or heaviness, and its non-comedogenic formula will not clog pores.
Step 4: Vitamin C SPF50 Day Cream
Ammuri’s Vitamin C SPF50 Day Cream provides broad-spectrum UV protection alongside vitamin C brightening. Its lightweight texture is well-suited to oily skin as a combined SPF and moisturiser step.
Shop Vitamin C SPF50 Day Cream →
Evening Routine
Step 1: Thorough Cleanse
Remove SPF, excess sebum and the day’s buildup. A gentle gel cleanser works well for oily skin in the evening. Double cleansing with an oil cleanser first is effective for removing SPF without stripping the skin.
Step 2: Niacinamide Serum
Apply Ammuri’s Niacinamide 10% Brightening Elixir again. Evening use supports overnight barrier repair and continued sebum regulation.
Step 3: Retinol Serum (3–4 Nights Per Week)
Retinol is particularly beneficial for oily skin as it accelerates cell turnover, helps to keep pores clear and reduces their appearance over time. Start with 2.5% and build up gradually.
Step 4: Aloe Vera Gel
Apply a light layer of Ammuri’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel after retinol. For oily skin, this lightweight step provides sufficient overnight hydration without heaviness.
Oily Skin Routine at a Glance
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanser | Thorough cleanse |
| 2 | Niacinamide 10% Elixir | Niacinamide 10% Elixir |
| 3 | Organic Aloe Vera Gel | Retinol 2.5% or 3.5% (3–4 nights) |
| 4 | Vitamin C SPF50 Day Cream | Aloe Vera Gel (light layer) |
Start With the Beginner Bundle
Shop Beginner Retinol Routine Bundle →
Frequently Asked Questions
Should oily skin use moisturiser?
Yes — oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can cause the skin to produce more oil to compensate. The key is to choose lightweight, non-comedogenic options such as Ammuri’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel rather than heavy creams.
Is niacinamide good for oily skin?
Yes — niacinamide is one of the most effective ingredients for oily skin. At 10%, it helps to regulate sebum production, visibly minimise pores and even skin tone. It is suitable for daily use morning and evening.
Can oily skin use retinol?
Yes — retinol is particularly beneficial for oily skin as it accelerates cell turnover and helps to keep pores clear. Oily skin often tolerates retinol better than dry or sensitive skin types. Start with 2.5% and build up gradually.
Why does my oily skin feel dehydrated?
Oily skin can be dehydrated — this is known as oily-dehydrated skin. It occurs when the skin lacks water (not oil) due to a compromised barrier or harsh skincare products. Lightweight hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and niacinamide help to address this without adding oiliness.
Does SPF make oily skin worse?
Some SPF formulas can feel heavy or greasy on oily skin. Ammuri’s Vitamin C SPF50 Day Cream has a lightweight texture that is well-suited to oily skin and does not contribute to excess shine.
How do I reduce shine throughout the day?
Using niacinamide consistently morning and evening is one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing shine. For immediate shine control, blotting papers are a gentle option that does not disrupt your SPF.
Related Articles
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- Skincare Routine for Dry Skin UK
- Skincare Layering: The Correct Order to Apply Your Products
- How to Start Using Retinol Without Irritating Your Skin
- Best Skincare Routine for Beginners UK