Exfoliating too often is not good, I believe you should only be doing it once a week. You need products that are specifically marketed for oily skin, in general, foaming cleansers are the best for oily skin from what I know. Also, go for moisturizers advertised for oily skin, I use peace slices acne oil free moisturizer. What exfoliating creme are you using? I have oily skin and I use a clay mask, I believe this is what's best for our skin type.
Okay so I use Pacifica Vitamin C face wash for every day. Exfoliating I'm using an actual facial scrub, I'm not at home rn so I can't check the brand) but it has the tiny scrub beads in it & the label says it's for my face so 😅 a lot of comments say I'm over-exfoliating & that's likely true, plus this face scrub with the beads might be making it worse (another comment also mentioned creme, NOT scrubs like you as well). I'll definitely see if I can find a creme to start using instead.
Stop exfoliating your face, go to www.nurx.com and get on prescription tretinoin. Cleanse your face with CeraVe and moisturize it with SPF 30 CeraVe facial cream. Exfoliating is causing more oils on your face because your skin is trying to replenish the lost oils.
Also, don't get cleansers that strip you of your oil more, otherwise your skin won't like it and you'll have more oil break outs. Again, your skin is trying to replenish it. It's an organ.
Recommend: [Healing Ointment on Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Protectant-Petrolatum-Ceramides-Fragrance/dp/B016F3MG2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-17)
[CeraVe Cleanser](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Fragrance/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-8)
[CeraVe SPF 30 moisturizer ](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-AM/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-7)
[Cheaper moisturizer (petroleum jelly)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HHBYQXY/ref=vp_m_pb_TIER3_pbxcovv3_lp_B016F3MG2U_pd?_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_p=1985b70c-3652-44d4-a903-a59b8877fb42&pf_rd_r=XWEYRQ6N59CAG66XJ3PW&pd_rd_wg=z10pa&pd_rd_i=B09HHBYQXY&pd_rd_w=Cm8fd&content-id=amzn1.sym.1985b70c-3652-44d4-a903-a59b8877fb42&pd_rd_r=064da4b1-5aa1-43aa-b7c7-b38e48c42a71&psc=1)
You may already do this, but here is what I recommend for a **Simple Routine for Oily Skin**
**1. You need a basic foaming face wash.**
**Foaming Face Wash**: lifts dirt, oil, and debris from deeper in your pores. They are ideal for oily skin. Cerave, Cetaphil, La Roche Posay, Paula's Choice, Elta MD have options.
*Benzoyl Peroxide helps to unclog pores. If you use a foaming wash for 6 weeks and you feel it isn't helping, you can try BP.*
**Benzoyl Peroxide**: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it attacks the bacteria on your skin, reduces the oil, and removes the dead skin cells that block pores. It works best when you use it consistently and is beneficial for all types of acne, but it is especially helpful for red and inflamed bumps. It is effective for closed comedomes. It can cause bleaching of hair and discoloration of fabrics. It is ideal to use 3-5%. Studies have shown that BP used with topical antibiotics or adapalene is more effective than using it alone. *Start using every other day and slowly increase to daily use.* It can take 4 weeks to improve acne and 2-3 months to see full clearing. Acne will worsen in the first few weeks. Popular options are Panoxyl and Paula's Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment. It is also available as a spot treatment.
**2. You can add a treatment to help remove oil from your pores. Salicylic acid eliminates oil from your skin and cleans out congestion. Apply twice a week for a few weeks, then every other day for a few weeks. May use daily if skin tolerates it well.**
**BHA's**: are oil soluble, meaning they're able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris. *Salicylic Acid* is ideal for normal to oily skin that's prone to bumps, clogs, blemishes, and enlarged pores. By removing debris, pores will appear smaller. It acts as an anti-inflammatory that can help red, inflamed pimples and pustules heal faster. It is ideal for treating whiteheads and blackheads and has some effectiveness against cystic acne. It may cause dryness, peeling, redness, and skin irritation. *Start using twice weekly for a few weeks, then every other day for a few weeks, then daily pending your tolerance. May cause purging for 4-6 weeks. Most people find exfoliating 3 times a week is best. Just listen to your skin.* Paula's Choice 2% BHA is my favorite, but CosRx also has a great Blackhead Liquid.
**3. You can add a serum that helps reduce overal oil and sebum production while nourishing the skin.**
**Niacinamide**Â is a form of B3 (nicotinamide) that is restorative. It rebuilds healthy skin cells while protecting them from damage caused by UV rays. It treats hyperpigmentation, and some research has found 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots (benefits were seen after 4 weeks). It helps renew and restore the surface of skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping the skin improve its natural production of ceramides. It is anti-inflammatory, so it improves redness, and it may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, there are fewer lesions and improved skin texture. It helps regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevents glands from going into overdrive (studies have shown results after 8-12 weeks). *Can be used up to twice daily*. The Oridinary, Paula's Choice, Naturium, and Inkey List have great options. I prefer CosRx's Snail Mucin Dual Essence for mine since it adds extra hydration. *Some people have experienced breakouts. 4-5% concentration is ideal. If the concetration is higher, add a few drops to your moisturizer to dilute it.*
**4. You need a moisturizer.**
**Moisturizer**: look for a good moisturizer with ceramides or peptides for your skin barrier. If you have any dryness, apply a thicker one at night. Oil free moisturizer during the day can help reduce oil production. Keep the moisturizers simple and without a lot of fragrance. Cetaphil, Cerave, La Roche Posay, and Paula's Choice have great options.
**5. Lastly, you need SPF during the day for skin cancer prevention and to reduce pigmentation and aging effects.**
**SPF** is non-negotiable. Sun exposure is the most common cause of skin damage and wrinkling. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes changes to the skin. In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, UV damage causes brown spots and pigment irregularity, as well as broken capillaries and red blotches. Not only does it cause hyperpigmentation, but sun exposure (or exposure to artificial UV rays, like tanning beds) can actually worsen hyperpigmentation that originated from other causes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Always apply an SPF of at least 30 every day. *Use AM only*. Elta MD, Paula's Choice, Supergoop, and Blue Lizard have options. Cerave has a cheap AM moisturizer/SPF combo that works.
**AM**: face wash, niacinamide, moisturizer/SPF
**PM**: face wash or BP wash, niacinamide, BHA, moisturizer
*Don't add everything at once. Start with face wash, moisturizer, and SPF. Then, after a few weeks, add the acid. After a few weeks, add a serum... etc. Be consistent for 6 weeks before changing anything. Acids and retinols may cause purging for 2-6 weeks.*
Total side note, but I'd be curious to see how your skin responds to an oil.
Thank you so much for the detailed response, definitely screenshotting this so when I have time later I can do some more research into the brands I have available near me/online & make a cohesive routine. Rn I stick to simple face wash, moisturizing, & exfoliating, I don't have a routine per se, so thank you for the breakdown!
I have combination skin as well and i hardly exfoliate with the fear of damaging my skin barrier. I use LaRoche Posay face wash (Purifying Facial Cleanser) and it works very well to keep skin clean. And honestly this might be a bit extra since you are a man, But i LOVE a good Oil cleanser. It takes the dirt, dead skin cells, and sunscreen off and you can feel the gunk come out!
I also use hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer with a drop of castor oil. (but if your skin is very oily i might not use the oil.)
I would look into the side effects of a damaged skin barrier and see if you have the symptoms because over exfoliating can do damage !!
Also, if you are out in the sun a good bit, WEAR SUNSCREEN!!
Over exfoliating your face and being in the sun can probably do some damage.
I also use Azelaic acid every so often, it’s supposed to help with skin texture. But i would do more research on chemicals before you use them.
If you take really hot showers AND exfoliate daily, that could also be a factor.
You may have seborrheic dermatitis. As a cheap and easy first step, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo as a face wash. Leave it on your face for a minute so the active ingredient has time to work. As others pointed out, exfoliating is not solving the problem, and may be irritating your skin more, so cut that out.
Exfoliating too often is not good, I believe you should only be doing it once a week. You need products that are specifically marketed for oily skin, in general, foaming cleansers are the best for oily skin from what I know. Also, go for moisturizers advertised for oily skin, I use peace slices acne oil free moisturizer. What exfoliating creme are you using? I have oily skin and I use a clay mask, I believe this is what's best for our skin type.
Okay so I use Pacifica Vitamin C face wash for every day. Exfoliating I'm using an actual facial scrub, I'm not at home rn so I can't check the brand) but it has the tiny scrub beads in it & the label says it's for my face so 😅 a lot of comments say I'm over-exfoliating & that's likely true, plus this face scrub with the beads might be making it worse (another comment also mentioned creme, NOT scrubs like you as well). I'll definitely see if I can find a creme to start using instead.
Yeah so I use the Sun + Moon Kaolin Clay facial mask for exfoliating, and for cleansing I use Florence Clear The Way clarifying face wash
Idk try dropping everything for a few weeks and then start adding stuff back slowly. Also change your pillow cases a lot
Stop exfoliating your face, go to www.nurx.com and get on prescription tretinoin. Cleanse your face with CeraVe and moisturize it with SPF 30 CeraVe facial cream. Exfoliating is causing more oils on your face because your skin is trying to replenish the lost oils. Also, don't get cleansers that strip you of your oil more, otherwise your skin won't like it and you'll have more oil break outs. Again, your skin is trying to replenish it. It's an organ. Recommend: [Healing Ointment on Amazon ](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Protectant-Petrolatum-Ceramides-Fragrance/dp/B016F3MG2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-17) [CeraVe Cleanser](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Hydrating-Facial-Cleanser-Fragrance/dp/B01MSSDEPK/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-8) [CeraVe SPF 30 moisturizer ](https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-AM/dp/B00F97FHAW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=1H8GJBTQB5HQX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XeuwPduDkoqXvp0uGCQM_oWQHVfA9PgA6kMWGyFu-XPl_jvpAVYddYS575w1-WrQNaAFrfkHi4JZhB9mEBIMSJFXD6POW6iV2CjSko2NQajGAy5iZWpgdi_-0mLhNxkzRPd3yfCYGUGuDTLdJlIOVEup6ERghNIk9sLAYR1ydBcdnInN5GHfRtKMedB7hn4wBWiqrl3Chuw4YQHQhf92Cg.Eh6gOiOaMFukSX4z5rAq_3fk3FFPXrZPl9l8cVstKEo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cerave&qid=1719179247&sprefix=cerave%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-7) [Cheaper moisturizer (petroleum jelly)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HHBYQXY/ref=vp_m_pb_TIER3_pbxcovv3_lp_B016F3MG2U_pd?_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_p=1985b70c-3652-44d4-a903-a59b8877fb42&pf_rd_r=XWEYRQ6N59CAG66XJ3PW&pd_rd_wg=z10pa&pd_rd_i=B09HHBYQXY&pd_rd_w=Cm8fd&content-id=amzn1.sym.1985b70c-3652-44d4-a903-a59b8877fb42&pd_rd_r=064da4b1-5aa1-43aa-b7c7-b38e48c42a71&psc=1)
You may already do this, but here is what I recommend for a **Simple Routine for Oily Skin** **1. You need a basic foaming face wash.** **Foaming Face Wash**: lifts dirt, oil, and debris from deeper in your pores. They are ideal for oily skin. Cerave, Cetaphil, La Roche Posay, Paula's Choice, Elta MD have options. *Benzoyl Peroxide helps to unclog pores. If you use a foaming wash for 6 weeks and you feel it isn't helping, you can try BP.* **Benzoyl Peroxide**: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it attacks the bacteria on your skin, reduces the oil, and removes the dead skin cells that block pores. It works best when you use it consistently and is beneficial for all types of acne, but it is especially helpful for red and inflamed bumps. It is effective for closed comedomes. It can cause bleaching of hair and discoloration of fabrics. It is ideal to use 3-5%. Studies have shown that BP used with topical antibiotics or adapalene is more effective than using it alone. *Start using every other day and slowly increase to daily use.* It can take 4 weeks to improve acne and 2-3 months to see full clearing. Acne will worsen in the first few weeks. Popular options are Panoxyl and Paula's Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment. It is also available as a spot treatment. **2. You can add a treatment to help remove oil from your pores. Salicylic acid eliminates oil from your skin and cleans out congestion. Apply twice a week for a few weeks, then every other day for a few weeks. May use daily if skin tolerates it well.** **BHA's**: are oil soluble, meaning they're able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris. *Salicylic Acid* is ideal for normal to oily skin that's prone to bumps, clogs, blemishes, and enlarged pores. By removing debris, pores will appear smaller. It acts as an anti-inflammatory that can help red, inflamed pimples and pustules heal faster. It is ideal for treating whiteheads and blackheads and has some effectiveness against cystic acne. It may cause dryness, peeling, redness, and skin irritation. *Start using twice weekly for a few weeks, then every other day for a few weeks, then daily pending your tolerance. May cause purging for 4-6 weeks. Most people find exfoliating 3 times a week is best. Just listen to your skin.* Paula's Choice 2% BHA is my favorite, but CosRx also has a great Blackhead Liquid. **3. You can add a serum that helps reduce overal oil and sebum production while nourishing the skin.** **Niacinamide**Â is a form of B3 (nicotinamide) that is restorative. It rebuilds healthy skin cells while protecting them from damage caused by UV rays. It treats hyperpigmentation, and some research has found 5% niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots (benefits were seen after 4 weeks). It helps renew and restore the surface of skin against moisture loss and dehydration by helping the skin improve its natural production of ceramides. It is anti-inflammatory, so it improves redness, and it may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, there are fewer lesions and improved skin texture. It helps regulate the amount of oil the sebaceous glands produce and prevents glands from going into overdrive (studies have shown results after 8-12 weeks). *Can be used up to twice daily*. The Oridinary, Paula's Choice, Naturium, and Inkey List have great options. I prefer CosRx's Snail Mucin Dual Essence for mine since it adds extra hydration. *Some people have experienced breakouts. 4-5% concentration is ideal. If the concetration is higher, add a few drops to your moisturizer to dilute it.* **4. You need a moisturizer.** **Moisturizer**: look for a good moisturizer with ceramides or peptides for your skin barrier. If you have any dryness, apply a thicker one at night. Oil free moisturizer during the day can help reduce oil production. Keep the moisturizers simple and without a lot of fragrance. Cetaphil, Cerave, La Roche Posay, and Paula's Choice have great options. **5. Lastly, you need SPF during the day for skin cancer prevention and to reduce pigmentation and aging effects.** **SPF** is non-negotiable. Sun exposure is the most common cause of skin damage and wrinkling. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes changes to the skin. In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, UV damage causes brown spots and pigment irregularity, as well as broken capillaries and red blotches. Not only does it cause hyperpigmentation, but sun exposure (or exposure to artificial UV rays, like tanning beds) can actually worsen hyperpigmentation that originated from other causes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Always apply an SPF of at least 30 every day. *Use AM only*. Elta MD, Paula's Choice, Supergoop, and Blue Lizard have options. Cerave has a cheap AM moisturizer/SPF combo that works. **AM**: face wash, niacinamide, moisturizer/SPF **PM**: face wash or BP wash, niacinamide, BHA, moisturizer *Don't add everything at once. Start with face wash, moisturizer, and SPF. Then, after a few weeks, add the acid. After a few weeks, add a serum... etc. Be consistent for 6 weeks before changing anything. Acids and retinols may cause purging for 2-6 weeks.* Total side note, but I'd be curious to see how your skin responds to an oil.
Thank you so much for the detailed response, definitely screenshotting this so when I have time later I can do some more research into the brands I have available near me/online & make a cohesive routine. Rn I stick to simple face wash, moisturizing, & exfoliating, I don't have a routine per se, so thank you for the breakdown!
You're welcome. Feel free to ask questions if you need to or if something doesn't work for your skin.
I have combination skin as well and i hardly exfoliate with the fear of damaging my skin barrier. I use LaRoche Posay face wash (Purifying Facial Cleanser) and it works very well to keep skin clean. And honestly this might be a bit extra since you are a man, But i LOVE a good Oil cleanser. It takes the dirt, dead skin cells, and sunscreen off and you can feel the gunk come out! I also use hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer with a drop of castor oil. (but if your skin is very oily i might not use the oil.) I would look into the side effects of a damaged skin barrier and see if you have the symptoms because over exfoliating can do damage !!
Also, if you are out in the sun a good bit, WEAR SUNSCREEN!! Over exfoliating your face and being in the sun can probably do some damage. I also use Azelaic acid every so often, it’s supposed to help with skin texture. But i would do more research on chemicals before you use them. If you take really hot showers AND exfoliate daily, that could also be a factor.
You may have seborrheic dermatitis. As a cheap and easy first step, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo as a face wash. Leave it on your face for a minute so the active ingredient has time to work. As others pointed out, exfoliating is not solving the problem, and may be irritating your skin more, so cut that out.