How to cope with greasy/oily skin

Date: 22nd September 2026 Read time: 2.5 min

I have had very greasy skin since puberty. Back in the late 70s and early 80s, we were just told to wash your skin daily with soap and you should be ok. As new products came out during the 80s I changed to them, but was never told a routine of how to use them—I just had to guess. Then everyone said you had to moisturize your skin. Now for me that was a definite no-no; all it did was sit on top of it. So I just carried on with what I had.

One other thing I also assumed was that scrubbing the skin or washing your skin roughly would also help get into the pores and keep the skin clean. That, as it turns out, is also wrong. So here I am just about to hit 60 and decided to do some research and see where I have been going wrong. And yes, even at the age of nearly 60, I am still having problems—and that is even after menopause!

Hopefully this routine will help you see how and, more importantly, why this is a good way to look after very oily skin.

Breaking the Oil Cycle: A Simple, Shine-Free Skincare Routine

For years, the standard advice for oily skin was to scrub it aggressively and avoid moisturisers at all costs. We now know that this approach actually makes the problem worse. When oily skin is stripped of its natural moisture through harsh physical scrubbing or a lack of hydration, it panics. To protect itself, the skin triggers its sebaceous glands to produce even more oil, leaving you trapped in a continuous cycle of excess shine.

The secret to balancing an oily complexion is gentle treatment and the right kind of lightweight hydration. Here is a simple, effective daily routine to keep the shine away.

Step 1: The Gentle Cleanse (Morning & Evening)

What to use: A mild foaming or gel cleanser. If you struggle with breakouts or blackheads, look for one containing a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid.

How to do it: Splash your face with lukewarm water. Hot water strips the skin and triggers oil production. Dispense a small amount of cleanser and massage it in gentle circles for 60 seconds.

The Golden Rule: Ditch the abrasive cleansing brushes and physical scrubs. Use only your fingertips with very light pressure. Aggressive scrubbing destroys the skin's moisture barrier and guarantees a mid-day oil slick.

Step 2: The Clarifying Sweep (Morning & Evening)

What to use: A liquid astringent or exfoliating toner. 

How to do it: After gently patting your face dry with a clean towel, apply a few drops of the liquid to a cotton pad. Gently sweep it over your entire face. This removes any lingering impurities and helps dissolve trapped oil deep inside the pores without relying on harsh physical friction. Note: If your skin ever feels tight or stretched, reduce this step to once a day.

Step 3: The Essential Hydration (Morning & Evening)

What to use: An oil-free moisturiser, a water-based gel cream, or a mattifying lotion.

How to do it: Apply a pea-sized amount immediately after your toner, while your skin is still slightly damp. Applying it to damp skin locks the moisture in quickly. 

Why it matters: This is the most crucial step. By providing your face with lightweight, water-based hydration, you signal to your skin that it is safe and protected. This stops the panic-induced oil overproduction, leaving you with a comfortable, matte finish. If it is daytime, ensure your morning moisturiser contains SPF, or apply a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen as your final step.

Mid-Day Maintenance

If you experience a bit of shine during the afternoon, never wash your face a third time. Over-washing restarts the oil cycle. Instead, gently press oil-absorbing blotting papers over your forehead, nose, and chin to soak up the excess sebum without disturbing your skin barrier. A light dusting of translucent finishing powder in the morning can also help absorb oil as it emerges throughout the day.

Hopefully this routine will help you see how and also more importantly why this is a good way to look after a very oily skin.

The products from Avon that can help with this are: 

Click on the picture to take you to the product on the website.

Tags : #oily #greasy #skin #routine

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