How To Identify Oily Skin? 4 Skincare Mistakes To Avoid + 5 Effective Skincare Tips

Oily skin produces more sebum than other skin types, which makes it more prone to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, and its condition tends to fluctuate more easily. While oily skin is mainly determined by genetics, with proper care, it is still possible to achieve smooth, refined skin. In this article, we’ll explore common issues faced by oily skin, what defines it, how to identify if you have oily skin, proper skincare routines, and even a professional treatment that targets acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. If this sounds like something you need—read on!

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Must-know Basics: Characteristics of Oily Skin and Its Common Issues

Skin types generally fall into four categories: dry, normal, oily, and sensitive. Among them, oily skin tends to face the most issues, which can be frustrating. But oily skin is more than just an oily T-zone. It’s characterized by overactive sebaceous glands, with excess oil often concentrated around the forehead and nose. This leads to shine, enlarged pores, thickened skin, and a dull complexion.

That said, oily skin isn’t all bad—it tends to be more elastic and alkaline, meaning it’s less prone to aging. Women with oily skin often maintain a more youthful appearance.

Oily skin typically has a pH value between 5.6 and 6.6, making it more likely to attract pollutants and dust. If not cleansed properly, it can trigger skin sensitivity. Adolescents are especially affected due to increased sebum production, which clogs pores and leads to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Common issues linked to oily skin include breakouts, clogged pores, rough texture, and imbalanced moisture levels.

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Why Oily Skin Becomes Worse in Summer

Sebum production increases by about 10% for every 1°C rise in temperature. On top of that, androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, which is why women often feel even oilier in the summer months.

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How to Identify If You Have Oily Skin

By now, you might be wondering if you actually have oily skin. To know for sure, try this simple test:

After washing your face at night, skip all skincare products and leave your skin bare until the next morning. This allows your skin to return to its natural state for an accurate assessment.

In the morning, before washing your face, check the condition of your T-zone (forehead, nose, mouth, and chin):

• Both T-zone and cheeks feel dry or tight
• T-zone feels balanced, cheeks are soft and supple
• T-zone is oily, cheeks remain dry
• T-zone slightly oily, cheeks dry
• T-zone and cheeks both feel noticeably oily

If the last description applies to you, you most likely have oily skin. Oily skin is usually easy to identify because even areas beyond the T-zone tend to be shiny. If not properly cleansed, excess sebum and dead skin cells build up, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and blackheads.

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4 Skincare Products Oily Skin Should Avoid

Even though oily skin is more prone to problems, avoiding these four types of products can help prevent clogged pores and breakouts:

1. Heavy Ointments Containing Mineral Oil

Heavy, greasy ointments can clog pores, exacerbating acne and blackheads. Opt for lightweight, water- or gel-based moisturizers. Look for labels with “Noncomedogenic,” which means the product won’t clog pores.

2. Alcohol-based Products

Some toners and cleansers contain alcohol to remove excess oil. However, long-term use can damage your skin’s barrier, causing dryness, redness, and sensitivity—and may even trigger more acne.

3. Physical Exfoliants

Using harsh scrubs, like those with large granules or Dead Sea mud, can damage the skin’s surface and increase sensitivity. Overuse can thin the skin, weaken its defense, and worsen oiliness and irritation.

4. Hair Styling Products

Hair waxes and sprays, especially when misapplied directly to the scalp, can block follicles, increasing oil production and leading to scalp acne.

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5 Proper Skincare Tips for Oily Skin

To truly address oily skin concerns like acne and blackheads, here are 5 essential skincare practices:

1. Control Your Cleansing Routine

Use a mildly alkaline cleanser and wash your face twice a day—morning and night. Adjust pressure based on skin area: gently massage the oilier T-zone and lightly cleanse the drier cheeks. Use water close to your skin temperature (ideally 20–30°C) to avoid stripping the natural skin barrier.

2. Choose Oil-Controlling and Hydrating Products

Even in humid weather like Hong Kong’s summer, opt for lightweight, oil-controlling skincare. Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or alcohol. Instead, look for ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, green tea, and grape extracts to balance oil and moisture.

3. Use Sunscreen

Many oily skin types avoid sunscreen fearing more breakouts. But sun damage can dry out the skin, increase oil production, and worsen pigmentation. Choose non-comedogenic, lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreens to protect your skin without clogging pores.

4. Watch Your Diet

What you eat affects your skin. Avoid greasy, sugary foods, as they can stimulate oil production and trigger breakouts. Instead, eat water-rich fruits and high-fiber foods, and incorporate vitamins B and E to help detoxify and stabilize your skin.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep disrupts hormone balance, including adrenaline levels, which can throw off your skin’s oil production. This leads to enlarged pores and a dull, rough complexion.

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3 Common Myths About Oily Skin

Myth 1: Oily skin requires frequent washing and exfoliating

No, washing twice daily is enough. Over-washing strips natural oils, causing the skin to produce even more oil. Weekly exfoliation is sufficient to maintain a healthy barrier.

Myth 2: You need to choose between oil control and hydration

Both are important. Oily skin still needs moisture. Choose lightweight, small-molecule hydrators to improve absorption without weighing down the skin.

Myth 3: Skip lotions and creams if you have oily skin

Even oily skin needs hydration after cleansing and exfoliating. Use water-based lotions or serums as the final step in your routine to restore balance.

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Best Treatment for Oily Skin Issues: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Traditional acne treatments often involve manual extraction, which can leave wounds, increase risk of scarring, or lead to recurrence if done improperly.

Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment offers a professional, painless, non-invasive alternative. Using advanced skincare serums and a proprietary vacuum resurfacing technology, this treatment activates collagen repair, gently removes dead skin and impurities, clears pores, balances oil production, and dissolves blackheads—all without discomfort or downtime. Interested? Book your appointment today!