10 Tips to Control Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Oily skin can lead to a variety of skin issues, especially breakouts and clogged pores. It can feel uncomfortable throughout the day, and unfortunately, acne often leaves behind marks that can be difficult to fade.
There are many reasons why your skin may become oily. It could be due to your skin type, or it may be triggered by factors such as weather changes, hormonal fluctuations, or the use of incorrect skincare products.
To help you manage this, L’Occitane has compiled some practical tips for controlling excess oil and breakouts. Read this article to discover how to achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin!
Also read: Causes of Enlarged Pores & Effective Ways to Treat Them
Signs of Oily Skin
Before finding the right solution, it’s important first to identify whether your skin is oily. Here are some common signs of oily facial skin:
1. Shiny Appearance
One of the most noticeable signs of oily skin is a shiny or greasy look, especially in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin). This shine becomes more apparent during the day or when you're in a hot and humid environment.
2. Large, Visible Pores
Excess oil production can cause your pores to enlarge, making them more visible, particularly around the nose and cheeks. This happens because overproduction of sebum (your skin’s natural oil) causes pores to stretch as the body tries to push the oil out to the surface.
3. Makeup Doesn’t Stay Put
Oily skin can prevent makeup from staying in place. Foundation, powder, or concealer may fade quickly, look patchy, or slide off after just a few hours. If your makeup tends to break apart or melt throughout the day, excess oil is likely the culprit.
4. Prone to Breakouts
Too much oil can clog your pores, leading to acne, blackheads, and other skin issues. When sebum mixes with dirt and dead skin cells, it can block pores and create an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive.
5. Sticky, Heavy Feeling on the Skin
After a long day or exposure to heat, your skin may feel slick, heavy, or sticky to the touch due to oil buildup. This greasy feeling can persist even after washing your face.
Also read: Best Skincare for Oily Skin, Get That Glow Without the Grease!
How to Treat Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Noticing some of the signs of oily skin mentioned above? Don’t worry, here are some practical steps you can take to manage oily, acne-prone skin effectively:
1. Cleanse Twice Daily with a Gentle Face Wash
Use a mild cleanser made with natural ingredients to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin’s protective barrier. Washing your face in the morning and evening helps clear away oil, dirt, makeup residue, and sweat—while preserving the essential natural oils your skin needs.
2. Choose Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Skincare Products
When selecting skincare or makeup, look for products labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.” These are formulated to avoid clogging pores, making them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Look for active ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, or zinc, all of which help regulate oil production and soothe acne-related inflammation.
3. Always Moisturize After Cleansing
Yes, even oily skin needs moisture! After cleansing, apply a lightweight, water-based or gel moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil.
4. Wear Sunscreen Every Time You Step Outside
Sun exposure can worsen acne and trigger more oil production. Use a sunscreen specifically designed for oily skin, look for labels that say “oil-free,” “matte finish,” or “non-comedogenic.”
5. Opt for Water-Based Makeup
Avoid heavy, oil-based foundations that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, choose water-based makeup products, they’re lighter on the skin and less likely to trigger acne.
For longer-lasting wear, use a mattifying primer and setting powder to help control oil and keep your makeup in place throughout the day.
6. Always Remove Makeup Before Bed
Sleeping with your makeup on is one of the most common causes of breakouts. Use a gentle makeup remover like micellar water or a cleansing balm to thoroughly remove makeup without irritating your skin.
7. Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day and can carry bacteria, dirt, and oil. Touching your face often can transfer these impurities to your skin and trigger or worsen acne.
8. Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle exfoliator containing AHA or BHA to help slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week to avoid irritating your skin or worsening existing breakouts.
9. Use a Clay Mask
Clay masks, such as those made with bentonite, kaolin, or charcoal, are excellent for absorbing excess oil and purifying pores. Apply a clay mask once or twice a week, focusing especially on the T-zone where oil buildup is most common.
10. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle and Watch Your Diet
Your skin's condition is deeply affected by your daily habits and what you eat. Try to limit greasy, spicy, and sugary foods, as they can aggravate acne.
Instead, eat more vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods, and drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Also, maintain a regular sleep schedule and manage stress, since stress hormones can increase oil production and trigger inflammation in the skin.
Also read: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin
L’Occitane’s Skincare Range for Oily Skin
L’Occitane offers a range of skincare products specially formulated to care for oily skin without causing irritation or clogged pores. Here’s a closer look at the ideal oily skin routine from L’Occitane:
1. Immortelle Precious Cleansing Oil
A lightweight cleansing oil designed to gently remove makeup, excess sebum, and impurities without clogging pores. Formulated with organic immortelle flower oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, and apricot kernel oil, it helps maintain moisture while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
2. Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam
This gentle foaming cleanser is the perfect follow-up to the cleansing oil. It deeply cleanses any remaining residue and oil without stripping the skin. Enriched with immortelle, it’s also suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Immortelle Precious Cream
A hydrating face cream rich in antioxidants from immortelle flower extract, this moisturizer helps balance oily skin without leaving a greasy residue. It hydrates, soothes, and helps smooth out skin texture for a more refined appearance.
4. Immortelle Precious Emulsion
A lightweight emulsion that absorbs quickly into the skin. Apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer. It hydrates the skin and preps it to better absorb the following skincare steps, without leaving a greasy finish.
5. Immortelle Precious Essential Water
This refreshing toner-essence hybrid helps hydrate, calm, and rebalance the skin after cleansing. Infused with immortelle extract, it supports skin pH balance, enhances the cleansing routine, and preps your skin for the next step in your skincare regimen.
6. Immortelle Precious Eye Balm
If you struggle with dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness around the eyes, try the Immortelle Precious Eye Balm. This targeted treatment is formulated with caffeine, micro hyaluronic acid, cornflower water, immortelle essential oil, and antioxidant-rich extracts to deeply hydrate and soothe the delicate eye area.
7. Men’s Cade Daily Exfoliation Cleanser
L’Occitane also offers skincare specifically designed for men, like this gentle exfoliating cleanser. It contains micro-beads and mild exfoliants to unclog pores and help prevent breakouts. Infused with cade essential oil, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and helps control excess oil.
8. Men’s Cedrat RSPO Soap
This solid soap bar is made with cedrat (a citrus fruit), coconut oil, and RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil. It’s formulated to cleanse both face and body, removing dirt, oil, and sweat, while leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean.
Also read: How to Choose the Right Exfoliating Product for Your Skin
How to Use L’Occitane’s Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Here’s how to use L’Occitane’s products into your daily skincare routine for oily and acne-prone skin:
1. Double Cleanse Morning and Night
Start with Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam. Dispense one or two pumps into your palm, lather with water, and gently massage onto your face. Rinse thoroughly.
Use this step in the morning to remove overnight oil buildup and at night to cleanse away dirt, oil, and makeup.
2. Apply Toner After Cleansing
Refresh and rebalance your skin with Immortelle Precious Essential Water. Pour onto a cotton pad or into your hands, then gently pat onto your face. This toner helps restore your skin’s pH while giving it a light boost of hydration.
3. Apply Eye Balm Morning and Night
Next, take a small amount of Immortelle Precious Eye Balm and gently dab it around the under-eye area and eyelids. This step helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
4. Hydrate and Moisturize
Apply 1–2 pumps of Immortelle Precious Emulsion to your face and neck to provide light hydration. Use both morning and night. For deeper hydration, especially at night, follow up with Immortelle Precious Cream. You can also use it in the morning if your skin needs extra moisture.
5. Finish with Sunscreen During the Day
Oily skin still needs proper sun protection. Before heading out, apply Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield SPF50. This sunscreen not only protects against harmful UV rays and pollution but also contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like meadowsweet flower water, scutellaria extract, and glycerin.
Oily skin can be influenced by your skin type, hormonal changes, or environmental factors like weather. Thankfully, you can manage oily skin by switching to skincare and makeup products that are safer for your skin, look for those labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
L’Occitane’s skincare collection is thoughtfully formulated to help you control excess oil, deeply cleanse your pores, and keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day long. Discover the gentle, effective skincare routine that’s made for your skin, only at L’Occitane!
