Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

If you live in Malaysia, you’re no stranger to the effects of heat and humidity on your skin. The constant warmth and moisture in the air can cause excess oil production1, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.

While it’s tempting to over-wash or skip moisturiser to “dry out” oily skin, these habits can backfire — causing your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. The key is balance. With the right skincare routine for oily skin, you can manage shine, keep pores clear, and maintain a healthy, matte complexion without stripping your skin.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step skincare routine for oily skin, with product examples to help you build a regimen that works.

Step 1: Cleanse with a Gentle, Oil-Control Cleanser

The first step in any effective skincare routine is cleansing. But for oily skin, it’s important to avoid harsh cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight or squeaky clean. These can disrupt your moisture barrier and lead to even more oil production.

Instead, go for a mild, water-based cleanser for oily skin that removes excess oil and impurities without drying you out. Ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide are great for regulating oil while supporting clear skin.

Try: Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser — a gentle yet effective cleanser that helps remove oil and unclog pores without disrupting the skin barrier.

Step 2: Exfoliate with BHA to Unclog Pores

Exfoliation is crucial for oily and breakout-prone skin, but not all exfoliants are created equal. Physical scrubs can be too abrasive, especially if you’re dealing with active breakouts.

Instead, reach for a BHA exfoliant like salicylic acid. This oil-soluble ingredient can penetrate deep into pores, clearing out sebum and dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads and breakouts.

Start slowly — once daily or every other day — depending on your skin’s tolerance.

Try: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant; a cult-favourite BHA exfoliant that helps visibly clear pores, smooth skin texture, and reduce breakouts over time.

Step 3: Hydrate Without the Grease

It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In reality, skipping moisturizer can actually cause your skin to produce more oil2 to make up for the loss of hydration.

The trick is to choose a moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores or adding extra shine. Look for lightweight gel or fluid textures that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Try: Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer — a weightless moisturizer that delivers hydration and skin-calming ingredients, leaving a soft matte finish ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Step 4: Protect with a Lightweight Sunscreen

If you’re using an exfoliant like BHA, sunscreen is non-negotiable. But even if you’re not using an exfoliant, daily sun protection is essential for long-term skin health. The challenge? Finding the best sunscreen for oily skin that doesn’t feel greasy or trigger breakouts.

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF with a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores or leave a heavy residue.

Try: Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 — a sheer, fluid-textured sunscreen with a matte finish, perfect for oily skin in humid climates like Malaysia.

Step 5 (Night Only): Add a Niacinamide Booster

As the final step in your evening routine, incorporating niacinamide products can help refine pores, calm inflammation, and regulate oil production over time. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is well-tolerated by most skin types and offers added benefits like brightening and barrier support.

Apply it before or after your moisturiser, depending on your routine’s texture and layering preferences.

Try: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster — a lightweight serum that helps reduce shine, minimise the appearance of pores, and improve skin texture while you sleep.

Finding the Right Routine for Your Oily Skin

Managing oily skin isn’t about eliminating oil entirely — it’s about finding balance. A well-rounded routine that includes gentle cleansing, targeted exfoliation, proper hydration, sun protection, and skin-refining treatments can go a long way in keeping your skin clear and healthy.

As with any skincare routine, consistency is key. Introduce new products gradually, and always listen to how your skin responds.