Oily skin is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just a thing.

OK, so maybe you have shiny, acne-prone skin. You can reframe that as smooth, never-dry skin and find smart ways to deal with it and look your best. 

There’s plenty to be positive about. For example, guys with oily skin also tend to have thicker skin that holds up better against the aging process. While the men with dry and sensitive skin are dealing with deep wrinkles and discolored age spots, you’ll still be showing off your youthful mug.

Looking your best is about balance. You’ve got to take care of your oily skin so it doesn’t get out of control and affect your appearance. But you can’t go overboard either - your skin does need moisture and oil to stay healthy.

To strike that balance, apply these 5 skincare tips for guys with oily skin.

Not all face washes are created equal. Don’t reach for any old soap and assume it will deliver the best possible results. A face wash designed for men’s skin and skincare needs is what you want.

Be smart - skip the harsh soaps. Your oily skin needs a gentle face wash that will prevent acne and oily buildup without totally stripping away your skin’s essential oils. What’s the difference between the harsh stuff and the good stuff?

• Most soaps are made with strong detergents. Their molecules bond with oil and dirt, trapping them in water. When you rinse it off, you’re oil free. 
• The issue is that harsh soaps don’t just grab the excess grease that clogs your pores. They leech the natural oil out of your skin, leaving you with that dry, tight feeling. Sure, you’re oil-free. But that’s not a good thing.

Face wash for men with oily skin should be designed differently - and our Clarifying Gel Face Wash is. Its ingredients are less aggressive and leave your skin both clean and hydrated - aloe, geranium, and coconut based cleansers. Use it twice a day (each morning and evening) - for the best results.

Face wash removes the oil, dirt, and debris on the outermost layer of your skin. But that’s not quite enough. Exfoliating face scrub gets deeper. It digs bacteria, oily buildup, and other junk out of your pores. And it removes the outer layer of dead skin cells that contributes to a dull complexion and potential blemishes.

Guys with oily skin tend to be acne-prone too, and using face scrub is good for both concerns. And it reduces oil so your skin keeps the proper balance - lubricated with natural oils without allowing those to get too thick and shiny.

If you have oily skin and want to get the maximum benefit from your exfoliation routine, use our Renewing Face Scrub every other day. If you notice any skin irritation on the drier parts of your face, avoid exfoliating them. Focus primarily on exfoliating your T-zone - your forehead and your nose - and any other oily spots.

Toner should be an important part of your skincare routine if you’ve got oily skin. What is it and how does it work?

Toner reduces oil buildup, minimizes the appearance of pores, and diminishes inflammation. It’s like a quick reset for oily skin that both cuts back on oil and refreshes the skin.

Be careful when choosing your toner. Many contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that leave the skin dry and irritated. Instead, choose a natural toner for men - like our Balancing Toner - with witch hazel, cucumber, and peppermint. That way you’ll get the positive results without any potential negatives.

Toner is most effective when used in the morning as part of your skincare routine. Apply it after washing but before putting on face moisturizer. You can also use it during the day if your skin is getting oily.

Another smart and effective way to control oily skin is with a face mask. Use it twice a week to deep clean your pores, remove oily gunk and bacteria that can cause acne, and tone your skin.

There are many different masks out there, all promoted for this or that reason. But what’s best for guys with oily skin?

Our Purifying Charcoal Face Mask uses an advanced, yet natural formula to achieve the best results. Its ingredients include activated charcoal, kaolin clay, MSM, vitamin E, DMAE, and hyaluronic acid. 

Together, these ingredients gently and effectively pull bacteria, grime, excess oil, and other debris out of your pores. But since our mask is also packed with hydrating ingredients, you don’t have to worry about it over-drying your skin.

Should you avoid face moisturizer because you have oily skin?

Absolutely not.

You should be careful to choose a product that will work or your skin. But your face still needs proper moisture and hydration if you’re going to look your best.

Men with oily skin need a lightweight face moisturizer that’s oil-free and absorbs quickly. That way your skin gets the hydrating benefits without any excess oil sitting on top of it. 

Our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer fits the bill. It’s made with natural ingredients including hyaluronic acid and green tea, dries quickly, and won’t leave your skin shiny or oily.

Too many guys overcompensate for their oily skin. They think that the more they wash their face, the better. Or that if they exfoliate twice daily instead of every other day, they’ll get better results.

Guys, chill out. Your oily skin won’t react better to a hyper-intense skincare regimen. A gentle touch is what you want.

• Don’t wash your face more than twice each day. That’s all you need to control oil.
• If you constantly wash your face, your skin may respond by producing even more oil. That throws everything out of whack and leaves you with the exact opposite of the results you wanted.
• Sometimes oily skin and uneven skin tones occur together. Learn how to fix uneven skin tone.

As a general rule, no matter what type of skin you have, be gentle with it. Treat your skin right. And control oil and shine by following the tips provided above. You’ll be able to stave off skin blemishes and look your best everyday.