The Best Products for Oily Skin (It’s NOT What You Think!)

Oily skin is something most of us have dealt with at one time or another. Whether your skin remains clear or you experience congestion like blackheads and deep inflammation such as acne, chances are you're using the wrong products.

I see this all the time in consultations with new clients. One of the most common concerns? Excessive oiliness. If you’ve struggled with oily skin, you know how frustrating it can be. Makeup doesn’t sit well, blotting sheets become a daily necessity, enlarged pores trap makeup and dirt, and that greasy feeling by the end of the day can be unbearable.

The natural reaction? To reach for products like foaming gel cleansers, alcohol-based toners, charcoal masks, or spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, or exfoliating beads.

It sounds logical—after all, these products promise to strip away excess oil. But here’s the problem:

The Truth About Oily Skin and the Acid Mantle

Your skin has a natural protective barrier called the acid mantle, a fine oil film with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This barrier keeps your skin hydrated, protected, and balanced.

Most skincare products designed for oily skin are water-based and oil-free. While this may seem ideal, here’s the catch: oil and water don’t mix. To create that foaming effect, these cleansers contain detergents that dissolve oil—including the essential acid mantle. The result? Stripped skin.

Stripping Your Skin Leads to More Oil Production

When you use harsh cleansers, you might feel tight, dry, or "squeaky clean" afterward. This is your skin without its protective barrier. In response, your oil glands go into overdrive, producing even more oil to compensate.

This creates a vicious cycle where stripping the skin leads to excessive oil production. If you experience congestion and breakouts along with oiliness, using these products can make acne worse, as your skin tries to fight back by overproducing oil.

Dehydration: The Hidden Issue Behind Oily Skin

Many people describe their skin as feeling "tight and dry underneath but oily on top." This isn’t combination skin—it’s dehydration.

When the acid mantle is compromised, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) occurs. This means water molecules escape from the skin into the environment, leading to dehydration. In dry climates, this can be even worse.

Your skin becomes simultaneously oily and dehydrated because, while moisture is lost, your oil glands are working overtime to compensate.

The Acid Mantle Protects Against Bacteria and Aging

Beyond hydration, the acid mantle also helps keep your skin clean and protected. Its slight acidity kills bacteria, prevents pollutants from penetrating, and shields against environmental damage.

When the acid mantle is stripped, bacteria and pollutants can easily enter the skin, worsening acne and irritation. Additionally, dehydration speeds up premature aging by leaving the skin vulnerable to damage.

The Right Products for Oily Skin

Instead of harsh, oil-stripping products, opt for oil-based and non-foaming cleansers. This might sound counterintuitive, but here’s why it works:

Oil-Based Cleansers Deep Clean Without Stripping

Unlike water-based cleansers, oil dissolves oil. Using an oil-based cleanser allows deep cleansing without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

Recommended Products:

• Environ’s Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil: Helps dissolve congestion like blackheads while maintaining hydration.

• Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion: A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that effectively cleanses without disrupting the acid mantle.
  

With these products, the skin remains balanced, leading to less oil production throughout the day. The skin can function normally, retain moisture, and protect itself properly.

Choose the Right Toner (Avoid Astringents!)

Post-cleanse, it’s essential to use a pH-balancing toner. But beware: many so-called toners are actually astringents designed to de-grease the skin with high alcohol content.

How can you tell the difference? If your toner gives a cooling or evaporative sensation, it’s likely an astringent, which only worsens the problem.

Recommended Product:

• Environ’s Botanical Moisturizing Toner: Restores the skin’s pH balance while offering gentle exfoliation with lactic acid and nourishing botanicals.
  

The Benefits of Switching to Oil-Based Skincare

Clients who switch to oil-based cleansing and proper toning often notice improvements within just one to two uses:

• Less oil production throughout the day

• Makeup applies better and lasts longer

• Blackheads shrink, and pore size normalizes

• Breakouts reduce as the skin heals naturally
  

If you’re struggling with oily skin and want real, lasting results, it’s time to rethink your skincare routine. Book a consultation today, and let’s get started on transforming your skin!