Balance is Everything — Not Stripping

If you have oily skin, you’ve likely spent years trying to “dry it out,” only to discover that your skin just keeps producing more oil. That’s because oily skin doesn’t mean your skin is hydrated — it actually signals that your skin might be out of balance.

At Sorbon Spa and Beauty, we believe in working with your skin, not against it. Oily skin can be radiant, resilient, and clear — when cared for with the right knowledge and treatments.

Here are 10 dermatologist-informed tips to keep excess shine under control while maintaining a healthy glow:

1. Cleanse Gently — Twice a Day

Use a gentle, non-foaming or gel-based cleanser that won’t strip your skin. Harsh cleansers can trigger your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil as a defense.

Pro Tip: Stick to morning and night cleansing. Over-cleansing can cause irritation.

2. Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week

Oily skin is prone to clogged pores and congestion. Exfoliate with salicylic acid (BHA) or gentle enzyme-based exfoliants to clear out excess oil and dead skin cells.

Avoid abrasive scrubs — they may feel satisfying but can create microtears and worsen oil imbalance.

3. Use a Weekly Clay Mask

Clay masks — especially those with kaolin or bentonite — are heroes for oily skin. They absorb excess sebum and pull impurities from deep within pores.

Best Practice: Use 1–2 times a week. Follow up with a hydrating serum to prevent rebound oiliness.

4. Opt for Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturisers

Yes, you still need to moisturise. In fact, skipping it tells your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil.

Look for:

  • Gel-based or water-based moisturisers

  • Labels like “non-comedogenic” and “oil-free”

5. Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

Many with oily skin skip SPF, fearing a greasy finish. But sun damage leads to dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging — all of which oily skin is not immune to.

Go For:

  • Mattifying sunscreens

  • SPF 30 or higher

  • Gel or fluid textures

6. Blot, Don’t Over-Wash

Excess oil mid-day? Reach for blotting papers, not your cleanser. Washing your face more than twice daily strips away protective oils and may worsen oiliness.

Carry On-the-Go:

  • Rice paper blotting sheets

  • Mineral setting powders

7. Ditch Alcohol-Based Toners

They dry out the skin and disrupt the microbiome, causing your skin to panic-produce more oil.

Instead, choose toners with:

  • Niacinamide for oil regulation

  • Witch hazel (in low concentrations) for soothing and clarifying

8. Stick to Gel-Based or Water-Based Formulas

From serums to moisturisers, lighter is better for oily skin. These absorb quickly, feel breathable, and hydrate without clogging pores.

Check ingredients for:

  • Aloe vera

  • Green tea extract

  • Hyaluronic acid (in gel form)

9. Don’t Skip Moisturiser — Hydration ≠ Oil

Dehydrated skin often mimics oily skin. If your skin feels tight yet shiny, you likely need water, not less oil.

Hydration is essential to calm the skin and restore balance — think of it as moisture without the weight.

10. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

Touching your face spreads bacteria and transfers oil from your fingertips to your pores — a recipe for breakouts.

Bonus Hygiene Tips:

  • Clean your phone screen regularly

  • Change pillowcases weekly

  • Avoid leaning on your hands during the day

💎 Bonus: Book Regular Facials at Sorbon Spa

A professional facial tailored to oily skin can make a dramatic difference. At Sorbon, we offer:

  • Deep pore cleansing facials

  • LED light therapy for inflammation and acne

  • Customized clay and enzyme masks

  • Post-facial skin coaching for home care

Final Thought:

Oily skin is often misunderstood — but when managed well, it’s incredibly resilient a