Increased sebaceous gland activity
Increased sebum production can create shine, an oily feel and make pores appear more noticeable.
Oily Skin, Pores & Breakouts
Guide to oily skin
Oily skin does not need less hydration - it needs the right balance. A gentle, well-designed routine can help reduce the appearance of excess shine, maintain a clean and comfortable feel, and support the skin barrier without over-drying the skin.
On this page, we will look at why the skin produces more sebum, how sebum, pores and breakouts are connected, which ingredients suit oily skin, and how to build a simple, balanced skincare routine.
The most important principle
The goal is not to remove every trace of sebum from the skin, but to maintain a balance between cleansing, hydration, active ingredients and skin barrier support.
Why does skin become oily?
Sebum is a natural part of the skin's protective layer. It helps keep the skin surface supple and reduce moisture loss. When the sebaceous glands are more active, the skin may look shinier and feel oilier, especially on the forehead, nose and chin.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can affect sebaceous gland activity and the tendency to develop breakouts.
Overly aggressive cleansing
Cleansing too aggressively or too often can compromise the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling dry, tight and irritated.
Environment and lifestyle
Heat, humidity, stress and unsuitable skincare habits can affect how oily skin feels and looks.
Sebum, pores and breakouts - how are they connected?
A pore is the opening through which sebum reaches the skin surface. When excess sebum combines with a buildup of dead skin cells, material can accumulate inside the pore and contribute to comedones and breakouts.
Sebum production
Sebaceous glands release natural sebum onto the skin surface.
Buildup
Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells inside the pore.
Clogging
This buildup can form an open or closed comedone.
Breakout
In some cases, the blockage is accompanied by inflammation and a breakout develops.
Can pores be "closed"?
Pore size is influenced by factors including skin structure and genetics. Skincare cannot literally close pores, but it can help keep them clear and improve the overall appearance of skin texture.
A common mistake: over-drying the skin
When the skin looks shiny, it can be tempting to use strong cleansers or skip moisturizer. But tightness after cleansing is not a sign that the skin is cleaner. An aggressive routine can disrupt the natural lipids in the protective barrier and make the skin feel less comfortable and more sensitive.
Aggressive approach
Cleanse and dry repeatedly
Frequent cleansing, very hot water and products that leave the skin feeling squeaky-clean can contribute to dryness, tightness and irritation.
Balanced approach
Cleanse gently and maintain hydration
Gentle cleansing, suitable hydration and targeted active ingredients can help address excess shine while continuing to support the skin barrier.
The Korean approach to oily skin
Instead of trying to eliminate oil at all costs, the goal is to build a routine that cleanses, balances, hydrates and supports the skin barrier.
Gentle cleansing
Remove dirt, SPF residue and excess sebum without leaving the skin tight or irritated.
Hydration for oily skin too
Hydration refers to water in the skin. Even skin that produces a lot of sebum can be dehydrated and need hydration.
Targeted ingredients
Choose ingredients suited to goals such as reducing the appearance of excess oil, supporting the skin barrier and improving texture.
Consistency
A simple routine that is easy to follow is preferable to constantly changing products or combining too many active ingredients.
Which ingredients are suitable for oily skin?
Niacinamide
A versatile ingredient that is especially useful in an oily-skin routine: it helps improve the appearance of texture, support the skin barrier and reduce the look of excess oil.
Hyaluronic acid
A hydrating ingredient that helps attract and bind water in the skin and can be incorporated into lightweight formulas suitable for oily skin.
Panthenol
A soothing, hydrating ingredient that can support skin comfort and the skin barrier, especially when sensitivity or dryness is also present.
Ceramides
Naturally occurring lipids that are important to the structure of the skin barrier. They help maintain a healthy protective layer and reduce moisture loss.
Niacinamide and oily skin
A key ingredient in the routine
Why is niacinamide especially suitable for oily skin?
Niacinamide is one of the most useful ingredients in a balanced routine. It can be incorporated into daily skincare and support several goals at once without making the routine complicated.
Helps reduce the appearance of excess oil
Supports the skin barrier
Helps improve the appearance of texture and pores
Suitable for a daily skincare routine
Which HL/Skin products can be part of the routine?
A simple routine can be built around four steps: cleansing, serum, daytime hydration and complementary evening care. Adjust the amount and frequency according to how your skin feels.
Resurfacing Gelo Cleanser
The cleansing step in the routine. Helps remove dirt and excess sebum while maintaining a comfortable, hydrated feel.
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10% Niacinamide Serum
A lightweight water-based serum with niacinamide, panthenol, beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, designed for use after cleansing.
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Ultimate Tension Cream
A cream for the hydration and care step after serum. Use an amount that suits your skin and provides the desired level of comfort during the day.
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Revitalizing Night Cream
A richer evening cream for the final step of the routine. For oily skin, start with a small amount and adjust according to how your skin feels.
View product →Morning and evening routine for oily skin
Morning
Morning routine
- Gentle cleansingResurfacing Gelo Cleanser.
- Serum10% Niacinamide Serum on clean skin.
- HydrationUltimate Tension Cream in an amount that suits your skin.
- Sun protectionBroad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher as the final step.
Evening
Evening routine
- CleansingRemove dirt, sebum, makeup and sunscreen residue.
- Targeted care10% Niacinamide Serum.
- Hydration and careRevitalizing Night Cream in an amount that feels comfortable on the skin.
You do not have to use the same amount every day
Your skin can feel different depending on the season, weather and routine. You can adjust the amount of cream and the texture you choose according to how your skin feels.
What should you avoid?
Over-cleansing
Repeatedly washing the face throughout the day can contribute to dryness and irritation. For most routines, regular cleansing in the morning and evening is enough.
Too many active ingredients
Using several strong active products at once can increase the risk of irritation and make it harder to understand what truly suits your skin.
Skipping hydration completely
Oily skin still needs water and skin-barrier support. Choose a formula and amount that suit your skin.
Picking or squeezing breakouts
Squeezing and picking can increase irritation and raise the risk of marks remaining after a breakout.
When should you see a dermatologist?
Oily skin and mild occasional breakouts are common, but if you have many inflamed breakouts, deep or painful lesions, scarring, significant worsening or a condition that persists over time, it is advisable to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Important to know
Cosmetic products can support cleansing, hydration, the skin barrier and the appearance of the skin, but they are not a substitute for diagnosis or medical treatment of acne.
Frequently asked questions
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes. Sebum production and hydration are different things. Oily skin can also be dehydrated, so it is worth choosing a cream or formula that suits how your skin feels.
Can pores be permanently reduced?
Pores cannot be permanently closed. However, suitable cleansing, managing excess oil and improving skin texture can make them appear less noticeable.
Is niacinamide suitable for daily use?
Niacinamide is often used in a daily routine. As with any active product, it is best to introduce it gradually and monitor how your skin responds, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Can oily skin also be dehydrated?
Yes. Skin can produce a lot of sebum while also lacking water. In this situation, it is important not to rely on cleansing alone and to include suitable hydration steps.
Not sure what truly suits your skin?
Oily skin can also be dehydrated, sensitive or have a weakened skin barrier. A personalized AI skin analysis can help you better understand your skin's condition and build a more precise, simple routine.
The information on this page is intended for educational and cosmetic skincare purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In cases of significant acne, pain, inflammation, scarring or worsening of the skin condition, consult a dermatologist.