Oily skin is misunderstood. It’s not “dirty,” and it’s not always hormonal. Often, it’s your skin’s way of protecting itself — especially when it feels stripped or irritated. Add in British weather (hello, central heating + damp air), and your T-zone doesn’t stand a chance.

We asked dermatologists, facialists, and product testers across the UK to help build the ultimate skincare routine for oily skin types, tailored to our climate and lifestyle. The goal? Control oil, prevent breakouts, and keep your skin balanced — without overdoing it.

This isn’t a 10-step K-beauty regime. It’s 5 smart steps, twice a day, using products that work — and work well together.

? Morning Routine: Control, Protect & Stay Fresh

Step 1: Cleanse with a gel or foam — but never harsh.
Skip anything with sulfates or alcohol. Instead, opt for gentle foaming cleansers that remove oil without disrupting your barrier.

UK Pick: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.

Step 2: Use a balancing toner or essence.
Go for something with niacinamide, witch hazel, or zinc. Avoid alcohol-heavy toners that give you that “squeaky” clean feeling — it only makes things worse.

Try: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Toner or Typology’s Zinc + Niacinamide Serum.

Step 3: Lightweight hydration — don’t skip it.
Oily skin still needs moisture. Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic gels or emulsions that soothe and regulate sebum production.

Top choices: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors or Clinique Dramatically Different Gel.

Step 4: SPF 30 or higher — always.
Look for lightweight, mattifying sunscreens that don’t clog pores. UK weather is cloudy, yes — but UV rays don’t care.

UK-loved SPFs: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid or Ultra Violette Lean Screen.

? Evening Routine: Cleanse, Treat, Strengthen

Step 1: Double cleanse (if you wear SPF or makeup)
Start with a gentle cleansing balm or micellar water, followed by your morning cleanser. This ensures you remove oil, SPF, and pollution buildup.

Affordable go-tos: Garnier Micellar Water + Simple Foaming Cleanser.

Step 2: Add a treatment serum (2–3 nights a week)
Use salicylic acid, niacinamide, or azelaic acid — ingredients that reduce oil, prevent clogged pores, and calm inflammation.

Derm-approved: Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant or The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension.

Step 3: Moisturise (yes, again)
Even if you feel greasy, skipping moisturiser will backfire. Use a soothing night cream or gel with ingredients like panthenol or ceramides.

Great options: Avène Cleanance Hydra or Eucerin DermoPurifyer Night.

Step 4: Optional — a clay mask once a week
Not necessary daily, but a once-a-week detox mask can reduce buildup and help with congestion. Don’t overdo it.

Our pick: Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask.

? Extra Tips from UK Dermatologists:

• Stop overwashing. Cleansing more than twice daily won’t “fix” oily skin — it’ll only make it worse.

• Check your haircare. Some conditioners and styling creams can trigger forehead breakouts.

• Watch out for "natural" oils. Coconut oil and shea butter might be good for dry skin — but for oily skin, they're often pore-clogging.

• Stay consistent. A simple routine that you stick with works better than jumping between 12 “miracle” products.

Final Word:

Having oily skin in the UK comes with its own set of complications — from constantly shifting humidity to radiator-induced dehydration. But with a smart, minimal routine and the right formulas, your skin can stay clear, calm, and confidently matte (with glow where it matters).

You don’t have to punish your skin into behaving — you just have to learn how to speak its language.

? Want a ready-made shopping list of UK-available oily skin products? Subscribe to the MYLONDON BEAUTY newsletter — we’ve got your next Boots run sorted.