Understanding Your Oily Skin: What It Really Needs

Introduction

Oily skin is something many people talk about but only a few of them put any effort into taking care of oily skin and giving it the right care. Some people believe that just because they have oily skin, they don't need any hydration & nourishment. But this is just a myth and oily skin actually needs a lot of attention and proper skincare.

It’s been called greasy, acne-prone, high-maintenance, hard to manage. But, if you already have oily skin, I bet you've tried everything under the sun: harsh cleansers, skipping moisturizers altogether or products that promise to “dry it out.” But the reality is, oily skin isn’t the enemy; the enemy is the misunderstanding of it. When you actually grasp what oily skin really needs, and what it really doesn’t need, the entire situation suddenly changes. Instead of constantly struggling against oily skin and pimples, you can actually start helping your skin to achieve a state of perfect balance, health and manageability. Let’s see how people with oily skin can give the right care to their skin.

What is Oily Skin Really?

Oily skin is characterized by the production of excessive amounts of sebum or natural oil by sebaceous glands.

Sebum is not bad; it is actually beneficial as it:

• Keeps your skin hydrated
• Protects against environmental damage
• Maintains your skin barrier
• It slows down visible aging

The issue comes in when there is more oil than required, which results in persistent shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads & acne breakouts. But excessive oil may be symptomatic rather than being the basic problem.

Why Is Your Skin Producing So Much Oil?

Knowing the reason will better allow you to take care of your oily skin.

1. Genetics: If your parents have oily skin, then chances are that you will too. Some people just have more active sebaceous glands.

2. Over Washing and Over Stripping: This is one of the biggest mistakes. When you use harsh cleansers or alcohol-filled products, your skin gets into a state of panic. It thinks: "I'm dry, I need protection." And so it produces more oil to compensate.

3. Hormonal Reasons: Hormones, particularly androgens, are also known to promote oil. That’s why oily skin is common during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy & high-stress periods.

4. Dehydration: Yes, oily skin can be dehydrated. Sounds shocking right? But it's actually true. When your skin lacks water (not oil), it often overproduces sebum & try to make up for the imbalance.

5. Wrong Skincare Products: Using heavy, pore-clogging products or skipping moisturizer altogether can disrupt balance. That's why it's important that you choose the right skincare products.

What Oily Skin Actually Needs

Here’s where most people go wrong. Oily skin does not need a lot but just the right balance & care. That's why here are a few simple steps and the products from Fixderma which will help you give your oily skin the right care and will not make it look greasy or very different from other skin types but will actually make your skin look healthier and glowing in a natural way.

1. Gentle Cleansing — Not Harsh Stripping

You need to remove excess oil and debris—but without damaging your skin barrier. Fixderma Salyzap Face Cleanser is a soap-free anti-acne face wash, designed to effectively combat acne while being gentle on the skin. It exfoliates the keratinized skin & removes excess sebum from the pores without stripping off the natural oils from the skin. Additionally, it works on all acne-causing factors like exfoliating dead skin cells and combating acne-causing bacteria. Enriched with natural extracts like Aloe Vera and green tea, this formulation helps with oily skin & gives you a glowing look.

Avoid high-alcohol formulas, bar soaps & washing your face again and again. Twice daily cleansing is enough. Over washing increases oil production.

2. Hydration (Yes, Even for Oily Skin)

Skipping moisturizer is one of the biggest myths. Oily skin also needs moisturization and nourishment. When you don’t moisturize, your skin produces more oil to compensate for the missing hydration. Choose Oil-free moisturizers. Fixderma Dewrav Acne Control & Oil Free Face Moisturizer is a nourishing and soothing moisturizer that is lightweight & non-greasy. This multitasking product tackles breakouts, controls oil production, and nourishes the skin – all in one. Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting a smoother texture and improving overall skin tone for visibly brighter skin. Hydration helps regulate oil production, so it's important to use moisturizer for oily skin.

3. Ingredients That Balance, Not Attack

Certain ingredients work with oily skin instead of against it.

• Niacinamide
• Reduces excess oil
• Minimizes appearance of pores
• Strengthens skin barrier

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

• Penetrates pores
• Reduces blackheads
• Prevents breakouts

Retinoids (if acne-prone)

• Regulate cell turnover
• Reduce clogged pores

But consistency matters more than intensity. Gentle, regular use works better than aggressive treatments.

4. Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)

Many people with oily skin skip sunscreen because it feels greasy. But sun exposure thickens skin, increases oil production, worsens hyperpigmentation from acne & damages collagen. Try choosing gel sunscreens, matte-finish sunscreens & mineral sunscreens with lightweight formulas. Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ Gel Sunscreen is a gel-based sunscreen specially designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The lightweight and non-greasy formulation is packed with potent sun-protecting filters, making it perfect for all-season sun protection. This oil-free formulation provides long-lasting, broad-spectrum UV protection and leaves no white cast.

• Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ Cream is a lightweight cream-based sunscreen that provides excellent UV rays coverage for a longer duration. This water-resistant, PA+++ sunscreen is ideal for all weather and suits all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.

• Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ Tinted Sunscreen features 1% Hyaluronic Acid, SPF 50+, and PA+++ that provide sheer coverage and protect against harmful UVA & UVB rays. Powered by potent ingredients, which blends easily and conceals blemishes for an even-toned skin.

5. Balanced Exfoliation

Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores—but overdoing it destroys your barrier. Best practice is chemical exfoliation 1–3 times per week, avoiding harsh physical scrubs and not combining too many active ingredients at once. More exfoliation does not equal clearer skin.

What a Simple Routine for Oily Skin Looks Like

You don’t need 15 steps. You need consistency.

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Niacinamide serum (optional)
3. Lightweight moisturizer
4. Oil-free sunscreen

Night

1. Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup)
2. Salicylic acid or retinoid (alternate nights)
3. Lightweight moisturizer

Conclusion

However, if you are battling oils, you do not need to declare war on your skin type. You need gentle cleansing, consistent hydration, balanced exfoliation, smart ingredients & patience. Remember, your oil is not the enemy, it is part of your skin’s own natural defense. Treat it with respect—and it will work with you, not against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does oily skin need moisturizer?

   Yes, skipping moisturizer makes your skin produce more oil. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

2. Can washing more often reduce oiliness?

   No. Over-washing strips natural oils and triggers more oil production. Cleanse gently twice a day.

3. What causes oily skin?

   Genetics, hormones, dehydration, harsh products or overactive sebaceous glands.

4. Which ingredients help oily skin?

   Niacinamide, salicylic acid (BHA), retinoids and lightweight hydrating ingredients.

5. Should oily skin use sunscreen?

   Absolutely! Choose gel or matte-finish sunscreens that are lightweight and non-greasy.

6. How often should oily skin exfoliated?

   1–3 times per week with gentle chemical exfoliants. Avoid harsh scrubs.

7. Are oils always bad for oily skin?

   No. Some oils (like in serums) can nourish and balance skin without clogging pores.

8. Can oily skin be dehydrated?

   Yes. Lack of water can make skin overproduce sebum. Hydration is key.

9. Is harsh acne treatment effective?

   Not always. Aggressive treatments can worsen oiliness. Gentle, consistent care works better.

10. What’s the best routine for oily skin?

    Morning: gentle cleanser → lightweight moisturizer → sunscreen

    Night: gentle cleanser → treatment (salicylic acid/retinoid) → lightweight moisturizer