Oily skin

Oiliness is difficult, but manageable. What’s most important is removing the oil on the surface of the skin. Fortunately, removing surface oil won’t cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

To help manage oiliness:

• Use a cleanser designed for oily skin (like the cleanser included in the Curology set). CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great option. Other excellent choices are Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser (5%) and Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Wash if your skin tolerates benzoyl peroxide. Just be careful with your towels and clothing — benzoyl peroxide doesn't bleach skin, but it can bleach fabric!
• Use an oil-free sunscreen. Some of our favorites are Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control SPF 30, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30, Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15.
• Try an oil-absorbing face sheet. You can get matte facial blotting sheets from Clean & Clear, NYX, and various other manufacturers.
• Avoid dairy. Eggs are okay, but milk (especially skim milk), cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products (including casein and whey protein) can increase oil production in some people. Although this isn't the case for everybody, it may be worth experimenting for a couple weeks. You can read more about the links between diet and skin our diet guide.