Skin Type Guide · The Clean Sheet™

Oily Skin

Manage excess sebum, control shine, and build a minimal routine that keeps your skin balanced.

The upside: People with oily skin tend to age slower and look younger compared to those with dry skin because natural oils help maintain skin elasticity.

Understanding Your Skin

Biological Causes

Biology: Larger sebaceous glands or a higher number of glands.
Genetics: Predisposition inherited from parents.
Hormones: Increases during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
Climate: Humidity and heat (summer/monsoon) increase oil production.

Dietary Triggers

Sugar & High Glycemic Foods: Spikes insulin, leading to oil production.
Dairy: Specifically straight milk, which can exacerbate acne.
Processed Foods: Often high in salt and low in nutrients.

Essential Habits & Hygiene

Clean Scalp: Oily scalp oils can trickle down, causing forehead acne. Wash regularly.

Pillowcase Hygiene: Change every 2–3 days to avoid oil and bacteria buildup.

Separate Face Towel: Use a soft, microfiber towel strictly for the face. Wash it every 1–2 days.

Oil Control: Keep blotting papers handy for mid-day shine instead of rewashing.

Clay Masks: Use Bentonite or Multani Mitti before events to tighten pores and reduce oil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-washing: Limit face wash to twice daily. Over-stripping causes rebound oiliness.

Alcohol-based Toners: They provide instant dryness but irritate skin and trigger more oil.

Physical Scrubs: Avoid gritty particles that abrade the skin. Opt for chemical exfoliants instead.

Frequent Touching: Prevents the transfer of bacteria from hands to pores.

Over-layering: Using too many products (essences, multiple serums) can occlude pores.

Ingredient Guide & Product Selection

Cleansers (Face Wash)

Oily / Acne-Prone: Salicylic Acid

Standard Oily: Glycolic Acid

Oily / Sensitive: Mandelic Acid

Serums (Active Treatment)

Oil Control: Niacinamide, Zinc PCA

Pore Care: Salicylic Acid

Soothing: Green Tea Extract

Moisturizers & Sunscreens

Always choose Gel-based or Oil-free formulations. Avoid heavy occlusives.

Moisturizer Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide, Glycerin, Panthenol.

Sunscreens: Hybrid or pure chemical sunscreens are better — they don't leave a heavy white cast.

Special Note: If you have severe active acne, temporarily skip sunscreen to avoid over-layering.

Your Simplified Daily Routine

Morning Routine

Cleanser: Targeted face wash (Salicylic or Glycolic Acid).

Serum: Niacinamide or Green Tea to soothe and control oil.

Sunscreen: SPF 30 indoors · SPF 50 outdoors or for pigmentation.

Night Routine

Cleanser: Wash off the day's dirt and pollution.

Serum: Active treatment — Retinoid or Acid-based serum.

Moisturizer: Light gel-based formula to repair the skin.

Summary Checklist

Avoid sugar and milk to reduce internal oil triggers.

Don't use face wash more than 2× a day.

Stick to 3 steps in the morning and 3 steps at night.

Prioritize gel formulations over creams.

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