Let’s be real—summer means mangoes, cute clothes, beach days, and... greasy skin. Ugh, we’ve all been there. You walk out so glowy and feeling like a goddess, then five minutes later — bam! You’ve got enough shine on your forehead to fry an egg! Not to worry, oily skin warriors! We have the ultimate, real-talk, summer of fun guide to keeping your skin free of oil, fresh and photo-ready ALL summer long.
Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a serum scientist, this is perfect for you.
Why So Oily Though? (Blame the Science, Not Your Skin)
Before we jump into remedies, let’s unpack what is occurring.
In the summer months, heat and humidity make your sebaceous (oil) glands overwork and pump out oil. Endless with oil can mean excessive sebum, clogged pores, blackheads, acne breakouts, and midday shine. When you add sunscreen, makeup, and sweat, your face can become a totally confused canvas.
But here’s the good news, you do not have to fight your skin. You just need a strategy.
1. Cleanse Smart, Not Hard
Rule No. 1: Ditch harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers. They strip your skin of natural oils, making it produce even more oil to compensate. It’s a vicious, oily cycle.
Pro Tips:
- Utilize a certified organic soap, pH-level close to skin, around 5.5.
- Wash your face a minimum of twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Washing more frequently than twice daily, is a no-go.
- If you wear makeup or sunscreen, try double-cleansing during the night.
2. Hydrate That Skin (Yes, Even Oily Skin Needs Moisture!)
Wait... moisturize oily skin? Isn’t that like adding fuel to a fire?
Not really. When your skin is dehydrated, it panics and produces more oil to compensate. The trick is to choose the right kind of hydration.
Look for:
- Non-comedogenic moisturizers
- Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba and Tea tree extract
- Water-based formulas
3. Sunscreen Without the Shine
You’re wearing sunscreen daily, right? Right?
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, but many can feel greasy. The key? Choose a non-greasy sunscreen that is light weight and gets absorbed easily.
Opt for:
- Light weight or fluid sunscreens
- SPF 30 or higher
- Easily absorbable
-
Non-greasy
4. Minimal Makeup = Maximum Cool
Your makeup and sweat are not besties.
Swap out full coverage foundations for BB creams, tinted moisturizers, or mineral powders. Heavy makeup clogs pores and leads to oil build-up.
Quick Fix:
- Always use a primer before makeup to control oil.
- Carry blotting papers or compact powders for touch-ups.
-
Avoid greasy & heavy products
DIY hack:
- Spray rose water of edible grade on your face for instant hydration and refreshing feel.
- Keep blotting paper in the fridge for an instant midday refresh!
5. Tone Like a Pro
Toners are the trustworthy best friend that is there to help keep everything balanced.
A good toner will help tighten your pores a little, get rid of any stuck on dirty debris, and give your skincare routine a refreshing "just-cleaned" sensation. Just don't go for one that contains a lot of alcohol (far too drying)!
Best Ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Rose water
- Niacinamide
- Rosemary
-
Cucumber Extracts
6. Exfoliate, But Keep It Cool
Exfoliation is crucial for oily skin, especially in summer when dead skin cells, sweat, and sunscreen build-up create dullness and breakouts.
How to:
- Use organic seed based scrubs that are not harsh on skin.
- Avoid walnut shell based scrubs
- Use chemical exfoliants (like BHA or AHA) 1–2 times a week.
- Never exfoliate irritated or sunburnt skin.
7. Eat Clean, Stay Lean (Your Skin Will Thank You)
It’s not just what you put on your face—it’s what you feed your body.
In summer, greasy food + dehydration = oil party on your skin.
Eat more of:
- Water-rich foods (cucumbers, watermelons, musk melons)
- Omega-3 rich foods (walnuts, flaxseeds)
- Antioxidants (berries, leafy greens)
Avoid:
- Sugary drinks
- Fried, oily snacks
- Too much dairy (can trigger acne for some)
Skin tip: Sip infused water with lemon, mint, and cucumber throughout the day for hydrating the body!
8. Chill Out, Literally
Stress = more cortisol = more oil production. Summer already raises your temperature—don’t let stress do the same.
Zen Tips:
- Use a cooling face roller or jade roller in the morning.
- Store your Rose water or toner and sheet masks in the fridge.
- Do breathing exercises or try a 5-minute meditation app.
Cool tip: Use a chilled aloe vera gel as a night mask—it calms, soothes, and mattifies.
9. Embrace “Less is More” Skincare
Your summer skincare mantra? "Keep it simple stupid."
While adding more and more products on top of each other is the path to disaster for your skin, we recommend only sticking to:
• Cleanser
• Toner ( Rose Water is an excellent toner)
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Exfoliant (2x/week)
Let your skin breathe. It'll thank you with less breakouts and more natural glow.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real
Just because you have oily skin in the summertime doesn't mean you have to suffer in silence (or look like a disco ball). With the right skincare strategy, you can keep your complexion matte, fresh, and fabulous—even on the hottest days.
Take note: hydrated skin = happy skin. Don't forget to be gentle, be consistent, and most importantly, have fun! Experiment, explore, and glow your own way!
Loved this blog? Share it with your fellow glow-getters!
And be ready for a skin transformation.