Day cream for oily skin: what does your skin need?

"My skin is oily, so I skip the day cream." I hear that often. And just as often: "My skin shines by noon, but it also feels tight." Both say something about what oily skin needs. In this guide I explain whether oily skin needs a day cream, what to look for and which of our products may suit you. I will also be honest: a rich cream is usually not the answer for oily skin.

Short answer: yes, oily skin needs moisture during the day too, but usually in a light form. Choose a light lotion or a few drops of serum instead of a rich cream with butters high on the ingredient list. Our Organic Soothing Lotion gives moisture without feeling rich or greasy and helps reduce shine. Finish with sun protection.

Does oily skin need a day cream?

Oily skin makes more sebum than other skin types. Sebum is not the enemy: it protects your skin and keeps it supple. But oil is not the same as moisture. Oily skin can still lack water, especially in winter, after harsh cleansing or with heating on. Then you get that combination of shine and a tight feeling.

That is why skipping moisture is rarely a good idea. Skin that feels tight is often not comfortable, and many people then start cleansing more, which makes it worse. A light layer of moisture after cleansing helps your skin feel comfortable without adding extra oil. Read more about this in dehydrated skin.

A simple test: cleanse your face mildly in the evening and apply nothing afterwards. Does your skin feel tight after half an hour, yet shine by noon the next day? Then it is short of moisture rather than oil, and light care in the morning can make a real difference.

What should you look for in day care for oily skin?

• A light texture. A lotion, gel or serum that absorbs quickly and does not leave a layer.
• Ingredients that bind water. Aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid give moisture without fat.
• No heavy butters high on the list. Shea butter is lovely for dry skin, but often too rich for oily skin.
• Light oils are fine. Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's own sebum and absorbs quickly. A drop of the right oil does not have to make oily skin shinier.
• Sun protection as a separate step. Choose a texture that feels comfortable on your skin.

Why we do not recommend our Day Cream for oily skin

Our Organic Day Cream is a nourishing cream with shea butter as the second ingredient. It is made for skin that is dry or feels dry. For most people with oily skin it is simply too rich. Do you have combination skin with dry cheeks in winter? Then a thin layer only on the dry areas can be pleasant. For the rest of your face, a light layer is enough.

Light day care: which products suit oily skin?

The Organic Soothing Lotion is the product I recommend most often as light day care for oily skin. It is made with aloe vera instead of water and also contains witch hazel, glycerin and panthenol. It gives moisture without feeling rich or greasy, helps reduce shine and soothes skin that feels hot or irritated. You can use it instead of a moisturiser. Note that organic alcohol is the second ingredient and that it contains lavender oil.

Does your oily skin also feel tight? Then add a few drops of the Organic Supreme Skin Elixir. This serum contains aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, tremella and ceramide NP. It gives lasting hydration without feeling heavy and helps stop moisture from escaping too quickly. It also contains plant oils, so a few drops once a day is enough. Use the Elixir and Soothing Lotion together or on alternate days, depending on how your skin feels.

Want to try a complete routine for oily skin first? The Oily Skin Regimen Box contains minis of our Purifying Cleanser, Hydrating Toner and Miracle Oil, plus Enzyme Peeling for once a week. It lasts 10 to 14 days, so you can see calmly how your skin responds before choosing full sizes. As you see, it does not contain a cream: for oily skin, toner and a few drops of oil are often enough.

Your morning routine for oily skin

1. Cleanse mildly. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Do not scrub and do not use hot water.
2. Apply the Soothing Lotion. Put a small amount in your hands and massage it firmly into your skin.
3. Add a few drops of Elixir if your skin feels tight. Press it in gently.
4. Finish with sun protection. Let your skin absorb the lotion for a moment first.

Shiny during the day? Blot with a tissue instead of washing your face again. In the evening, cleanse thoroughly, especially if you wore SPF or make-up. Read how in cleansing oil for your face.

Common mistakes with oily skin

• Cleansing too often or too harshly. Skin that feels squeaky clean often feels tight later.
• Skipping moisture. Oil and moisture are not the same thing.
• Using a rich cream because it says "for all skin types". Look at the texture and the first ingredients.
• Scrubbing every day. Once a week a gentle exfoliation is enough.

Do you also have many inflamed spots, or does your skin hurt? Then see your GP or a dermatologist. On our page about oily skin you will find more about the causes, and in our collection for oily skin all products we recommend for it.

In short

• Oily skin needs moisture too, but usually in a light form.
• Look for aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, not heavy butters.
• Soothing Lotion as light day care, a few drops of Elixir if your skin feels tight.
• Cleanse mildly and finish with sun protection.

Read more

• Is sebum good or bad for your skin?
• Enlarged pores: what is your skin telling you?
• Dehydrated skin: how to recognise it and care for it
• All our products for oily skin

Not sure what your skin needs? Take our free skincare test, or ask our skin specialist through the chat on our website.

Love,
Barbara Baars
Skin Specialist