If you have oily skin, it’s not just about the greasy, sticky layer that returns even after washing. There’s also visible dullness, enlarged pores, and clusters of acne that never heal. Forget about how it affects your skin’s appearance. But the pain and discomfort that come with those tiny bumps and swellings? That’s hard to ignore. We understand how challenging this can feel.
In this guide, we share a simple, step-by-step skincare routine using natural ingredients and ancestral skin wellness secrets to control facial oiliness, and practical lifestyle tips to help keep your skin balanced and clear over time.
Why Does Your Face Get Oily?
Your skin has tiny oil glands (called sebaceous glands) that produce sebum, a natural oil that keeps skin soft and protected. In oily skin, these glands are overactive and produce more oil than needed, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone).
This overproduction can happen due to a mix of internal and external factors:
- Genetics: If oily skin runs in your family, your oil glands may naturally be more active.
- Hormonal changes: Puberty, periods, stress, or pregnancy can increase hormone levels that trigger increased oil production.
- Hot, humid weather: Heat signals your skin to protect itself, often by releasing more oil.
- Dehydration: When skin lacks water, it produces extra oil to protect itself.
- Diet choices: Excess sugar, refined carbs, and dairy may contribute to inflammation and oil imbalance.
Common Skin Problems Caused by Oily Skin
When excess sebum stays on the skin’s surface for a long time, it mixes with sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria, settling into pores and triggering a range of skin concerns.
Some common issues linked to oily skin include:
- Acne and recurring breakouts: Red, raised clusters of pimples across the skin
- Blackheads and whiteheads: Dark or white clogged spots within visible pores
- Enlarged-looking pores: Open, noticeable pores, especially around the nose
- Persistent bumps and congestion: Small, uneven bumps give the skin a textured look
- Redness and irritation: Patchy redness around acne-prone areas
Effective Ways to Control Oil on Your Face
Here’s an effective skincare routine to control facial oil by tackling the root causes. Wash away excess oil, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells not just from the skin’s surface but also from the pores, maintain hydration so the skin doesn’t overproduce oil, and heal and erase acne with consistent use.

1. Cleansing
Cleansing is the easiest way to care for oily skin, removing excess sebum, sweat, dirt, and pollutants from the surface.
Use the Indian Spices Cleanser, the powdered version for a scrubbing effect, and the liquid for a soft texture that doesn’t irritate sensitive acne spots.
- How to use:
- Dampen your face with lukewarm water
- Take a small amount of face wash and massage gently for 30–40 seconds
- Use light circular motions, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin
- If using the powder or a coarse texture, make sure it reaches all areas to lift oil, sweat, and pollutants
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
2. Exfoliation
Gentle weekly exfoliation is a powerful addition to daily cleansing. By scrubbing, leaving the mask on for a long time, and then cleansing it off, the Indian Spices Mask, combined with Multani Mitti, effectively absorbs all traces of sebum and dead cells and ingredients like camphor leave a calming effect on the irritated acne patches.
How to use:
- Apply an even layer of face exfoliator on clean, damp skin
- Massage very lightly in small circular motions for 20–30 seconds
- Leave the mask on for 8–10 minutes or leave it on overnight
- Rinse gently with lukewarm water, no scrubbing
3. Toning
Toning prepares the skin to absorb treatments more effectively
The Cinnamon & Mango Toner combines neem and turmeric to help keep skin clear, while mango leaf extracts and cinnamon support pore refinement and oil control.
How to use:
Hold the bottle slightly away from your face
Spray evenly across the entire face
Let it absorb naturally, do not rub or wipe
4. Serum Treatment

If your skin isn't just oily but also has stubborn acne, serum is a must.
The niacinamide serum deeply nourishes with camphor oil that reduces itchiness and inflammation, while Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier with regular use. Added Green Tea Extract provides antioxidants to exfoliate unwanted skin layers thoroughly.
How to use:
- Spread 2–3 drops gently into clean, toned skin, especially on problem areas
- Let it absorb naturally, do not rub or wipe
5. Moisturising
Have you been told that moisturisers are only for dry skin? When your skin already produces excess sebum, the natural moisturising element of your skin, why moisturise at all? This is one of the most common skincare myths.
Sebum is oil, not water. Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and when skin lacks water, it produces even more oil to protect itself.
A lightweight moisturiser like the Indian Spices Blend Cream restores hydration with every day, consistent use and signals oil glands to slow excess sebum production over time.
How to use:
- Apply a thin, even layer over the face
- Use gentle upward strokes or press into the skin
- Use morning and night
6. Sunscreen for UV Protection
Sun exposure can trigger your skin to produce more oil as a defence mechanism against sun damage. Our natural sunscreen cream offers comprehensive protection using Yashad Bhasma, a natural mineral shield that blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays. To ensure your skin stays healthy, the formula includes almond and olive oils, which help treat and replenish dehydration caused by sun exposure.
Apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine.

How to use:
- Use enough to cover the face and neck evenly
- Spread gently without over-massaging
- Reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors.
Lifestyle and Diet Checklist for Controlling Facial Oils
Cleanse your face twice daily, but avoid over-washing
Washing in the morning and at night removes oil, sweat, and pollutants, while over-cleansing or skipping cleansing can trigger even more oil production.
Choose non-comedogenic products made for oily skin
Non-comedogenic means products that do not clog pores, unlike heavy ingredients such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, wheat germ oil, and lanolin, which can trap oil and lead to breakouts.
Use gentle, non-harsh formulations
Alcohol-based or overly drying products irritate the skin and push it to release more oil as a protective response.
Moisturise regularly
Even oily skin needs hydration, as dehydrated skin often produces excess oil to compensate.
Apply sunscreen every morning
Sun exposure thickens oil and worsens pore congestion, so a lightweight sunscreen is essential for long-term skin balance.
Avoid touching your face frequently.
Repeated contact transfers bacteria and excess oil, increasing the risk of clogged pores and acne.
Use lukewarm water and avoid hot showers on your face
Heat stimulates oil glands, making skin feel greasy faster.
Support your skin with a balanced diet.
Omega-3 - rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, help reduce internal inflammation linked to excess oil.
Exercise regularly
Daily movement supports hormonal balance and healthy blood circulation, which reflects positively on skin health.
FAQs
Does drinking more water help treat oily skin?
Drinking enough water helps keep skin hydrated from within, which can prevent oil overproduction triggered by dehydration, but it won’t directly stop oiliness on its own.
Can diet cause oily skin?
Yes, diets high in sugar, refined carbs, and excess dairy can increase inflammation and hormone fluctuations, which may trigger excess oil production.
Which makeup products are suitable for oily skin?
Lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic makeup with matte or semi-matte finishes works best, as it controls shine without clogging pores.
Can oily skin skip moisturisers?
No, skipping moisturiser often makes oily skin worse because dehydrated skin compensates by producing even more oil.
Can repeated cleansing treat oily skin?
No, cleansing too often strips natural oils and signals the skin to produce more oil, making oiliness harder to control.