Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies
Jul 8, 2025|Skin

What’s the Best Acne Treatment for Oily Skin?

A woman using a mattifying wipe on her forehead by Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

What’s the Best Acne Treatment for Oily Skin?

Dealing with acne when you have oily skin can feel like fighting a battle on two fronts. Your skin is the perfect environment for breakouts, but many acne treatments either strip your skin too harshly or fail to control the oil production fueling the problem. Thankfully, you aren’t alone, and trying out several acne products can help you find the best one for you. Let’s take a look at skincare for oily skin and which products are likely to be most effective.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is the result of sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, the natural oil that keeps your skin moisturized. While some oil is necessary for healthy, clear skin, excess production can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammation. Excess oil production might stem from:

  • Hormone fluctuations
  • Genetics
  • Exposure to hot, humid weather
  • Using the wrong acne products (especially those that dry your skin)

The Most Popular Over-the-Counter Treatments

The good news is that many effective acne treatments are available at any drugstore. Some of the most popular options you’ll find include:

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is synonymous with acne treatment these days, especially for folks with oily skin. This ingredient penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve oil, eliminate dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. It gently exfoliates the skin while preventing future breakouts. You can find salicylic acid in many forms, such as cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.

Benzoyl Peroxide

If the bulk of your acne is caused by bacteria, benzoyl peroxide is probably your best bet. This ingredient works particularly well for inflammatory acne and oily skin because it:

  • Reduces acne-causing bacteria
  • Helps unclog pores
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Provides mild drying effects that can benefit oily skin

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is excellent for oily skincare because it regulates sebum production without over-drying. Serums with 5 to 10% niacinamide are usually your best options for reducing oil production, minimizing pores, and reducing inflammation. When used consistently, niacinamide can also improve your skin barrier.

Retinoids

Over-the-counter retinoids like adapalene offer a slew of anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. They increase cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and reduce oil production over time. Beyond that, retinoids can improve your overall skin texture and make future breakouts less likely. If you plan to start using a retinoid, remember to go slowly. Begin by only using them two or three times a week and always wear sunscreen.

Explore Professional Acne Treatment, Too

You have plenty of options for at-home acne treatment, but if you want clear skin that’s here to stay, professional treatment is your best bet. Talk to a dermatologist about whether one of these approaches could work for you:

Prescription Retinoids

While you can get some retinoids over the counter, others require a prescription. Tretinoin and adapalene in high concentrations often bring more dramatic results, even for stubborn acne. Your dermatologist will prescribe the right formulation and strength for your specific skincare needs.

Oral Medications

If acne treatments and traditional oily skincare approaches aren’t working, oral medications might help. For severe or persistent acne, dermatologists might recommend:

  • Antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation
  • Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills
  • Isotretinoin for severe cystic acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Professional Treatments

Today, in-office acne treatments are more accessible than ever. Depending on your needs, your dermatologist might suggest one of the following professional treatments to combat persistent acne:

Designing Your Daily Routine for Clear Skin

If you want clear skin, you’ll need to get consistent with your daily skincare routine. While everyone is different, and what works for you might not work for someone else, you can follow general guidelines to maintain clearer skin. Start here when creating your skincare regimen:

Morning Routine

In the morning, begin with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser—bonus points if it has salicylic acid! Next, apply a niacinamide serum, and once that absorbs, add a layer of oil-free moisturizer. Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Evening Routine

At the end of the day, folks with oily skin might see lots of benefits from double cleansing. Start by removing your makeup and sunscreen, and then cleanse a second time with your regular cleanser. If you want to add a treatment product, you might alternate between a salicylic acid toner and a retinoid. Remember to use retinoids sparingly at first! Finish off your routine with some moisturizer.

Oily Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed by all the skincare options on the market, and many people end up making avoidable mistakes during their routine. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:

  • Over-Cleansing—You can have too much of a good thing! Washing your face more than twice daily can strip your skin and trigger increased oil production. Stick to morning and evening cleansing.
  • Skipping Moisturizer—Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can lead to dehydrated skin that overcompensates by producing more oil.
  • Using Too Many Products—Don’t start using numerous acne products all at once. This can irritate your skin and make it difficult to figure out which is causing the problem.
  • Skin Picking—If you can help it, don’t pick at your skin. This can lead to scarring, spread bacteria, and worsen breakouts.

Achieve Clear Skin With Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Ultimately, the best acne treatment for you depends on your specific needs. The best way to see results is to meet with a dermatologist. At Swinyer Woseth Dermatology, we’re committed to bringing exceptional skincare services to all our patients in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT, including those with very oily skin. Contact us today to learn more about effective acne treatments.

What to Read Next
Back to the top