The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Men with Oily Skin (2025 Guide)
Let’s be honest: if your face starts to feel like a frying pan by lunchtime, you’re not alone. Oily skin is one of the most common skincare complaints for men—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
The good news? You don’t need a 12-step ritual to get it under control. You just need the right routine tailored to your skin type (and lifestyle).
Welcome to your no-BS guide to building the ultimate skincare routine for men with oily skin.
Why Do Men Get Oily Skin?
Men naturally produce more sebum (oil) due to higher testosterone levels. Combine that with stress, diet, and some harsh grooming habits, and your skin can turn into an oil slick faster than your morning coffee kicks in.
Signs You’ve Got Oily Skin:
Shiny forehead and nose (aka the T-zone)
Frequent breakouts or clogged pores
Makeup (if you wear it) or sunscreen slipping off your face by noon
Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Here’s what to do—and what to skip.
1. Cleanser (AM & PM)
Use a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or charcoal.
Avoid the temptation to over-wash; it only makes your skin produce more oil.
Try: [Brand X Charcoal Cleanser for Men] (link to your product or affiliate)
2. Toner (Optional but Powerful)
Use a toner with witch hazel or glycolic acid.
It shrinks pores, removes leftover oil, and preps your skin for moisturizer.
Think of toner like that second cup of coffee—it helps everything else work better.
3. Moisturizer (Yes, Really)
Oil-free, gel-based moisturizers are your best friend.
Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping this step actually makes your skin pump out more oil to compensate.
4. SPF (Every. Single. Day.)
Go for a matte-finish sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Sun damage makes oily skin worse and can lead to uneven skin tone. Protect your face like it owes you money.
What to Avoid if You Have Oily Skin
❌ Bar soaps (too drying)
❌ Alcohol-heavy products
❌ Over-exfoliating
❌ Skipping moisturizer
❌ Not washing after workouts
Bonus: Lifestyle Habits That Help
Clean your pillowcases weekly
Hydrate like hell (water, not energy drinks)
Reduce sugar and dairy — they spike sebum production
Manage stress — cortisol can jack up oil levels
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a bathroom full of serums to beat oily skin. You just need a simple, consistent routine that works with your biology—not against it.
Start with the basics, stay consistent for 30 days, and your skin will start to chill out. And if you want product recs made for men, by men—we got you covered at For All Men.
Want to learn more about keeping your skin so fresh and so clean?
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