Summer brings sunshine, beach days, and a refreshing change of pace but for those with oily skin, it can also mean excess shine, clogged pores, and makeup that seems to slide right off your face. The combination of heat, humidity, and sweat makes oily skin more reactive during warm months, and using the wrong products can make it worse.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to create an effective summer skincare routine for oily skin, the best types of products to use (and avoid), and how to keep your skin fresh, matte, and breakout-free all season long.
How Should Oily Skin Be Cared for in Summer?
Oily skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce more sebum than necessary. In summer, this production is further amplified due to increased sweating, sun exposure, and heat, leading to a greasy complexion, enlarged pores, and more frequent breakouts.
To combat these issues, your summer skincare goals should include:
- Balancing oil production, not stripping it
- Keeping pores clear and minimizing their appearance
- Maintaining hydration without heaviness
- Using non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores
This means adopting lightweight, oil-free, mattifying formulas and adjusting your routine to address seasonal changes.
Morning Routine for Oily Skin in Summer
A well-structured morning routine is essential for prepping oily skin for the day. Here’s how to build a simple yet effective regimen:
1. Gel-Based Cleanser
Start with a gentle, oil-free gel cleanser that removes overnight oil buildup without stripping the skin barrier.
Look for:
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Tea tree oil
- Niacinamide
2. Oil-Control Toner
A pore-refining toner helps balance oil, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for moisturizer.
Best ingredients:
- Witch hazel
- Zinc PCA
- Green tea extract
3. Lightweight Moisturizer
Yes, oily skin needs moisturizer even in summer. Choose a water-based, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without feeling greasy.
Go for:
- Gel moisturizers with hyaluronic acid
- Oil-free mattifying fluids
4. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Opt for a matte-finish mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 that protects without making your face shiny or clogging pores.
Recommended filters:
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
How to Make Makeup Last on Oily Skin in Summer
Makeup longevity is a major concern when your face is oily and temperatures are high. Follow these heatproof makeup tips to reduce shine and extend wear time:
1. Use a Mattifying Primer
Apply a silicone-based primer that controls oil and blurs pores. Focus on your T-zone.
2. Choose Oil-Free, Long-Wear Foundation
Go for matte, water-based foundations that are specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin. Avoid dewy or oil-rich formulas.
3. Set with Translucent Powder
Use a loose or pressed translucent setting powder to lock in your base without adding weight.
4. Blot Throughout the Day
Carry blotting papers or powder compacts to reduce mid-day shine without disturbing your makeup.
Extra Tip: Use a setting spray formulated for oily skin; it helps control oil and keeps makeup in place even in humidity.
Which Products Help Minimize Pores?
Pore size is largely genetic, but clogged or stretched pores can appear larger, especially in oily skin. Certain ingredients can help tighten and clarify them:
Top pore-refining ingredients:
- Niacinamide: Balances oil and strengthens the skin barrier
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Exfoliates inside the pore to clear out sebum
- Retinoids (night use only): Increase cell turnover and shrink enlarged pores over time
- Clay masks: Absorb oil and reduce pore visibility
Apply pore-minimizing serums after toner and before moisturizer for best results.
Night Routine for Oily Skin in Summer
At night, your skin regenerates. Use this time to detox, treat, and rebalance your oily complexion with targeted care.
1. Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup)
Use a micellar water or gentle cleansing oil first, followed by your regular gel cleanser to ensure all impurities are removed.
2. Toner + Treatment Serum
Apply a BHA toner followed by a serum with niacinamide or retinol (if tolerated) to treat oiliness, dark spots, or acne.
3. Lightweight Night Gel
Skip thick night creams use a non-greasy hydrating gel with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to replenish moisture.
4. Optional: Overnight Clay Mask (2x per week)
A clay-based overnight treatment can help absorb excess oil while you sleep.
Do Mattifying Products Really Work in Summer?
Yes when chosen wisely. Mattifying skincare and makeup products can provide effective short-term oil control during summer. However, overuse or aggressive formulas may trigger more oil production as your skin tries to compensate.
Best mattifying solutions:
- Primers with dimethicone
- Setting sprays with silica
- Oil-free moisturizers with rice starch or kaolin clay
Avoid alcohol-heavy mattifiers, which can irritate and dehydrate the skin, leading to rebound oiliness.
Additional Summer Skincare Tips for Oily Skin
- Wash pillowcases twice a week to prevent bacterial buildup
- Don’t skip moisturizer oily skin still needs hydration
- Avoid over-washing cleansing more than twice daily can backfire
- Keep makeup tools clean, especially sponges and brushes
- Drink plenty of water and limit high-sugar foods, which can trigger breakouts
Expert Dermatology for Oily Skin and Summer Skincare Needs
At Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, our dermatology team understands that oily skin requires a delicate balance especially in hot, humid weather. Whether you’re dealing with persistent breakouts, enlarged pores, or sun-related sensitivity, we offer:
- Comprehensive skin type analysis and oil-control plans
- Personalized treatment for acne and summer-induced flare-ups
- Professional chemical peels and pore-tightening procedures
- Non-invasive facials and medical-grade sunscreens suited to oily skin
- Long-term solutions including laser therapy for scarring and sebum regulation
With over 37 years of experience in skin health, Erdem Hospital empowers you to embrace the summer with confidence no filters needed.