Oily Skin: Possible Causes and How to Restore Balance
Oily skin is commonly associated with shine, congestion, and breakouts. As a result, many individuals attempt to control oil by avoiding oil-based products altogether. However, excess oil production is not always caused by what is applied to the skin—it is often influenced by how the skin is cleansed.
When cleansing disrupts the skin’s natural balance, oil production may increase rather than improve.
How Stripping Cleansers Can Lead to Excess Oil
The skin produces natural oils (sebum) to protect the barrier and maintain moisture balance. When harsh or overly aggressive cleansers remove these essential lipids, the skin compensates by producing more oil.
Over time, this pattern may lead to skin that feels persistently oily while also appearing dehydrated or congested. In many cases, adjusting the cleansing approach—rather than intensifying it—is a more effective way to restore balance.
A More Balanced Approach to Cleansing
Proper cleansing focuses on removing makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. This is where a thoughtful double-cleansing method can be beneficial.
Rather than using a single cleanser aggressively, double cleansing separates makeup removal from deeper skin cleansing, allowing each step to perform its function more effectively.
Recommended Order for Double Cleansing
For those who wear makeup or sunscreen regularly, the order of cleansing matters.
Step One: Micellar Cleansing Pads
Using micellar cleansing pads first helps remove surface-level makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup with minimal friction. This step lifts impurities away before massage-based cleansing begins.
→ View the Micellar Cleansing Pads
Step Two: Cleansing Balm
After surface makeup has been removed, a cleansing balm can be used to gently massage the skin and dissolve remaining residue and deeply embedded impurities—without stripping essential oils.
→ Explore the Marine Ingredients Cleansing Balm
This order allows the cleansing balm to function as a refining cleanse rather than being overworked on a full face of makeup.
For a more detailed explanation of double cleansing and its benefits, refer to this guide:
Two Steps to Clean, Healthy Skin: The Benefits of Double Cleansing
Cleansing Correctly Changes the Relationship With Oils
When the skin is cleansed properly and barrier function is supported, oil-based skincare no longer needs to be avoided. Balanced skin is better able to regulate oil production naturally, making it more receptive to lipid-rich products—particularly during colder or drier seasons.
In winter, when environmental stressors can weaken the skin barrier, oil-based treatments may help provide additional comfort and protection without contributing to excess oil when used appropriately.
An oil-based concentrate can support skin resilience by reinforcing the barrier and reducing moisture loss.
→ Discover the Radiance Renewal Face Concentrate
Closing: Restoring Balance Starts With Cleansing
Oily skin is not always a condition to be controlled—it is often a signal of imbalance. Cleansing that respects the skin’s natural function lays the foundation for healthier oil regulation, improved comfort, and greater flexibility in product choices.
When cleansing supports rather than disrupts the skin barrier, balance becomes achievable—and oils can return to their intended role as protective, supportive elements within a complete skincare routine.