Balancing Oily Summer Skin

If your skin feels slicker than usual during the summer months, you’re not imagining it. Heat, humidity, and drying A/C can all send your oil glands into overdrive—leading to breakouts, shine, and congestion. But with a few smart shifts in your routine, you can help your skin stay balanced, calm, and clear all season long.

Skip the Powder, Blot Instead

When your skin starts to shine by noon, it might be tempting to pile on powder or reapply foundation. But adding more product can clog pores and actually trigger more oil production. Instead, scale back your makeup—ditch the full-face foundation in favor of targeted concealer. Use a blotting sheet or clean tissue to absorb excess oil, or swipe on a bit of toner midday for a quick refresh.

Add Dermaplaning to Your Routine

Excess oil often builds up on the surface of your skin—especially if it’s clinging to layers of dead skin cells. Regular dermaplaning gently removes this buildup, along with peach fuzz and surface debris, to instantly reduce slickness and boost the effectiveness of your other skincare products. By exfoliating and decongesting the skin, it helps keep your pores clear and your texture smoother all summer long.

Swap Your Cleanser

Your cleanser matters more than you think—especially when your skin is in oil-overdrive. Our Prebiotic Gel Cleanser is a summer staple, formulated to sweep away sweat, oil, and impurities without disrupting your skin barrier. With microbiome-balancing ingredients, it helps neutralize acne-causing bacteria and keep your skin fresh and clean without stripping it dry.

Hydrate the Right Way

Oily skin can still be dehydrated—and skipping hydration may actually trigger more oil as your skin tries to compensate. Reach for a lightweight, oil-free hydrator like our HA Hydrating Serum, which delivers a potent dose of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to lock in water, calm inflammation, and support a balanced skin barrier. It sinks in instantly and layers well under SPF and makeup.

Cool It Down

If you wake up looking shiny and inflamed, an ice roller can be a game-changer. Using it in the morning helps depuff, calm inflammation, and bring down surface temperature, which can reduce oil production and make your skin feel more balanced from the start of the day.

Always Wear SPF

Sun exposure can increase oil production and lead to more post-summer pigmentation. Opt for a lightweight mineral sunscreen that protects without clogging your pores or leaving a greasy residue. Look for formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for breathable, broad-spectrum protection that won't make oily skin worse.

Give It Time

Remember, most of these changes are seasonal. As your skin acclimates to the warmer weather, oil production will often naturally level out. In the meantime, a few strategic swaps—and consistent routines—can help keep you glowing, not greasy.