Oil control

The oil trap

Stripping cleansers and alcohol toners remove oil for an hour, then the skin overproduces to compensate. Oily skin needs balance and hydration, not drying out.

What actually helps

• Salicylic acid (BHA) dissolves the oil inside pores, so they look smaller and stay clearer.
• Niacinamide reduces oil production over a few weeks and refines pores.
• A gel or lightweight moisturiser every day. Hydrated skin produces less oil.
• A gentle gel cleanser twice a day, never more.
• A lightweight, matte-finish sunscreen so you actually wear it.

A simple routine

Morning: gel cleanser, niacinamide serum, light moisturiser, sunscreen. Evening: cleanser, BHA (three to four nights a week), light moisturiser.

Realistic expectations

You cannot shrink pores, but clear, well-treated pores look far smaller. Blotting paper during the day is fine; powder on top of dirty skin is not.