# The BEST Oily Skin Routine: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA, The Ordinary Niacinamide and Clarity Lotion

**By Bhavana Doshi** · 2025-07-25

It’s shiny by noon. Your pores look _huge_. Blackheads and whiteheads sneak up no matter how much you cleanse. And when you Google _“best moisturizer for oily skin”_ or _“which products actually work for oily acne-prone skin”_, you get 10,000 conflicting answers.

So let’s **cut the noise.**

If you’re dealing with oily skin, blackheads, clogged pores, or acne scars—you really only need **3 proven steps** in your routine.

And no, it’s not another 10-step Korean skincare routine. It’s **minimal, science-backed, and skin-friendly.**

## **Meet the Two Ingredients Oily Skin Loves Most**

_**Let’s start with the heroes that really change oily skin:**_

### **1\. BHA (Salicylic Acid)**

This is the **#1 ingredient for clogged pores**. Why?

**Oil-soluble** → dives _inside_ your pores

Dissolves **sebum + dead skin**

Prevents **blackheads, whiteheads, and small bumps**

⭐ _Tried-and-true product:_ **Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant**  
It’s a cult classic because it’s gentle yet insanely effective for keeping pores clean.

### **2\. Niacinamide**

This is the **balancer**.

It Regulates **oil production**

Minimizes the **look of enlarged pores**

Fades **post-acne marks**

Strengthens your **skin barrier**

⭐ _Most recommended:_ **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc**  
It’s affordable, effective, and one of the most popular serums for oily skin.

So if you’re serious about transforming oily, acne-prone skin, **these two ingredients (BHA + Niacinamide)** are **non-negotiable.**

But here’s the **IMPORTANT part** that 90% of people skip…

## **Why Oily Skin STILL Needs a Moisturizer**

“I have oily skin… won’t a moisturizer make it worse?”

Nope. That’s the **biggest skincare myth**.

Even oily skin gets **dehydrated**, especially if you’re exfoliating with BHA or using active serums like Niacinamide. When your skin lacks hydration, it overcompensates by producing **even MORE oil**.

**Result?**  
✔️ Oilier T-zone  
✔️ More breakouts  
✔️ Weakened skin barrier

So if you’re using **Paula’s Choice 2% BHA** or **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%**, you NEED a **lightweight, non-comedogenic [moisturizer for oily skin](https://purebubblesskincare.com/blogs/pure-bubbles-skincare/best-moisturizer-for-oily-skin-in-2025)** to keep your skin calm and balanced.

## **The Tried & Tested Oily Skin Routine (Minimal but Powerful)**

If you want a **routine that WORKS**, here’s the **exact layering order I recommend** for oily, acne-prone skin:**Morning Routine**

✅ Gentle cleanser  
✅ **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc**  
✅ **Clarity Lotion** – hydrates + balances oil without clogging pores  
✅ Broad-spectrum sunscreen

### **Evening Routine**

✅ Gentle cleanser  
✅ **Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant** _(2–3x/week, not daily)_  
✅ **Clarity Lotion** – restores hydration after exfoliation

This is the **perfect trio**:

✔️ **Paula’s Choice BHA** clears clogged pores  
✔️ **The Ordinary Niacinamide** regulates oil & fades marks  
✔️ **Clarity Lotion** hydrates & supports the skin barrier

No fluff. No 12 steps. Just **smart skincare.**

## **Why [Clarity Lotion](https://purebubblesskincare.com/products/clarity-lotion-moisturizer-for-oily-skin "pure bubbles clarity lotion for oily skin") Completes This Routine**

You’re already using strong, effective actives. But here’s why you need **Clarity Lotion as the final step:**

**Balances oil naturally** with CLEAR Oléoactif® (microbiome-friendly plant complex)

**Soothes redness** caused by exfoliation or actives

**Hydrates without clogging pores** → ideal for oily, acne-prone skin

**Strengthens your barrier**, so BHA & Niacinamide work BETTER

Without this step, your skin can feel tight, irritated, or overly oily.

Clarity Lotion is like the **peacemaker** between your actives and your skin.

## **Who This Routine is For**

✅ **Oily skin that gets shiny within hours**  
✅ **Acne-prone skin with blackheads & small bumps**  
✅ **Combination skin with an oily T-zone**  
✅ **People new to actives who want a safe, barrier-friendly approach**

## **Quick FAQs** 

**Q. Can I use Paula’s Choice BHA & The Ordinary Niacinamide together?**  
Yes, but always follow with a moisturizer like Clarity Lotion to prevent irritation.

**Q. Do I really need a moisturizer for oily skin?**  
Yes! Without hydration, oily skin produces _more_ oil. The right moisturizer keeps it balanced.

**Q. Will Clarity Lotion clog my pores?**  
No, it’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and designed for oily + acne-prone skin.

**Q. How often should I use Paula’s Choice BHA?**  
2–3 times per week is enough. Over-exfoliation can damage your barrier.

## **Why I Recommend This (From Experience)**

I’m Bhavana Doshi, and after years of battling oily, acne-prone skin, this is the **routine I wish someone told me earlier**.

You don’t need 20 products. You need **3 that actually work together**:

✔️ **Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant**  
✔️ **The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc**  
✔️ **Clarity Lotion – the essential moisturizer that keeps everything balanced**

This trio keeps your oily skin **clear, calm, and healthy.**

[**→ Complete your routine with Clarity Lotion today.**](https://purebubblesskincare.com/products/clarity-lotion-moisturizer-for-oily-skin "clarity lotion for oily skin")

---

> Source: [Pure Bubbles Skincare](https://purebubblesskincare.com/blogs/pure-bubbles-skincare/the-best-oily-skin-routine)