Author: Bhavana Doshi
Oily skin is tricky.
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 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 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.