Best Oily skin routine blog. Paulas choice BHA and The Ordinary Niacinamide and zinc pca serum and clarity lotion

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

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 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.


 

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