The Ultimate Morning Routine for Oily Skin (With SPF That Works)
Shine in your life, not on your face.
Waking up with oily skin can feel like starting the day already one step behind. You’ve washed your face, applied your skincare, and maybe even done your makeup… and yet, by 10:43am, your forehead looks like it could fry an egg.
You’re not alone. Oily skin needs a routine that works with it, not against it. That means the right products, in the right order — and yes, a sunscreen that doesn’t undo all your hard work.
Let’s break down what a solid AM skincare routine looks like when your sebaceous glands are just a little too ambitious.
Step 1: Cleanser That Doesn’t Overdo It
The instinct is to scrub away the oil. But that squeaky-clean feeling? Often a red flag.
What to look for:
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Gel-based or foaming cleanser
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No sulfates or harsh alcohols
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Salicylic acid or niacinamide (if acne is an issue)
Avoid:
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Cream cleansers (too rich)
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Stripping formulas that cause rebound oiliness
A good cleanse sets the tone. Do it right, and you’ll find your skin stays calmer all day.
Step 2: Lightweight Hydration
Yes, oily skin still needs hydration. In fact, skipping this step can trigger more oil production.
Go for:
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Gel-based moisturisers
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Serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin
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Products labelled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”
Pro tip: If your skin is super oily, you might be able to skip moisturiser and go straight to SPF — if your sunscreen has hydrating ingredients (like ours does).
Step 3: Targeted Treatments (Optional)
If you use active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or azelaic acid, this is the time to apply them — after cleansing, before moisturiser.
Why this matters: Targeted serums help reduce redness, fade pigmentation from past breakouts, and keep skin smooth under makeup.
Step 4: Sunscreen — The Right One
This is the make-or-break moment for oily skin types.
Too greasy, and it undoes your whole routine. Too thick, and your pores stage a protest. Skip it? You’ll regret it later — trust us.
Here’s where The Routine comes in.
Meet The Routine SPF 40: The Last Step That Doesn’t Feel Like One
We know sunscreen has been the step you tolerate, not the one you love. But our SPF was designed for oily, humid, breakout-prone days — and the people who’ve given up on finding “the one.”
Here’s what makes it work:
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Gel texture — no stickiness, no clogging
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Matte finish — controls shine, not adds to it
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Water-resistant — holds up in the heat and under makeup
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No white cast — goodbye ghost face, hello confidence
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Non-comedogenic — because your pores deserve peace
In other words: it does the job without feeling like a job.
Bonus: Makeup That Plays Nice with Oily Skin
If you wear makeup, go for:
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Oil-free primers
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Lightweight foundations or BB creams
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Powder to set only where needed
And yes — The Routine SPF works beautifully under makeup. No pilling. No meltdown.
Your New Morning Routine, Simplified
Here’s your go-to oily skin checklist:
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Cleanser — gentle, effective, no over-cleansing
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Serum (optional) — for brightening or calming
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Moisturiser — if your skin needs it
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SPF 40 by The Routine — the non-mineral sunscreen made for oily skin
Done. Out the door. Face protected.
You Deserve a Morning Routine That Doesn’t Fight You
Let your skincare support your skin. Start with the SPF that actually gets it.
👉 Try The Routine now — gel-based, mattifying, and breakout-friendly.
