Skincare for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
If your face is shiny by lunchtime, if your makeup slides off by evening, if small pimples keep showing up on your nose and forehead — this page is for you. Here is what actually works for oily and acne-prone skin, and where our products fit.
Why skin gets oily
Oily skin is not a hygiene problem. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, and how much they produce is set mostly by genetics, hormones, humidity and heat. In most of India, weather alone pushes oil production up for a good part of the year.
The mistake most people make is fighting oil with harsh products. A cleanser that leaves your face squeaky and tight has stripped the barrier — and stripped skin often responds by producing more oil. That is the loop that keeps people stuck.
What actually helps
- A gentle clay cleanser, twice a day. Clay absorbs surface oil instead of dissolving it with strong detergents. Twice a day is enough — more washing makes things worse.
- A light moisturiser afterwards. Skipping moisturiser is the most common mistake oily skin makes. Cleansed skin needs water and lipids back, or the barrier over-compensates.
- Sunscreen every morning. Non-negotiable, and it also protects against the marks acne leaves behind.
- Consistency over intensity. Four weeks of a simple routine beats a shelf of products used randomly.
What makes it worse
- Washing your face four or five times a day
- Hot water
- Scrubbing, or layering a scrub on top of an exfoliating cleanser
- Skipping moisturiser because “my skin is already oily”
- Touching or picking at breakouts
A routine you can actually keep
- Morning: cleanse with Makoy Multani Mitti Soap, pat dry, light moisturiser, sunscreen.
- Night: cleanse again to remove sunscreen, sweat and pollution, then a light layer of Skin Renew Night Cream on slightly damp skin.
- Body: the same soap works on back, chest and shoulders — the areas that break out most in summer.
That is three steps in the morning and two at night. Routines fail because they are too long, not because they are too short.
Why Multani Mitti suits this skin type
Multani mitti is fuller’s earth. Its defining property is absorbency — the clay particles pull in excess sebum and loose surface debris rather than sliding over them. That is why it leaves skin clean but not tight. It also gives a very mild polish that keeps pores less congested over a few weeks of daily use.
We should be clear about the limits: clay soap helps with everyday oiliness, blackheads and small pimples. It is not a treatment for moderate or severe acne, cystic acne or hormonal breakouts — those need a dermatologist and usually an active ingredient. Anyone telling you a soap cures acne is overselling.
The longer explanation is in our guide on what Multani Mitti soap actually does, and there is a step-by-step version in how to use it without drying your skin.
Where to start
- Just the cleanser: Multani Mitti Soap, 100g — the single change that makes the biggest difference.
- Cleanser plus night care: the soap and night cream combo, cheaper than buying both separately.
- Everything: the 30-day kit with soap, night cream and body lotion.
Common questions
How often should I wash my face if it is very oily?
Twice a day. If you sweat heavily, rinse with plain water in between instead of washing again with soap.
Do I really need moisturiser on oily skin?
Yes. Use a light one, but use it. Skipping it is what keeps many people permanently greasy.
How long before I see a change?
Oil control is usually noticeable in the first week. Fewer small breakouts and smoother texture take three to four weeks of consistent use.
Can I use it on my back and chest?
Yes, and it is worth doing. Those areas sweat more and break out more, and most people never treat them.
