Oily, shiny skin
Skin is shiny just a few hours after washing, with enlarged pores and frequent breakouts. Oily skin doesn't need stripping; it needs balancing.
What is oily skin?
Sebum is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands to protect and moisturise the skin. In oily skin, the glands are more active, making the surface shiny, pores look bigger and more easily clogged.
How much oil you produce is largely decided by hormones and constitution, so the aim isn't to make skin oil-free. The aim is to keep oil balanced, pores clear and the skin barrier healthy, so skin is less shiny and breaks out less.
Learn more about what causes oily skin
What causes oily, shiny skin?
Internal
- HormonesAndrogens stimulate the sebaceous glands. Oil often increases in puberty, before a period or when hormones change.
- GeneticsThe size and activity of the sebaceous glands depend partly on your constitution.
Environment & habits
- A hot, humid climateSweat and oil build up more on the skin's surface.
- Over-cleansingWashing too often and harsh exfoliation make skin tight, stinging and easily irritated, without reducing oil long-term.
- Stress & sleepCan make skin oilier and more prone to breakouts.
The sebaceous glands sit in the dermis and release oil to the surface through the pores. Care for oily skin focuses on the follicle opening and the epidermal surface.
Where should I start?
Many people with oily skin have tried everything to make it "dry": washing many times, harsh exfoliation, skipping moisturiser. The result is often skin that's both shiny and tight, stinging and easily irritated.
During your Da Ký™, we look at the amount of oil, the condition of your pores and your skin's hydration, and review your current routine. From there, we rebuild a care routine that suits you before considering any treatment.
Home care
For oily skin, your home routine is the most important part. The right cleansing, a light layer of moisturiser and one active to keep pores clear often change skin more than any treatment.
Treatments at Claire deep-cleanse and rebalance faster, but it's your daily routine that keeps skin stable long-term.
Recommendations we often give
- Gentle cleansing, twice a day. Washing more often or using a harsh cleanser doesn't reduce oil long-term; it makes skin more easily irritated.
- Don't skip moisturiser. Choose a light, non-comedogenic gel or lotion texture.
- Keep pores clear. BHA or retinoids help clear the follicle opening. Start slowly and build up.
- Wear sunscreen every day. There are many light, oil-controlling sunscreens that don't leave a shine.
- Oral medication, only when truly needed. For oily skin with severe acne, a doctor may consider prescription medication. You shouldn't buy it and use it on your own.
At Claire, we work with cosmeceutical lines such as SkinCeuticals, ZO Skin Health, Obagi and Dermalogica, and only suggest a product when it truly suits your skin.
In-clinic options
Treatments for oily skin at Claire focus on clearing pores, balancing the surface and preventing breakouts, without drying the skin.
Hydra Facial deep-cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates in one session, suited to regular maintenance. When there are closed comedones or inflamed acne, Skin Clear provides medically grounded extractions and reduces inflammation.
Acne Peel and Skin Peel uses active peels to clear pores and smooth the surface. Bio Peel is a gentler, non-peeling option when oily skin is also sensitive.
See how each treatment acts
| Treatments | Balances oil | Clears pores | Light hydration | Prevents breakouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydra FacialHydroPeel 1 & 2 · BOHR Effect - OxyPods · HydroPeel 3 & LUH · 70–75 minutes · VND 1,800,000 · Member VND 1,200,000 | ||||
| Skin ClearMedically grounded extractions · Reduce inflammation + kill bacteria · LED Acne · 60–85 minutes · VND 900,000 · Member VND 600,000 | ||||
| Acne PeelAcnePro active peel · Neutralise & Soothe · 50–55 minutes · VND 1,800,000 · Member VND 1,200,000 | ||||
| Bio PeelPre Peel · Bio active peel · Neutralise & Soothe · 50–55 minutes · VND 3,500,000 · Member VND 2,400,000 | ||||
| Skin PeelActive peel · Neutralise & Soothe · 50–55 minutes · VND 3,500,000 · Member VND 2,400,000 |
Main action Supporting
Depth of action
Illustrated according to each treatment's technology; actual action is adjusted to each skin.
Other options and advice
If oily skin comes with severe inflamed acne, hair loss or menstrual irregularities, the cause may be hormonal. In that case, we'll advise you to see the right specialist alongside your skin care.
We believe that when you know all your options clearly, at Claire or elsewhere, you'll make the best decision for yourself.
Other skin concerns
Begin by understanding your skin
Da Ký™: a one-to-one consultation, unhurried, with no pressure to buy a package.