Many people struggle with oily skin and the associated problems like blackheads and blemishes. These issues can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and affect how you feel about your appearance.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can address these problems and get back to feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.

1. Use a gentle cleanser

First and foremost, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser to help remove excess oil and impurities from your skin.

Look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as these ingredients can help unclog pores and prevent blackheads from forming.

2. Exfoliate regularly

In addition to cleansing, exfoliating is an essential step in any skincare routine. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and debris from the surface of your skin, helping to prevent blackheads and other blemishes from forming.

3. Use a clay mask

Clay masks are a great way to help remove excess oil and impurities from your skin, while also helping to unclog pores and prevent blackheads from forming.

Look for a mask that contains kaolin clay or bentonite clay, as these types of clay are especially effective for oily skin.

4. Apply a toner

Using a toner after cleansing can help to remove any leftover dirt and oil from your skin, while also helping to soothe and balance your skin’s pH levels.

5. Try a chemical exfoliant

Chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can help to unclog pores and prevent blackheads and blemishes from forming. Look for products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

6. Use a moisturizer

It may seem counterintuitive, but using a moisturizer can actually help to regulate oil production and prevent your skin from becoming too oily. Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.

7. Apply sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, as UV damage can worsen acne and hyperpigmentation. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

8. Use oil-absorbing sheets

Oil-absorbing sheets are a quick and easy way to help remove excess oil from your skin throughout the day. Keep a pack in your purse or bag to use whenever you need to blot away excess shine.

9. Apply a retinoid

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help to reduce the appearance of blackheads and other blemishes, as well as improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. Look for a product that contains adapalene or tretinoin.

10. Try a blue light therapy device

Blue light therapy devices can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and blackheads, reducing the appearance of blemishes and improving the overall clarity of your skin.

11. Use a topical antibiotic

If you have persistent acne or blackheads, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical antibiotic like clindamycin or erythromycin to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

12. Consider a chemical peel

Chemical peels can help to exfoliate your skin and reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. Talk to your dermatologist to see if this treatment might be right for you.

13. Get regular facials

Regular facials can help to deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin, as well as unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and other blemishes.

14. Practice good hygiene

Using clean towels and pillowcases, washing your face twice a day, and avoiding touching your face can all help to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of developing new blemishes.

15. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but it can also help to regulate oil production and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.

16. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to nourish your skin from the inside out, while also reducing inflammation and improving your overall health.

17. Use a face oil

While it may seem counterintuitive, using a face oil can actually help to regulate oil production and prevent your skin from becoming too oily. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or squalane.

18. Apply a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment

If you have a particularly stubborn blemish, applying a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, helping the blemish to heal more quickly.

19. Take supplements

Supplements like zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids can all help to improve the health of your skin and reduce inflammation, which can help to prevent blackheads and other blemishes.

20. Use a face brush

Using a face brush like a Clarisonic can help to deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin, helping to remove impurities and prevent blackheads from forming.

21. Apply a tea tree oil treatment

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and blackheads. Apply a tea tree oil treatment to affected areas to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

22. Try a topical retinoid

A topical retinoid like adapalene or tretinoin can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

23. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub

In addition to chemical exfoliants, using a gentle physical exfoliating scrub can also help to remove dead skin cells and prevent blackheads from forming. Look for a scrub that contains natural exfoliants like ground apricot kernels or sugar.

24. Apply a honey mask

Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne and blackheads, while also hydrating and nourishing your skin.

25. Take a break from makeup

Wearing makeup can sometimes exacerbate oiliness and contribute to the formation of blackheads and other blemishes. Taking a break from makeup every once in a while can help to give your skin a chance to breathe and heal.

26. Apply a green tea treatment

Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne and blackheads.

27. Use a pore-cleansing strip

Pore-cleansing strips can help to remove blackheads and other impurities from your nose and other areas of your face. Look for strips that contain ingredients like charcoal or tea tree oil.

28. Apply an aspirin mask

An aspirin mask can help to reduce inflammation and prevent blackheads and other blemishes from forming. Crush aspirin tablets and mix with a small amount of water to create a paste, then apply to affected areas.

29. Swap out your products

If you’re using products that are too harsh or heavy for your skin, this can contribute to oiliness and the formation of blackheads and other blemishes. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your skin type.

30. See a dermatologist

If you’re struggling with persistent blackheads or other skin issues, seeing a dermatologist can help. Your dermatologist can recommend targeted treatments and help you develop a skincare plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.