Controlling Your Oily T-Zone

Brittan Bates

Global Brand Storytelling

4 min read

Skincare Education

Bid farewell to oiliness and welcome the radiance.

close up of model's face looking to her left on grey background

Battling a greasy T-zone? A multitude of us grapple with achieving the correct equilibrium between greasy and dry skin, predominantly in the T-zone. Luckily, there are straightforward skincare tricks that can assist you in keeping your T-zone in check. In this article, we'll delve into top-notch advice for managing a greasy T-zone, and review suggested products for oily skin to aid you in attaining a balanced, healthy complexion — and the self-assurance that accompanies it.

Getting to grips with your T-zone

Your T-zone comprises the forehead, nose, and chin, and it's this part of your face that's especially prone to excessive oil production and can thus be a hotspot for spots. Grasping the distinct characteristics of your T-zone empowers you to customise your skincare regimen and cultivate a radiant, well-balanced complexion. The most widespread reasons for excess oil production in this area are:


  1. Hormonal shifts: The sebaceous glands in this area are hypersensitive to hormonal changes, making these changes the predominant cause of a greasy T-zone. When hormones surge, these glands overproduce sebum, leading to a slick, oily look.
  2. Genetic factors: Some individuals are simply born with larger sebaceous glands in the T-zone, predisposing them to greasiness.
  3. Environmental influences: Elements like heat and humidity can exacerbate a greasy T-zone. Under such conditions, the skin generates more oil in an effort to maintain hydration.
  4. Harsh skincare products: Overuse of abrasive cleansers or the wrong skincare for oily skin can escalate oiliness. Intense cleansers can deprive the skin of its innate oils, provoking a surge in sebum production.

Armed with the understanding of what prompts an oily T-zone, let's delve into some effective tactics to manage oil control for your face and skin type.


Tackling facial oiliness

Cleanse and exfoliate

First and foremost, ensure the proper cleansing and frequent exfoliating of your oily skin. The act of cleansing helps remove the unwanted trio of dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin while exfoliating unclogs pores and assists in the removal of dead skin cells.


We recommend using a mild cleanser such as the Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar when washing your face. This purifying bar, enriched with pure Umbrian Clay, offers deep cleansing and detoxifying effects due to its high mineral content, which aids in toxin extraction, addressing skin imperfections, and calming your skin. Overzealous usage of potent products might seem like a good idea when dealing with an oily complexion, but aggressive soaps and scrubs can provoke the skin, encouraging even more oil production.


You should aim to exfoliate 1–2 times a week to get rid of dead skin cells and keep pores clear. A gentle exfoliant like the Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator is an ideal choice, as it helps break down oils and deter future breakouts. Unlike many exfoliators that are drying or harsh, this one utilises brown sugar crystals and strawberry seeds to smooth away the appearance of rough skin and dissolve in a blend of nourishing oils, revealing skin that's both soft and smooth.


Tone and moisturise

For an oily T-zone, two of your greatest allies are toners and moisturisers. The toner helps to equalise your skin's pH levels, and a moisturiser supplies hydration to your skin and locks it in, reducing the need for excessive oil production.


When managing an oily T-zone, it's vital to use a toner that is gentle on the skin and free of alcohol. Our Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner cleanses skin of impurities, leaving it feeling soft and refined.


Choosing the best products for an oily T-zone requires finding a moisturiser that is lightweight and non-comedogenic. Emulsions such as our Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion are especially effective for oily and combination skin types as they deliver enduring hydration without any oily residue.


Bear in mind that, even with oily skin, skipping moisturiser can exacerbate the issue. When your skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate, potentially causing clogged pores and breakouts. So, make it a point to refresh and hydrate daily for healthier, more balanced skin.


Mask and treat

Face masks are an excellent tool for deeply cleansing and nourishing your skin, eliminating excess oil and impurities from your pores. Meanwhile, treatments are created to address specific skincare concerns, such as acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores.


For this step, we suggest the Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask to purify your skin without leaving it feeling parched. This triple-action face mask can immediately eliminate impurities that might clog pores and spot-treat imperfections, controlling shine and reducing the visibility of large pores in the T-zone.


Indulge your skin with the Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum — a rejuvenating serum that enhances skin’s visible resilience to daily stressors. This serum is fortified with niacinamide, which assists in regulating the skin's oil production, as well as ceramide III, for restoring the skin's protective barrier.


Balance your skin with fresh

Whether you're grappling with a greasy T-zone, parched skin around your chin, or the uninvited appearance of age around your eyes, there's a fresh line perfectly suited to your distinct skin type and requirements. Secure, efficient, and sensually gratifying, fresh products are an indulgence for your skin.

Author Profile
blog author Brittan Bates

Brittan Bates

Global Brand Storytelling

Written by Brittan Bates for Fresh. Brittan is an NYC-based writer, editor, and storyteller with 9 years of experience spanning digital and print journalism, copywriting, brand strategy, and more. Her work has appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue and brands including Diane von Furstenberg, abc carpet & home, FRĒDA SALVADOR, and more.