How to Manage an Oily T-Zone

Brittan Bates

Global Brand Storytelling

4 min read

Skincare Education

Say goodbye to shine and hello to glow.

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

Plagued by an oily T-zone? Many of us struggle with finding the right balance between oily and dry skin, especially in the T-zone. Fortunately, there are some simple skincare tips that can help you keep your T-zone under control. Today we’ll share some expert tips for managing an oily T-zone and discuss the recommended products for oily skin to help you enjoy a balanced, healthy-looking complexion–and the confidence that comes with it.

Understanding your T-zone

The T-zone refers to the area of your face that includes the forehead, nose, and chin. This area is prone to producing excess oil and can be a breeding ground for breakouts. Understanding the unique characteristics of your T-zone can help you tailor your skincare routine and achieve a clear, balanced complexion. The most common causes of excess oil production in this area are:


  • Hormonal fluctuations: The sebaceous glands located in this area are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, making hormonal changes the most common cause of an oily T-zone. When hormone levels spike, these glands produce excess sebum, resulting in a shiny, oily appearance.
  • Genetics: Another common cause of oiliness in this area is genetics. Some people simply have larger sebaceous glands in the T-zone, making them more prone to oiliness.
  • Environmental factors: Factors such as heat and humidity can also contribute to an oily T-zone. These conditions cause the skin to produce more oil in an attempt to stay hydrated.
  • Harsh skincare products: Using the wrong skincare products or over-cleansing can cause increased oiliness. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to an overproduction of sebum.

Now that you understand what causes an oily T-zone, let’s explore some effective strategies for managing it.


Oil control for your face

Cleanse and exfoliate

The first step in skincare for oily skin is to ensure that it is thoroughly cleansed and regularly exfoliated. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, while exfoliation helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.


When cleansing your face, make sure to use a gentle cleanser such as the Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar. This deep cleansing bar is made from pure Umbrian Clay, which has a high mineral content that helps to extract toxins, treat imperfections, and soothe the skin. When your skin is oily, it may be tempting to use potent products, but harsh soaps and scrubs can irritate the skin, which promotes further oil production.


Exfoliation should be done 1–2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores—which can lead to future breakouts. Choose a gentle exfoliant like Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator. It’s formulated with softening brown sugar crystals to buff away dry patches while evening skin’s texture and real strawberries for a smooth, radiant complexion.


Tone and moisturize

Toners and moisturizers are two of the best products for an oily T-zone. Toner helps to balance the pH level of your skin, while a moisturizer hydrates your skin and seals in moisture, eliminating the need for excess oil production.


When it comes to managing an oily T-zone, it’s essential to use a toner that is alcohol-free and gentle on the skin. Our Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner is a non-stripping formula that clears skin of impurities, leaving it soft and refined.


When selecting a moisturizing agent for an oily T-zone, look for one that is lightweight and non-comedogenic. Emulsions work particularly well for oily and combination skin types, as they provide long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue. Our Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion deeply hydrates with a weightless finish while evening texture, reducing the look of pores, and visibly softening dry lines. Remember, even if your skin is oily, skipping the moisturizer can make it worse. When your skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. So, be sure to tone and moisturize daily for healthier, more balanced skin.


Mask and treat

Face masks are a great way to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin, removing excess oil and impurities from your pores. Treatments, on the other hand, are designed to target specific skincare concerns, such as acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores.


For this step, we recommend the Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask to purify your skin without drying it out. This 3-in-1 face mask can be used to instantly remove impurities that could clog pores and spot-treat imperfections, controlling shine and minimizing the appearance of large pores in the T-zone.


Treat your skin with the Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum–a restorative serum that resists and diminishes signs of aging for minimized look of lines, smoother texture, and a visible glow. This serum contains niacinamide, which helps to refine the look of pores, as well as ceramide III, to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent dehydrated skin.


Balance your skin with fresh

Whether you're dealing with an oily T-zone, dry skin around your chin, or unwelcome signs of aging around your eyes–there's a fresh formula suited to your unique skin types and needs

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.