Curating a skincare routine for oily skin can feel like a year-round challenge – but throw warmer weather into the equation, and it becomes even trickier. As temperatures rise, it’s easy to assume that a summer skincare routine should follow a less-is-more approach to prevent everything melting away in a mix of sweat, sebum and shine. But is that really the case? Not exactly. To set the record straight, we turned to the experts: consultant dermatologists Dr Derrick Phillips and Dr Alexis Granite, along with cosmetic doctor Dr Sonia Khorana.

The expert-approved top products for summer skincare at a glance:

Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cream Cleanser

Read more

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

Read more

“In warmer weather, oily skin often becomes more noticeable,” explains Dr Phillips. “Heat and humidity can increase sebaceous gland activity, leading to excess shine, more visible pores, and a higher likelihood of breakouts. When sebum mixes with sweat, SPF and daily build-up on the skin, it can contribute to congestion and acne in those who are blemish-prone.”

According to the pros, it’s a five-step ritual to control build-up and shine without stripping the skin. Dr Granite says, “Those who suffer from oily skin will often reach for drying formulas to combat excess sebum. The issue is that if the skin is over-dried, it will actually compensate by producing more oil, so a balance is key.”

This, according to Dr Phillips, starts with the right cleanser. “Cleansing becomes particularly important, but it needs to be balanced,” he stresses. “A gentle foaming cleanser can help remove excess oil, sweat and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.” However, caution is advised. “It’s also important to resist the temptation to over-cleanse, as this can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate.”