Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin in New Zealand

 

Oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle — the shine that won’t quit, makeup sliding off by midday, and those stubborn pores that seem to have a life of their own. But here’s the good news: with the right skincare routine, oily skin can actually become your greatest asset. If you’re in New Zealand, humidity, changing weather, and daily stress can make managing oily skin even trickier.

But with the right products, consistency, and a little know-how, you can help your skin stay clear, balanced, and healthy. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to build the best skincare routine for oily skin that fits your lifestyle.

Step 1: Cleanse — Start with a Fresh Canvas

Oily skin tends to overproduce sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Begin your morning and evening routine with a gentle foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping your skin barrier.

Look for ingredients like niacinamide and gentle surfactants to keep your skin fresh but calm. Thin Lizzy’s Real Complexion Cleanser is a great fit — it refreshes skin and preps it for active ingredients to absorb better. A clean base allows the next products to absorb better and work effectively.

Pro tip: Avoid over-cleansing — twice a day is enough. More frequent washing can trigger even more oil production.

Step 2: Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week to Clear Congested Pores

Oily skin often comes with congestion, especially in the T-zone. Use a chemical exfoliant two to three times per week instead of harsh scrubs that can irritate and damage your barrier.

AHAs (like glycolic acid) help refine texture, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) go deeper to unclog pores and control sebum. Alternate between them if your skin can tolerate it. As regular exfoliation minimizes blackheads and promotes a smoother, more refined look.

Want smoother, clearer skin? Shop targeted treatments that pair perfectly with your exfoliation routine here.

Step 3: Tone to Rebalance and Refresh

A toner designed for oily or combination skin helps control sebum and restore pH after cleansing. Look for niacinamide, witch hazel, or green tea extract for a refreshing, non-drying finish.

Toning also helps tighten the look of pores and prepare your skin for better absorption of active ingredients in serums and moisturisers.

Pro Tip: Store your toner in the fridge during summer months. The cooling effect helps soothe post-cleansing irritation and refreshes instantly.

Step 4: Target Treatment — Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

This is where your skincare truly transforms. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) regulates oil production, improves elasticity, and strengthens the skin barrier — a hero for oily, breakout-prone skin.

To keep hydration levels balanced, pair it with hyaluronic acid serum, which draws moisture without heaviness. This combo helps balance oil and moisture — a key factor for keeping skin smooth and calm.

After applying your serum, lock it in with Thin Lizzy’s Real Complexion Cream — formulated with niacinamide to refine texture and give skin a smooth, matte glow.

Try the Real Complexion Cream for balanced, shine-free hydration that lasts all day.

Step 5: Moisturise — Lock in Lightweight Hydration

Skipping moisturiser is one of the biggest mistakes oily-skin types make. When your skin feels dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil. The trick is choosing a light, oil-free moisturiser that hydrates without heaviness.

The Thin Lizzy Real Complexion Cream is perfect for this step. It’s infused with niacinamide to balance sebum, even out tone, and maintain that soft-matte finish Kiwis love.

Use it morning and night after your serum for a hydrated, non-greasy glow that lasts all day.

Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration efficiently.

Step 6: Protect — Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Sunscreen isn’t optional — it’s essential. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that’s non-comedogenic and matte-finishto avoid that mid-day shine.

Daily protection not only shields you from UV damage but also prevents pigmentation and premature ageing, keeping your skin looking clear and youthful.

Weekly Boosters for Oily Skin

Adding one or two treatments a week can help manage stubborn areas or restore balance:

• Clay Masks: Absorb excess oil and impurities.

• Hydrating Masks: Replenish moisture to prevent rebound oil.

• Pore-tightening Treatments: Improve texture and refine skin.

Explore weekly treatments in the Thin Lizzy Skincare Range to elevate your glow game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-Washing

Washing your face multiple times a day can backfire, causing more oil production. Stick to morning and night cleansing only.

2. Skipping Moisturiser

Even oily skin needs moisture. Skipping it leads to dehydration and dullness.

3. Mixing Too Many Actives

Layering too many actives (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids) can irritate and damage the skin barrier. Start slow and introduce one at a time.

Kiwis Share Their Oily Skin Wins

 Amelia, Auckland
“I’ve always struggled with shine by lunchtime, but after switching to Thin Lizzy’s Real Complexion Cream, my skin finally feels balanced. It hydrates without feeling greasy, and my makeup stays fresh all day. Total game-changer for my oily T-zone!”

Riley, Wellington
“I was sceptical about moisturisers because most made my face slick within hours. But this one? Lightweight, calming, and it’s helped reduce the appearance of my pores. My skin looks clearer, and I feel confident going makeup-free more often.”

Sophie, Christchurch
“Finding products that work in NZ’s unpredictable weather has always been tough. Thin Lizzy’s routine with the Real Complexion Cream and hyaluronic acid serum keeps my skin calm and smooth, no matter the season. It’s now a staple in my daily routine.”

Join thousands of Kiwis loving balanced, shine-free skin — shop the Real Complexion Cream today.

FAQs

What daily steps control shine without stripping oily skin?

Stick to gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration, and niacinamide-based treatments. The Real Complexion Cream helps balance sebum without clogging pores.

Which chemical exfoliants work best for congestion-prone T-zones?

Salicylic acid is ideal for deep-cleansing pores, while glycolic acid smooths overall texture. Alternate between them weekly.

How can I hydrate oily skin without a heavy or greasy feel?

Go for water-based formulas with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Thin Lizzy’s Real Complexion Cream gives the right balance of hydration and matte finish.

Balance Is the Secret to Healthy Oily Skin

Oily skin isn’t the problem — imbalance is. When treated right, it becomes your most resilient, glow-ready feature. The key to best skincare routine for oily skin is consistency: cleanse gently, exfoliate strategically, and never skip hydration.

Explore Thin Lizzy’s skin-care collection to build a routine that helps you control shine, minimise pores, and feel confident in your skin — every single day.