Oily skin — portrait, natural sheen
SKIN TYPE

Oily Skin: Causes, Care, and Prevention

Beneath each pore in your skin is a sebaceous gland. These glands produce sebum, and this natural oil is integral for keeping your skin healthy and well-hydrated. Unfortunately, some people naturally produce too much sebum.

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If you have oily skin, you need a customized skincare routine that effectively cleanses and moisturizes your skin without leading to excessive oiliness.

PROVEN uses AI algorithms to customize skincare products suited to the individual’s needs, taking into consideration their skin concerns, environment, and lifestyle factors.

Products Personalized For Your Oily Skin Type

PROVEN formulates skincare products for oily skin. All ingredients in PROVEN formulations are scientifically proven to address your unique issues. Furthermore, each of our products is guaranteed to be clean, nontoxic, and cruelty-free, manufactured right here in the U.S., and designed by Stanford scientists. Depending on your responses to the Skin Genome Quiz, your skincare products may contain any number of clinically proven ingredients for oily skin.

Do You Have Oily Skin?

People with oily skin typically have larger pores, since excessive sebum production causes the pores to expand. The oil also results in a shiny look to the skin and a greasy feel. You may feel the need to wash your face multiple times per day. You might also have trouble applying makeup, as it might seem to slide right off. It’s also possible for oily skin to affect your hair. If you have bangs, they might pick up oil from your forehead, becoming trapped against your skin and causing your hair to appear oily as well. Another common issue for people with oily skin is acne breakouts. Excess oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria. This mixture clogs the pores and results in breakouts.

At PROVEN, we understand how problematic acne breakouts can be for adults. Acne detracts from one’s professional look and causes social awkwardness. Our oily skin formulations contain clinically proven ingredients designed to prevent these problems.

Causes and Risk Factors of Oily Skin

Oily skin is most often attributable to genetics. People who have oily skin tend to have a genetic predisposition to produce excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In turn, this hormone encourages the sebaceous glands to make too much sebum. If you’re already prone to oiliness, you may notice that the problem worsens during the summer. Individuals who live in hot, humid climates tend to be at a higher risk of this skin type.

Additionally, younger people are more prone to oily skin as their pores produce more sebum. However, as you age, your sebum production decreases. While this may seem like a great thing, it can lead to visible aging of the skin. This is because the skin needs oil and moisture in order to maintain a youthful and supple appearance. As your skin dries out, this lack of moisture can lead to things like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

So, while you may not be able to get rid of oily skin overnight, your skin will likely change as you age and require a different skincare routine with different products.

Speaking of skincare routines, your current one could actually be contributing to your oily skin, such as your skincare products being too heavy for your oily skin, leaving you with a permanent shine that lasts throughout the day. Additionally, the steps within your skincare routine may not be beneficial for your oily skin. For example, many people are tempted to wash their face frequently to get rid of oiliness. However, doing this could, in turn, cause your pores to produce even more oil -- creating a vicious cycle of oiliness that can be difficult to break.

Scientifically Proven Skincare for Oily Skin

Your oily skin won’t respond to products designed for other skin types. The most effective skincare for oily skin is personalized for you, taking into consideration your lifestyle, environment, and skin symptoms. PROVEN harnesses the capabilities of AI to develop personalized formulas designed just for you. Your three multifunctional products will be created based on your responses to the Skin Genome Quiz.

Quick Fixes for Oily Skin

While a tailored skincare routine is definitely the best way to treat the underlying causes of oily skin, sometimes you really just need a quick fix to eliminate that shine.

Here are some oily skin hacks to try out while you’re waiting for your new skincare routine to take effect:

  • Blotting papers: These handy tools effectively remove excess oil from your face with a simple swipe. They are very cost-effective and are small enough to carry around in your bag to use throughout the day whenever you need some oil control.

  • Makeup primers: If you’re applying makeup directly to your oily skin with no additional preparation, you’re likely going to experience shine and oiliness as a result. Instead, apply a mattifying primer to smooth and prep your skin beforehand.

  • Non-comedogenic makeup products: When it comes to actually applying your makeup after sufficient preparation, you need to use the right products. Look for products with non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog your oily skin and lead to breakouts. Also look for makeup products that are mattifying and will give you a nice and smooth look with none of the shine.

Your PROVEN Skincare Routine

Once you have received your personalized formula, you’re well on your way to addressing your oily skin once and for all. Within your formulation, you will receive a cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream. Your cleanser also has exfoliating and toning properties.

When it comes to using your PROVEN skincare routine, we have made things as easy as possible. You can seamlessly incorporate these three easy steps into your life.

In the morning, we recommend washing your face with warm water to prevent oiliness before immediately applying your moisturizer to lock in that existing moisture and avoid the excess production of oils. We recommend applying sun protection whether you’re going to be indoors, outdoors, or in between!

In the evening, we recommend removing your makeup before cleansing your face with your specialized cleanser. After patting dry, you should apply a thin layer of your night cream so that your skin can get an extra boost of the ingredients it needs to remain healthy.

As you can see, with PROVEN, there’s no need for an overly complex skincare routine with dozens of different products and multiple steps that tend to vary depending on the day. Instead, all you need are three simple products to manage your oily skin and treat the issues that tend to come along with it.

Actives calibrated for your oily skin

Every PROVEN formula draws from a library of clinically proven actives — yours is built from the ones that match your oily skin profile.

Witch Hazel — PROVEN ingredient01 / 06

Witch Hazel

Dries excess oil, acts as a toner, acne fighter, moisturizer, and anti-aging remedy

Salicylic Acid — PROVEN ingredient02 / 06

Salicylic Acid

Clears pores and anti-aging

Tea Tree Oil — PROVEN ingredient03 / 06

Tea Tree Oil

Scientifically proven to reduce oil in skin, soothes inflammation and treats acne

Curcumin Extract — PROVEN ingredient04 / 06

Curcumin Extract

Regulates the production of sebum and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight acne breakouts

Hyaluronic Acid — PROVEN ingredient05 / 06

Hyaluronic Acid

Binds to water to deliver instant hydration

Niacinamide — PROVEN ingredient06 / 06Key active

Niacinamide

Reduces the size of pores, redness and dark spots

The PROVEN system

Your personalized system for oily skin

A cleanser, day moisturizer, and night cream — calibrated to your skin from the 3-step Skin Genome Quiz.

PROVEN personalized cleanser

Personalized Cleanser

A gentle wash with exfoliating and toning properties — calibrated to your skin.

PROVEN personalized day moisturizer

Personalized Day Moisturizer

Lightweight daytime hydration — formulated for your skin.

PROVEN personalized night cream

Personalized Night Cream

Overnight repair with the active ingredients your skin needs most.

Your PROVEN routine for oily skin

AM

Morning

In the morning, we recommend washing your face with warm water to prevent oiliness before immediately applying your moisturizer to lock in that existing moisture and avoid the excess production of oils. We recommend applying sun protection whether you’re going to be indoors, outdoors, or in between!

PM

Evening

Once you have received your personalized formula, you’re well on your way to addressing your oily skin once and for all. Within your formulation, you will receive a cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream. Your cleanser also has exfoliating and toning properties. In the evening, we recommend removing your makeup before cleansing your face with your specialized cleanser. After patting dry, you should apply a thin layer of your night cream so that your skin can get an extra boost of the ingredients it needs to remain healthy.

Everyday habits for managing oily skin

Oily skin isn't about scrubbing oil away — it's about not provoking more. A few habits keep shine in check without stripping, and your formula handles the rest.

  • Don’t over-wash. Stripping oil signals your skin to make more. Cleanse twice a day with a gentle, non-foaming formula — not every time your face feels shiny.
  • Moisturize anyway. Skipping moisturizer is the most common oily-skin mistake. A lightweight, oil-free hydrator keeps skin from overproducing to compensate.
  • Look for balancing actives. Ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid help regulate oil and keep pores clear without the tightness harsh products cause.
  • Blot instead of re-powdering. A blotting sheet lifts surface shine without clogging pores — gentler than layering on more product through the day.
  • Let the formula regulate, not strip. The Skin Genome Quiz reads 47 factors and builds a routine that manages oil at the source instead of fighting it.
Real results

Real results, real people.

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Kimberly C.'s skin before and after PROVEN — Acne · Redness
“It’s so clear and I can go without makeup and it looks amazing. I used to be so ashamed to walk around with no makeup, had terrible acne! This has been a game changer for me!”
Kimberly C.
Acne · Redness

Persistent inflammatory acne + barrier disruption = gentle sebum balance + barrier rebuild system.

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