{"id":895744,"date":"2025-12-06T21:50:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=895744"},"modified":"2025-12-06T21:50:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:01","slug":"how-to-manage-an-oily-t-zone-according-to-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=895744","title":{"rendered":"How to Manage An Oily T-Zone, According to Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Manage An Oily T-Zone, According to Experts<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Jen Adkins<\/p>\n
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\"Headshot\"Headshot<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nJen Adkins\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nJen Adkins is a beauty writer and licensed cosmetologist. Her biggest passion is sun protection and sun safety, and she loves to\u00a0educate readers on how to best take care of their skin.\u00a0She graduated cosmetology school in 1997, and holds a license to practice cosmetology in the state of Wisconsin.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on June 28, 2023 08:52PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Medically reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
    Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD<\/p>\n
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    \"Blair\"Blair<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Medically reviewed by<\/span>
    \nBlair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD\n<\/div>\n
    \nBlair Murphy-Rose, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York who specializes in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques.\u00a0She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She is a Castle + Connolly Top Doctor and Super Doctor of NY 2021-2023.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n
    Anna Harris<\/p>\n
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    Fact checked by<\/span>
    \nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n
    \nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Caroline Tompkins \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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    If you struggle with oily skin, chances are the area that sees the most grease is your T-zone. In case you are unfamiliar, the T-zone refers to an area on your face that stretches from the forehead down the nose and the chin, creating an extra large, capital “T.” Get it? Even though managing an oily T-zone can be frustrating, there are ways to get it under control. We chatted with an esthetician and two dermatologists on their best tips for reducing excess shine and maintaining a clear complexion. Read on for expert tips on how to best care for your T-zone and banish excess oil.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, is a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder of PFRANKMD.<\/li>\n
    • Joanna Vargas is a celebrity esthetician and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care.<\/li>\n
    • Julia Siegel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts and practicing at\u00a0Boston Dermatology and Laser Center.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      01<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Wash Your Face Frequently and Regularly <\/span><\/h2>\n

      If you have an oily T-zone\u2014or any skin type for that matter\u2014make sure that cleansing is part of your daily routine. “Wash your face regularly, at least two times per day,” says dermatologist, Paul Jarrod Frank, MD. This will help keep excess oil from building up on your skin, as well as remove impurities that build up throughout the day.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      02<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Use the Right Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n

      If you’re dealing with excess oil, you’ll need to use a cleanser that’s meant specifically for oily skin in that area. While an oil-free cleanser is a good option, Dr. Frank recommends using a “foam or gel cleanser and avoiding cream cleansers.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      03<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Try a Powder Sunscreen <\/span><\/h2>\n

      You can also help combat shine with the help of a powder sunscreen. Vargas recommends Supergoop’s 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder. “It’s great because it contains zinc, which eliminates the excess oil without signaling the skin to produce more,” she says.\n<\/p>\n

      Dermatologist Julia Siegel, MD, notes that in terms of protection, though, powder sunscreen alone is unlikely enough. “Some powders may not go on thick enough to fully protect your skin.” For this reason, it’s important to be diligent about applying the powder all over your face, and not just in your T-zone. Dr. Siegel adds, “It may be helpful to also use a sunscreen lotion underneath, too.” In that case, look for a formula that’s non-comedogenic, and it’ll be even better if it has mattifying properties, too.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      04<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Keep a Toner on Hand <\/span><\/h2>\n

      If your T-zone is very oily but your cheeks are dry,\u00a0use a toner to treat your t-zone.Toners are designed to get rid of excess oil and soothe your skin, and you can decide exactly where to apply it. If just your cheeks are oily, use a gentle cleanser all over your face, and then go over your T-zone with an anti-acne toner or toner formulated for oily skin.\u00a0You can use a toner that has anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid to clear up your acne.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      If your skin is extra oily, use a toner twice a day after cleansing your face. If your skin is mildly oily, use once a day.\u00a0Keep in mind that for some people, using a toner twice a day or even once a day is too much; they may only need a toner a few times a week.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      05<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Use a Clay Mask <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Use a facial mask once a week that’s formulated for acne or oily skin. Vargas explains that clay is a great way of pulling impurities from the pores. “A clay mask is perfect for an oily T-zone because everyone has larger pores in that area that tend to get clogged easily.” Pulling away these impurities may help prevent breakouts in your T-zone.\n<\/p>\n

      If your cheeks tend to be dry, apply the mask only on your T-zone.\u00a0Try\u00a0Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Clay Masque; this will help to “absorb excess sebum,” says Dr. Frank.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      06<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Make a DIY Mask <\/span><\/h2>\n

      If you’re like us, you love a DIY skincare recipe. We have good news: If you don’t have a clay mask on-hand, you can make your own face mask to help manage an oily T-zone. Try Vargas’ pore minimizing DIY recipe:\n<\/p>\n

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      • 1\/2 cup yogurt<\/li>\n
      • 1\/2 cup mashed strawberry<\/li>\n
      • 1\/4 cup honey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        “Mix together and apply to your face and neck for 10 minutes. It’s soothing and will help your skin feel more tight,” she says.\n<\/p>\n

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        Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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        If you want to add some extra exfoliation, Vargas suggests adding two tablespoons of almond powder and scrubbing it onto the skin with extra time spent on the T-zone, where most blackheads are found. Leave it on as a beauty mask.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        07<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Use Oil-Blotting Sheets <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Blotting sheets are an easy way to instantly get rid of excess shine. Dr. Frank explains you can “use a blotting paper to remove excess oil throughout the day.” These discreet tissues are perfect to stick in your handbag or backpack to refresh your face when needed. If you are in a pinch you can even use napkins or toilet paper (a toilet seat cover actually works best) to blot excess oil on your T-zone.\u00a0Dr. Frank recommends\u00a0Boscia’s Clear Complexion Blotting Linens.\n<\/p>\n

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        Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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        Don’t skimp on finding the right moisturizer just because you’re dry in some patches and oily in others. Even oily skin can and should<\/em> use moisturizer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        08<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Look for Salicylic and Glycolic Acids <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Remember the salicylic acid we talked about early? It’s an ingredient to make note of. “Use a product with salicylic and\/or\u00a0glycolic acids, which will keep pores clear,” explains Dr. Frank. For an overnight treatment, he suggests using the SkinCeuticals\u00a0Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        09<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Another way to help combat excess sebum\u2014and remove any buildup of oil on your T-zone\u2014is to exfoliate. “Exfoliate your skin regularly, about two to three times per week,” Dr. Frank says.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        10<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Opt for Gentle Exfoliation <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Speaking of exfoliation, it’s important to be gentle while doing so. Vargas recommends using a gentle scrub like her Exfoliating Mask, since these products are hard to over-use and keep the skin nice and clean. “Apply the scrub to clean skin twice a week. Use gentle circular motions, with extra time spent on the oilier T-zone, for three minutes for effective exfoliation,” she says.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        11<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Pay Attention to Your Makeup Ingredients <\/span><\/h2>\n

        When it comes to managing an oily t-zone, your skincare products aren’t the only thing to consider\u2014your makeup plays a role, too. “Avoid makeup with silicones and mineral oil, which will your clog pores,” says Dr. Frank. “Opt for an oil-free or water-based tinted moisturizer instead.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        12<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Use Baking Soda <\/span><\/h2>\n

        There are certain household items that can help you to manage an oily T-zone, and baking soda is one of them. In fact, Vargas suggests mixing baking soda with water and applying it as a mask. “Scrub it onto the skin and leave it for a few minutes.\u00a0After rinsing with water, blackheads will be softer and ready to come out.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        13<\/span>of 13<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Try a Serum <\/span><\/h2>\n

        One last tip\u2014a face serum, but not just any serum. Dr. Frank recommends The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. The formula works to combat oiliness and minimize pores. Apply a few drops every morning and evening before moisturizing.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        FAQ<\/div>\n
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          How do I clear my t-zone?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          If you experience breakouts in the T-zone, you likely have oily skin. If you’re caring for your skin by cleansing regularly and using an acne regimen that consists of retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide and still not seeing any improvement, it may be time to book an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction of what products you can use to reduce oil and breakouts, and potentially prescribe topicals or an oral medication to help manage it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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          What does it mean when you break out in your T-zone?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          The Cleveland Clinic reports that acne in the T-zone is likely caused by clogged pores. To treat this, they name retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide as common topical treatments that can exfoliate the excess sebum and dead skin cells that clog pores.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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            Acne face map: the cause of these breakouts. Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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            Read more:<\/div>\n
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            • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Skin Type<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Oily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

              Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/oily-t-zone-help-4846208<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              How to Manage An Oily T-Zone, According to Experts By Jen Adkins Jen Adkins Jen Adkins is a beauty writer and licensed cosmetologist. Her biggest passion is sun protection and sun safety, and she loves to\u00a0educate readers on how to best take care of their skin.\u00a0She graduated cosmetology school in 1997, and holds a license […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":895745,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-895744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=895744"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895744\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/895745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=895744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=895744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=895744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}