How to take care of oily skin in winter?

Use a mild cleanser, lightweight moisturiser, and oil-free sunscreen Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet

Why is my skin so oily in the winter?

Cold weather dries out the skin, triggering the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil

How to get rid of oily skin?

Follow a proper skincare routine with gentle cleansing, hydration, and exfoliation Avoid over-washing, which can strip natural oils and worsen oiliness

Should I use moisturiser if I have oily skin in winter?

Yes! Use a water-based, non-comedogenic moisturiser to prevent dehydration and excess oil production

How often should I exfoliate oily skin in winter?

Once every two weeks is sufficient to remove dead skin cells without overstimulating oil production

Does drinking water help with oily skin?

Yes! Staying hydrated helps balance oil production and keeps skin clear

Winter Skin Care for Oily Skin: 10 Essential Tips for Healthy Skin

Updated: August 1, 2025
Authored by: Dr Batra's®

Medically reviewed by

MRINAL SHARMA
14 Years of experience Hair Specialist, Skin Specialist

Winter brings cold air and reduced humidity, which can disrupt the natural balance of oily skin. While many assume that oily skin fares better in winter, the reality is that dry indoor heat, cold outdoor air, and seasonal changes can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and breakouts.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Essential winter skincare tips for oily skin
Common mistakes to avoid
How homeopathy can help maintain healthy skin

Understanding Oily Skin in Winter

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum (oil). During winter: Cold weather strips natural oils, making the skin compensate by producing even more oil.

Low humidity levels can lead to dehydration, triggering increased sebum production
Heavy creams and occlusive products can clog pores, leading to breakouts

Dr Batra’s^® pro tip:

"Oily skin needs hydration, not just oil control. Using a water-based moisturizer and drinking enough fluids during winter can prevent excess oil production while keeping the skin healthy and balanced." – Dr. Akshay Batra

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Winter Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Avoid Hot Showers

Hot water dries out the skin, triggering more oil production
Use lukewarm water to cleanse the face gently

Do Not Change Products

Stick to your usual face wash and moisturiser
Switching products suddenly can lead to breakouts

Opt for Water-Based Cosmetics

Use oil-free, water-based makeup to prevent clogged pores
Choose a lightweight BB cream or foundation

Pat, Don’t Rub

Gently pat your face dry with a towel instead of rubbing
Rubbing stimulates oil glands, leading to more sebum production

Use Fresh Linen

Change pillowcases and face towels weekly to prevent bacterial buildup
Sleeping on dirty pillow cases can lead to breakouts and irritation

Minimise the Scrub

Exfoliate only once in two weeks to avoid excess oil production
Use natural scrubs like honey and oats for gentle exfoliation

Follow a Healthy Diet

Avoid excess fried foods, which can trigger oil production
Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts for balanced skin health

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 2 liters of water daily, even in winter
Opt for green tea, coconut water, and fresh juices instead of sodas

Go Alcohol-Free

Avoid alcohol-based toners and skincare products
Alcohol strips moisture and irritates oily skin

Go Natural

Use tea tree oil, turmeric, and sandalwood for natural oil control
Try DIY face masks with simple kitchen ingredients

Homeopathy and Skin Care

Homeopathy offers natural, side-effect-free solutions for oily skin and related concerns.

Treats skin conditions at the root cause, preventing excessive oil production
Strengthens the skin’s defense against breakouts and irritation
No harmful chemicals, safe for long-term use

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