The fluctuation between oiliness and dryness is real. A combination of an exfoliating cleanser and water-based hydrator, free of harsh chemicals, can help stabilize finicky skin.
Over cleansing with harsh chemicals can actually create more oil. When you strip your skin of its natural oil, it feels the need to produce more—it overcompensates. This leads to a vicious cycle of excessive oiliness. Be sure to cleanse and hydrate with products formulated for oily skin and ones that are free of oil-stripping solvents.
Oily skin types often skip the moisturizing step for fear of introducing more oil. My advice: skip the heavy cream and try a water-based serum, like my Essential Hydration Calming Serum. It suppresses the skin's inherent desire to produce unwanted, thick oil and it absorbs more readily so there’s no slippery residue.
