TouchCare Lifestyles

Skincare Solutions for Oily Skin and Large Pores

Part 2 of Our 7-Part Skincare Problem-Solution Series

Skincare & Beauty by Mijung | Korean Beauty & Flight Attendant Experience

I. INTRODUCTION:  OILY SKIN AND LARGE PORES

Shiny T-zone, midday grease, clogged pores that won’t quit—sound familiar?

If you’re like most women with oily skin, you’ve probably stood in front of the mirror thinking, “Why does my face feel slick before lunch?” Blotting papers, scrubs, even skipping moisturizer—many of us have tried them all. Still, by 2 p.m., the shine is back. The whole cycle is frustrating, exhausting, and honestly? It can make you feel self-conscious in ways no one talks about.

I’ve been there. As a former flight attendant, my skin had to deal with recycled cabin air, sudden climate changes, and long-haul makeup wear. Add in Korea and our destination’s humid summers and you’ve got a recipe for constant oil slicks.

But over time, and with the help of skincare R&D insiders, I found simple, effective ways to balance my skin—without stripping it dry.

In this blog, we’ll break down the real causes of oily skin and large pores, the mistakes that can make them worse, and 10 dermatologist-backed solutions that helped me finally balance my skin.

We’ll also explore the biggest skincare myths that secretly worsen oiliness—and share a printable skincare infographic you can stick to your mirror for daily reminders.

In Part 2 of our 7-part skincare problem-solution series, I’m sharing the Top 10 strategies that actually worked for my oily skin and visibly reduced my pore size. Ready to find out what’s really going on with your skin—and how to fix it?

📥 BONUS: Download the 3-page printable infographic at the end of this post! Stick it to your mirror, skincare shelf, or journal—it covers Mijung’s real flight routine for oil control and the top skincare myths that are secretly making oily skin worse.

🔍 Infographic preview: Discover the top skincare mistakes that make oily skin worse, and get my exact flight routine for oil control—on a printable you’ll actually want to use.

II. The Science Behind Oily Skin and Pores

Oily skin doesn’t mean dirty skin. It often comes from your genes, hormones, weather, or skin routine.

  • Oil glands (sebaceous glands) in your skin can make too much oil—especially when it’s hot or humid.

  • That oil mixes with sweat and dead skin, blocking your pores and making them look bigger.

  • When your skin loses bounce and tightness with age or sun damage, pores can stretch and stay open.

📚 Cleveland Clinic explains that too much oil is usually caused by hormones—not poor hygiene.
📚 Harvard Health says oil levels often shift with age, especially for women.
📚 Dermatology Times recommends protecting your skin instead of stripping it with harsh products.

III. 5 MISTAKES THAT MAKE OILY SKIN WORSE

Before we fix oily skin, we need to stop making it worse. These common habits might feel helpful—but they’re secretly keeping your pores clogged and shiny:

  1. Using harsh, foaming cleansers
    Stripping your skin causes rebound oil production. You’re making it greasier.

  2. Skipping moisturizer
    Dehydrated skin overcompensates by producing more oil. A lightweight, water-based hydrator is essential.

  3. Using alcohol-based toners
    Feels clean in the moment but damages your barrier long-term.
    📚 Dermatology Times explains that over-washing and astringent toners can backfire: Click here

  4. Over-exfoliating with scrubs or acids
    Weakens the skin’s natural defenses and causes irritation or even more oil.
    📚 Healthline on signs of over-exfoliation

  5. Skipping sunscreen
    UV damage thickens skin and enlarges pores. Use a gel or fluid-based SPF that won’t clog.

Now that you know what’s making oily skin worse, let’s explore what actually works—straight from dermatologists.

Section IV. WHAT DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND FOR OILY SKIN

I spent months researching and testing ingredients that dermatologists repeatedly recommend for oily skin—and these five kept showing up. They’re not just trending; they’re backed by science and suggested by experts because they work on a cellular level to calm the skin, reduce oil production, and shrink the appearance of pores. I made sure to include each one in my routine because of what they target—and how effectively they’ve helped me stay balanced.

  1. Niacinamide – A form of vitamin B3 that reduces sebum production, tightens pores, and improves texture. It also helps brighten post-acne dark spots.
    👉 The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

  2. Salicylic Acid (BHA) – This oil-soluble acid exfoliates deep inside pores and removes trapped sebum and debris. It’s a favorite for blackheads and T-zone congestion.
    👉 Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

  3. Clay (Kaolin or Bentonite) – Gently absorbs excess oil and detoxifies the skin without over-drying. Regular use helps keep pores clear and tight-looking.
    👉 Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

  4. Centella Asiatica (Cica) – A plant extract known for calming redness, healing the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation from breakouts or irritation.
    👉 Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

  5. Green Tea Extract – A powerful antioxidant that reduces oiliness and soothes the skin. It’s lightweight, non-clogging, and great under sunscreen.
    👉 Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and trust.

V. ✈️ MIJUNG’S TIP: FLIGHT ROUTINE FOR OIL CONTROL

These are the exact habits I developed while flying around the world—small, consistent routines that still help me stay balanced today:

  • Blotting paper—but only once a day
    More than once triggers rebound oil.

  • Cold water rinse
    Splashing with cold water after cleansing helps tighten pores and refresh.

  • Hydrate from the inside
    I hydrate with caffeine-free herbal teas or electrolyte water daily—it supports oil balance better than you’d think.

  • Avoid pore-filling primers
    Most use silicones that stretch pores and clog. I use hydrating SPF instead.

  • Weekly reset: Clay mask + calming ampoule
    Every Sunday night, like clockwork. It resets my whole face.

🖼️ Infographic Set: Skincare Solutions for Oily Skin and Large Pores
Stick these on your bathroom mirror, skincare shelf, or journal. These aren’t just myths—they’re the reason so many routines fail. Bust them before they bust your skin.

📥 Download Printable PDF – 3 Pages
(Use as a daily reminder or share with someone struggling with breakouts.)

VI. 🛫 MIJUNG’S BOARDING & FLIGHT PLAN

Oily skin and large pores aren’t flaws—they’re signs your skin is working hard to protect you. The goal isn’t “no oil.” It’s balance.

Let your skin breathe, treat it with care, and support it with the right ingredients. With consistent habits and less stress, you’ll see your oil level and pore appearance finally settle.

✨ Mijung’s Note: As a former flight attendant, I had to keep my skin photo-ready for long-haul flights, no matter the oil slick happening midair. What I learned over time (with some Korean skincare help!) is that managing oily skin isn’t about stripping your face—it’s about balance. So if your skin feels greasy one hour and tight the next, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. This blog breaks it down.

✈️ In Part 3 of this series, we’ll take off into another common skincare concern: dark spots and uneven tone—what causes them, how to fade them, and the ingredients that made a real difference for me.

💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m here for you.

With care,
Mijung