Shine by midday, makeup that slides off, pores that look enlarged — oily skin has a set of frustrations all its own. But oil is not the enemy. Sebum protects and moisturises the skin; the goal is not to eliminate it but to bring overactive glands back into balance.
Why some skin produces more oil
Sebum production is governed largely by genetics and hormones. People with naturally larger, more active sebaceous glands produce more oil, particularly through the T-zone of the forehead, nose and chin. Heat and humidity — a daily reality in tropical climates — push production higher still.
The common mistake is to fight oil with harsh, stripping products. When you strip the skin, the glands sense dryness and compensate by producing even more oil. This rebound effect traps many people in a cycle of greasiness and irritation.
The balanced approach
Effective oil control starts with a cleanser that removes excess sebum thoroughly but respectfully. The RAI True Glow Purity Cleanser is designed for exactly this — clearing oil and keeping pores clear without the tight, stripped feeling that triggers rebound oiliness.
Lightweight hydration matters too. Even oily skin needs moisture; when it is properly hydrated, the glands have less reason to overproduce.
Managing shine through the day
Blotting rather than re-washing is kinder to the skin midday. Over-cleansing disrupts the barrier and worsens oiliness over time. A consistent morning-and-night cleanse is enough for most people.
Ingredients like witch hazel and niacinamide can help refine the appearance of pores and regulate oil, which we explore in our extract guides.
Long-term pore and oil health
Oily skin does have an upside: it tends to age more slowly, with fewer fine lines. Managed well, that extra sebum becomes an asset rather than a burden. The key is balance — thorough cleansing, adequate hydration, and resisting the urge to strip.
The RAI recover-then-maintain approach
Whatever your skin concern, the principle behind the RAI True Glow range stays the same: help the skin recover first, then maintain the result. After any treatment or during any flare, the skin is at its most vulnerable — and its most receptive. Calming inflammation and supplying the right nutrients during this window makes a real difference to how the skin heals and how it looks afterward.
That is the role of the two-step ritual. The True Glow Post Laser Intensive Recovery Serum is step one — used two to three times a day after a laser, HIFU, Morpheus8, extraction or cleansing facial to reduce inflammation, deliver optimal nutrients for skin synthesis and lower the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. From two days later, the True Glow Ultimate Facelift Serum becomes step two, used twice daily to tighten, nourish and brighten for lasting radiance.
Every formula in the range is plant-based and free from steroids and hydroquinone, so you support your skin without the risks those harsher agents carry. Paired with daily sun protection and a gentle, consistent routine, this is how skin is guided back toward health — and kept there.
True Glow Purity Cleanser
A deep, thorough cleanse for oily and acne-prone skin.
View product →Don't fight oil by stripping skin — that backfires. Cleanse thoroughly but gently, hydrate lightly, and let balanced glands work in your favour.