Monsoon Skincare Tips for Oily Skin: The Complete Guide by Kor Beauty

The monsoon weather can be such a welcome relief after a hot summer. The cool breeze, the pattering of rain, and the overall mood of the season are all so soothing. But for oily or acne skin, the rain brings along something more than just a sigh of relief more skincare issues. If you've ever experienced greasy skin, unexpected acne, or a mysterious dullness in the monsoons, you're not alone.

Humidity levels rise sharply during the monsoon, and this affects the way our skin behaves. For oily skin types, it can mean overactive sebaceous glands, resulting in excess oil sitting on the surface of the skin. Add to that the pollution, sweat, and daily grime that the weather traps on your face, and you’ve got a recipe for clogged pores and frequent pimples. These conditions make it all the more important to modify your skincare regimen, not only to appear better but to actually take care of your skin's evolving needs.

At Kor Beauty, we know that skincare isn't a one-size-fits-all situation not in a country where the weather changes as fast as the July clouds. So we've designed this guide, specifically for oily skin during the rainy season. If you want to make minor adjustments or completely overhaul your routine, these tips are formulated to leave you feeling clean, fresh, and confident all season long.

Why Does Monsoon Cause More Oil and Breakouts?

Monsoon weather is inherently wet, and the humidity keeps sweat from evaporating soon. Sweating longer on oily skin makes sweat combine with sebum and air pollutants and clog pores easily. This creates blackheads, whiteheads, and an increase in acne breakouts that are hard to manage with your usual summer skin care routine. Your skin can feel perpetually oily, and by day's end, it appears shinier than you would like despite washing twice.

What makes it more challenging is the fact that individuals tend to over-wash their face in order to eliminate the oil, believing it will solve the problem. Actually, this drains the face of its own moisture, forcing it to produce even more oil to make up for the lost part. This excessive compensation is what perpetuates the loop. In monsoon, oily skin doesn't require harsh treatments—it requires balance. And that entails providing it with gentle care and hydration, despite feeling counterintuitive.

Fungal infections are another sneaky offender of monsoon skin woes. When moisture, heat, and sweat combine, they create the ideal setting for fungal acne to break out most commonly on the forehead, back, and jawline. Unlike traditional acne, fungal acne can be itchy and will not respond to usual pimple treatments. Knowing the difference and making the switch to a skincare regimen that helps with barrier repair and oil control will make all the difference.

Monsoon Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

1. Double Cleanse (Morning and Night)

Why: Eliminates sweat, pollution, and excess oil without robbing the skin of moisture.

How:

• Step 1: Apply a gentle, oil-free gel cleanser designed for all weathers like our Hydra Cleanse.

• Step 2: Follow up with a foaming or gel cleanser containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients soothe inflammation and unclog pores essential for monsoon oily skin.

2. Tone with Calming Ingredients

Why: Balances pH, tightens dilated pores, and prepares skin for moisturizing.

How:

• Apply a gentle, alcohol-free toner containing rose water, niacinamide, or green tea extract.

• Store in the refrigerator for a cooling midday boon after venturing out in warm weather.

3. Gently Exfoliating (2–3 Times Weekly)

Why: Eliminates dead skin and prevents blackheads and breakouts.

How:

• Select chemical exfoliants: BHA (salicylic acid) to cleanse pores in depth and AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) for smoother texture.

• Avoid granules—they might irritate sensitive Indian monsoon skin.

4. Lightweight Hydration Every Time

Why: Avoids your skin from overproducing oil and makes it soft.

How:

• Use a water-gel or oil-free moisturiser with ceramides like Hydra Custard.

• Use a small pea-sized amount, perfect for humid conditions without weight.

5. Matte Sunscreen Is Essential

Why: UV radiation is intense even on overcast days; prevention stops dark spots and premature aging.

How:

• Apply a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50.

• Choose a matte or gel variant. Reapply every 3–4 hours, especially during Delhi or Chennai rains and heat.

6. Targeted Additions and Weekly Care

• Clay Mask (1x/week): Use Multani mitti or kaolin clay masks to draw out excess oil and refresh your skin.

• Blotting Sheets: Have them on hand to address midday shine without disturbing makeup or skin care.

• Spot Treatment: Use benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil only on the pimples that are active.

Fungal Acne Warning: If you notice tiny, itchy groupings on your forehead or back, try an anti-fungal cleanser and consult a dermatologist.

Lifestyle Tips: Drink plenty of water, steer clear of fried foods, wash towels and pillowcases frequently, and dress in light cotton.

Why This Routine Works for Oily Indian Skin

This daily routine balances intense cleansing with soothing hydration, with shine control in between. It skips harsh stripping or heavy products that might surface irritation or breakouts. By prioritizing oil control, hydration, and UV protection, we keep your skin calm and clear even when monsoon humidity levels reach the stratosphere. 

What Not to Do in Skincare for Oily Skin (Especially During Monsoon)

For oily skin, particularly during the greasy monsoon season, most people unintentionally do things that actually worsen the condition. The skincare errors usually have the correct intention—such as trying to minimize oil or avoid acne—but can have the opposite effect if not executed carefully. Here's what you should never do:

1. Overwashing Your Face

It's natural to want to wash your face several times when it's oily or sweaty, but this robs your skin of its natural moisture. This dryness tells your sebaceous (oil) glands to pump out even more oil, and the cycle repeats. Cleanse only twice daily—morning and evening. Wash your face with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser designed for oily or acne skin. Steer clear of strong soaps or face cleansers that contain alcohol.

2. Skipping Moisturizer

One of the most prevalent myths: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer." The truth is, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce more oil to fill in the dry spots. Opt for gel-based or water-based moisturizers with ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or green tea. Steer clear of rich creams or products that feel greasy. Buy products labeled non-comedogenic (won't clog pores).

3. Using Too Many Acne Products at Once

Combining a salicylic acid cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, and a tea tree toner all at once might sound like a knockout regimen but it can harshly irritate oily skin. Use one or two actives at a time. Add products gradually, and let your skin 2–3 weeks to adjust. Don't exfoliate every day. Apply chemical exfoliants (such as AHAs/BHAs) 1–2 times a week.

4. Application of Pore-Clogging Makeup

Monsoon humidity can cause your makeup to mingle with sweat and sebum, clogging up pores. Shun heavy foundations and cream blushes. Choose mattifying, lightweight, oil-free products. Always remove the makeup thoroughly at night, even with minimal makeup.

5. Not Addressing the Fungal Acne Issue

If you're applying conventional pimple creams and still getting pimples, it may not be normal acne it may be fungal acne, which is very prevalent during monsoon. Shun heavy oils such as coconut oil on the face and scalp. Avoid using rich body lotions on acne areas such as the back or shoulders. Check for antifungal elements such as ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione in your body or face wash if there is a possibility of fungal acne.

6. At-Home Skincare with the Wrong Ingredients

Indian kitchens are chock-full of skincare home hacks, but oily skin is picky about some self-made DIYS, monsoon season in particular. Steer clear of lemon juice, toothpaste, or raw turmeric applied directly to skin—they can irritate and provoke acne. Avoid daily scrubbing using sugar, salt, or gram flour. Physical exfoliants tend to rupture the skin barrier when done excessively. Opt for dermatologist-recommended ingredients that provide consistency and safety.

Recommended Products

• Hydra Cleanse 

• Rose & Niacinamide Hydrating Toner

• Hydra Custard

• Matte Shield SPF 50 Sunscreen

• Detox Clay Mask (Kaolin & Multani Mitti mixture)

With this right skincare routine, monsoon doesn't necessarily mean struggle with oily skin. You can come out this season with clarity, balance, and confidence.