Having oily skin and living at a high altitude is its own, special kind of hell. When I lived in the southeast, I could buy an “acne-fighting” skincare system and be on my merry way. In the mountains? Not so much. At 5,280 feet, on top of my oily skin, I have to contend with dry air, hard water, and harsh sun (even in the winter). Too much moisture and I break out. Too little and my skin is dry, red, and… broken out. After much trial-and-error (and a one-sided shouting match with a 22-year-old TikTok skincare influencer), I’ve gathered enough experience to know some of the the best skincare products for oily skin at high altitudes.
Please note: I do not have terrible hormonal, fungal, or cystic acne (anymore!). I am not a dermatologist nor health professional of any kind, just a gal who’s battled acne since the tender age of 8 (yes, really). My skin veers towards sensitive/oily, and I’ve found these products give a clean feeling without making my skin feel stripped. Also, as a woman in that really fun phase where you have acne AND wrinkles, these products help with both.
FYI – this post contains affiliate links. I only rec products I genuinely use, but for more information, you can view my terms and conditions.
Products I Avoid on My Oily Skin at High Altitude
While I’ve gotten savvier at choosing specific products within type, I’ve realized there are entire categories of skincare products I simply must avoid. These include:
- Astringent – Simply too harsh on my winterbaby skin. They strip my skin’s natural barrier, and no amount of serums or mosturizers seem to bring it back to normal, leaving it feeling gritty. I also only use toners that are milky or for sensitive skin.
- “Rich” Moisturizers – If a product is labelled “rich” or some such – run. Much like too much hair oil can make it even more brittle, very heavy moisturizers can actually make my skin drier and break out at the same time.
- Harsh Exfoliants – I used to swear by Lush’s Rub Rub Rub body scrub when I lived in Atlanta. It got all the stuff that accumulated on my skin over the day and left me feeling nice and clean. Plus, it gave the skin on my body a nice smooth texture. In the mountains, though, it’s a little too harsh.
- Azelaic Acid & Tea Tree Oil – Much like toners, certain acne products are waaaaaay too harsh for all-over use up here. I still use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as spot treatments, but that’s all.
Face Wash Products for Oily Skin at High Altitude
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – $16
While using an oil-based cleanser on oily skin seems counter-intuitive, I love this wash. It works best for me as part of a double-cleansing routine, but I also use it during the cold winter months when I need a gentle cleanse.
Curology Acne Cleanser – $15.99
I had mixed success with Curology when I tried the whole system. As with many things, it worked amazingly well on a trip to Nashville but was a little too harsh back at mile high. However, I will stand by their standard cleanser. It’s gentle, yet powerful, fragrance-free, and has given me good long-term results.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser – $15.99
Korean beauty is gaining a huge share of the skincare space, and I’ve found lots of gentle, yet effective, products in my tests! Using this cleanser on a dry face works best for me. After use, my skin feels silky smooth but totally clean, and my follow-up products absorb nicely.
Curology Micellar Water – $8.39
Makeup removing products often leave a residue on my skin that makes my breakups worse. Micellar water is a whole new game – it cleanses makeup without causing further breakouts. The Curology micellar water has been the best I’ve used. The thicker gel-like formula removes more makeup with less product. Sometimes I use it at night on its own sans cleanser with no negative ramifications.
Dove White Beauty Bar – $1.99
This product is absolutely talked to death by beauty editors, dermatologists, grandmas, and now me. While I have it in the face wash category, it’s also great as a body wash or shave cream that will cleanse your skin without stripping it. The exfoliating variety is best kept off your face at high altitudes, but every other kind is great. My favorite is pink!
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – $12.99
I may ruffle some feathers, but I am not as enamored with CeraVe as others are (with one main exception – see below). To me, the Vanicream cleanser does what CeraVe promises for less money (and with fewer shortages). It’s one of the best values for your money on this list – a large bottle can last me up to 6 months, and it’s less than $15.
Toners, Exfoliants, & Masks for Oily Skin at High Altitude
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner – $15.99
Byoma has really nailed it in the skincare space – cute packaging, great prices, and serious effectiveness. I only ever use milky, hydrating toners, as others damage my skin barrier too much. I only use toners at night, and this one is a great choice to add a little pampering and cleanliness to my routine.
Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner – $14.99
While it’s not much less than the Byoma on the surface, the Thayers Milk Hydrating Face Toner has an excellent CPU (cost per use). Classic witch hazel is a bit much for my skin, but because this toner is formulated for sensitive skin, it does its job without causing too much redness. Plus, the bottle is large and lasts me nearly an entire year (with once-daily use!)
Exuvience Gentle Exfoliating Pads – $45
If you want to use your glycolic acid pads every day, the Exuvience pads are my favorite. I still don’t use them daily, but they make a difference 3-4 times per week. I notice a big difference in my skin’s texture when I use them, but my skin doesn’t feel flaky or wrung out. They have a bit of a chemical scent, but it is an acid.
Rael Beauty Miracle Clear Pore Purifying Clay Mask– $14.99
Clay masks are an important part of any oily skin routine. Clay absorbs oil and whisks it off your skin, but these masks can often strip important hydration in dry climates. This mask is formulated for sensitive skin and to reduce redness, so it gets ride of excess sebum to prevent breakouts, but doesn’t leave your skin barrier unprotected.
Biodance Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask – $19 (for 4)
I bought the TikTok hype on this product, and now I’m totally bought in. I use this mask when I need a little extra pampering, as well as on long flights. I’ve never gotten such dramatic results from a sheet mask before – my skin is smoother, less red, and brighter every time I use it. Plus, it’s very well-priced compared to how effectively it works.
Serums & Treatments for Oily Skin at High Altitude
bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum – $30
While you want to avoid over-exfoliating at high altitudes, those of us with oily skin still need a little something to promote cell turnover. Enter: Vitamin C serums. Vitamin C also has properties that lighten dark spots and help heal acne scars. This one from bliss is the best vitamin C serum I’ve used at a lower price point, though it does have a mild citrus fragrance. It’s gentle enough for daily use, but effective enough for noticeable results.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum – $14
This serum has perhaps the best cost-per-use of anything in my kit! After just one or two uses, I can see and feel improvements in my skin’s tone and texture. Niacinamide, or vitamin B, is especially potent at dealing with acne, redness, hyperpigmentation, and hydration. It helps balance my skin beautifully, so it’s dewy and plump, rather than oily and irritated.
Murad Vitamin C Serum – $89
While the bliss vitamin C serum is the best for the price, the Murad vitamin C serum is the best I’ve found, period. Your skin feels cleaner, smoother, and more balanced with regular use. As part of a set with a vitamin C cleanser and moisturizer, I’ve gotten great results. If you’re balling on a budget, invest in the serum and save on a more cost-effective cleanser.
The Ordinary Hylauronic Acid – $9.90
As I stated in my post about 10 Holy Grail products under $10, this product is perhaps the best skincare product under $10 I have ever used. Even acne-prone skin needs as much hydration as possible at high altitudes, but most rich products will only cause more breakouts. The hydrating and smoothing effect of this serum on the skin is immediate and incredible. Plus, you can’t beat the price.
RoC Retinol Correxion – $29.99
While this is technically an anti-aging serum, retinol is a powerful acne-fighter as well! It decreases oil production, kills bacteria, and is anti-inflammatory. RoC is the brand most of us (including me) swear by, and sticking to the classic will serve you well. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive, so make sure to ALWAYS pair it with regular sunscreen, and don’t use retinol with vitamin C or glycolic acid at the same time.
Moisturizers & Sunscreen Products for Oily Skin at High Altitude
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream – $21.99
After a long, arduous journey, I believe I may have found the one night cream in the world that works for acne-prone skin. While this cream is heavy to the touch (and feels heavy on application). It has somehow, miraculously, never made me break out, does not pill, and makes my skin feel soft in the morning. While it takes a while to absorb, its other myriad good qualities mean I can overlook that.
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream – $19.99
I view most eye creams with suspicion, as I haven’t seen great results from many of them. But this one is the main exception! If this cream were more cost-effective, I would probably slather it all over my entire body every day. I’ve combined it with various eye serums to only positive results. The pump dispenses WAY more cream than is needed for your eyes, so I usually spread the remainder on my hands. The backs of my hands have never been so smooth.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream with Pump – $20.99
It’s not quite as thick, and doesn’t make my skin feel quite as immediately smooth as the CeraVe, but I can’t deny the amazing CPU of classic Vanicream. The tub is enormous, and the moisturizer absorbs more quickly than the CeraVe nighttime moisturizer. This product has a thickness between a classic daily moisturizer and a night moisturizer, so it’s also great to use in the morning when the climate is particularly dry, without worrying about new breakouts.
Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen – $40
Supergoop is the ultimate in a daily facial sunscreen, and as an acne-prone girlie I prefer the mattifying version. Nearly every daily sunscreen makes me break out, but not Supergoop! It also goes on so smoothly that I can use it as a primer, and it doesn’t have any white particles in it so it doesn’t alter colors if you put makeup on top of it.
Trader Joe’s Daily Sunscreen– $8.99
While Supergoop is the top, Trader Joe’s has an exceptional dupe (for a much better price point). It also has a much glossier finish than the goop, so if you’re looking for a dewier skin finish the TJ’s might be the way to go. The only downside is that you can’t buy this online from TJ’s, and stores are often sold out. If you like it – stock up!
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50 – $20.99
Listen – I know that technically you’re supposed to apply moisturizer and sunscreen separately. But honestly, I’m a gal on the go! I’m busy out here! And at high altitudes, it’s especially important to use the highest SPF possible! That’s why I love this Cetaphil option. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t pill under my makeup, and I can rest easy knowing my skin is protected, not irritated.
Hair & Body Products for Oily Skin at High Altitude
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – $19.99
Let’s hear it for the tub! I have not used this on my face as I suspect it may be too heavy, I absolutely love this product on my body. It’s not overly fragranced, and you can feel the ceramides getting busy right away on parched skin. The tub is less convenient than a pump, but I like that you can get every last lick of product out (and easily see how much you have left).
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Oil Mist – $12.99
It’s messy, it’s awkward, it’s oily, but by God a good body oil has done wonders for my skin. This one from Aveeno has as lovely rich scent, and absorbs surprisingly quickly. The mist application makes it easier to apply in troublesome spots (like your back) and it always adds a touch of luxury to my routine. Just keep it away from your face!
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub – $30
I’m lucky in that I don’t struggle with serious body acne, but I definitely have small bumps on my arms, shoulders, and upper back. This product truly is the holy grail when it comes to dealing with small KP (keratosis pilaris) bumps. It’s one of the harsher exfoliants on the list, so make sure to ALWAYS follow up with a good moisturizer. I love the strawberry scent, but it comes in unscented as well.
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product – $21
As an oily-skinned, wavy-haired girl, “no-poo” methods often leave me quaking with fear. I want smooth, silky hair, but I have zero interest in resembling Severus Snape. Deep conditioning products tend to weigh down my hair – except this one. It’s great for both air-drying and blow-drying, and as a bonus, my husband really likes how it smells.
Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash – $36
I became hooked on this stuff when I worked at a hair salon, and it is one of the few expensive products I have found that has no suitable replacements. This pre-shampoo wash leaves my hair feeling super clean, but doesn’t dry it (or my scalp) out. While most recommendations say to use it once per week, I use it slightly more frequently than that if I’ve been using a lot of hair product.
Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo – $4.49
The Kevin Murphy shampoo works well for getting your hair totally clean, but I also add a gentler clarifying shampoo every time I wash. This option from Garnier smells fresh, works well in a two-shampo routine, and is really easy on the wallet. It’s Abbey Yung-approved, as well!
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil – $27.19
Once again, you’re probably saying, “oil?! on my oily skin?!” and once again I must say, yes absolutely. An oil-based cleanser in the shower helps get the grime of the day off, without leaving you flaky, itchy, and red. This one from Bioderma is my favorite – gentle enough for daily use, but powerful enough to deliver real clean. It also comes in an ENORMOUS bottle.
Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion – $11.35
This is the ULTIMATE lazy hack for all skin types in dry climates. In the winter you need lotion pretty much every day, and it takes a million years to apply and let dry. Enter: in-shower body lotion. While it won’t give you baby-seal skin like traditional lotions will, it will keep you suitably hydrated for daily use. Only options for “dry to very dry” skin exists, but it’s never felt too rich or made me break out.
Have you used any of these products for oily skin at high altitude? Do you have any further recs? Drop your opinions in the comments!
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