In the last 10 years, I've moved six times. Some of these moves were within the same state, but most were cross-country—L.A. to Boston, Boston to Austin, Austin to NYC. As you can imagine, finding a beauty routine that works for each of these unique climates has been difficult, even as someone who prides themselves on knowing a lot about beauty. It wasn't until I moved to New York and finally sat down with a dermatologist that I learned how to care for my oily skin type.
Turns out, my oily skin is actually a byproduct of dry skin: My oil glands are essentially overcompensating for the lack of moisture in my skin barrier, so adding an active hydrating ingredient (like hyaluronic acid) was key. My dermatologist also pointed out that I have quite a bit of sun damage, so adding an everyday sunscreen—one that wouldn't make me look shinier than I already was or clog my pores—was equally important.
Overhauling your skincare regimen is not cheap, so I was relieved that every option that aligned to my derm's suggestions was under $30 and available at my local CVS.
Why CVS?
As an editor, I'm lucky enough to have access to some pretty high-end brands (as does my derm), so I had to ask why she felt safe recommending brands found at CVS like Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Eucerin. She noted it's because they're dermatologist-tested. The options she suggested for me are carefully formulated, made with ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid or protective ceramides, and non-comedogenic—meaning they won't clog my pores and trigger a breakout. While I'll be shopping these brands at CVS for my oily skin, the retailer offers solutions for a variety of skincare needs, including dry, mature, and sensitive skin. Of the more than 9,000 CVS stores nationwide, some even have in-house Beauty Consultants who can provide product education and guidance based on your concerns.
Last, but certainly not least, my derm told me consistency is key. If you can only afford to buy a product once, it won't reap the results you're looking for. CVS offers products at accessible price points and with similar ingredients as more expensive products, so you can commit to a skincare routine that's right for you.
Even with fall approaching, sunscreen is still the most important step in my skincare regimen. Here are the derm- and editor-approved products for my oily skin type.
Editor-Approved Sunscreen for Oily Skin
SPF 55, even as the weather cools? Yup—the gold standard is SPF 30. This formula is fast-absorbing and lightweight, making it a great base layer for makeup. Plus, it contains antioxidant-packed vitamin E, which locks in moisture and helps protect against damaging free radicals like pollution.
This is one of my favorite sunscreens for the cooler months. Its soft texture makes my skin feel instantly moisturized and never greasy. The formula contains UVA protection (the long-wavelength rays that can penetrate through windows and clouds) and UVB protection (the immediate sun rays responsible for burning). It also contains tropical leaf extract, senna alata, which helps to defend skin cells against free radicals that can age our skin. While it's the most expensive sunscreen on this list, it's still reasonable at $25.
As much as I would love a cool 65-degree day on September 1, the reality is we've got more 80-degree days ahead. I need extra oil control on the sticky days I'm commuting into the city, and the Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50 fits the bill. Made with oil-absorbing minerals, the formula is lightweight and has a dry, smooth, invisible finish that helps keep my shine in check. Like the other sunscreens on the list, it goes beyond just sun protection—the antioxidant-packed formula protects against common stressors that can make skin look dull, dehydrated, and crepey.
Another holy-grail product of mine! CeraVe's Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion lives up to its name. Despite its incredibly hydrating ingredients—moisturizing hyaluronic acid and irritant-protecting ceramides—this SPF 30 cream goes on matte and sheer. Along with UVA and UVB protection, the cream also contains patented MVE technology, which continually releases moisturizing ingredients throughout the day for truly hydrated skin.
CVS's store brand sunscreens are also a smart option. Even with more affordable prices, the ingredients are just as good. The CVS Light Fluid Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for those days I know I'll be outside more because it provides immediate protection. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin and reflects rays by creating a barrier the sun can't penetrate.
Skincare is self-care, especially when you're using a product that's actually enjoyable to wear. Enter the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Lotion. I actually used this product on my 10-year-old niece this past summer—she has incredibly sensitive skin and hates wearing sunscreen, but this has a gorgeous, glowy sheen that feels like a highlighter. She loved the lightweight, non-greasy finish and the pretty glow, and her mom loved that her daughter was actually excited to wear sunscreen.
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