Oily and acne-prone skin is frequently misunderstood. A common assumption—held by both people and, historically, parts of the skincare industry—is that excess oil should be aggressively removed. This has led to widespread use of strong, drying cleansers and frequent washing routines. While intuitively appealing, this approach is often counterproductive. The skin functions as a dynamic barrier, composed of lipids, proteins, and natural moisturizing factors that maintain hydrat