As for Salicylic Acid, I think it depends on the product and its formula. If used in a cleanser, then it will be rinsed off so its benefits are limited and shouldn’t dry skin too much. Also, I would use products that list this ingredient a bit down (but not too down or it’ll be useless) the ingredient list so that its concentration is not too high but still beneficial.

Of course it also depends on the skin. Each one is different and reacts to an ingredient differently so if Salicylic Acid dries your skin, by all means stop using it. Or if a moisturizer that isn’t labelled as oil-free works best for you, use that. These are just general tips, but the most important thing is to listen to your skin and see how it reacts to the different treatments until you find the best skincare regimen for you.

I also agree that toners should be soothing, if it stings or irritates skin, it’s not good. Still, a good toner would help remove excess oil without drying skin. Alcohol-based toners instead should only be used in extreme cases as they do more harm than good.

Thanks for the product recommendations too, they’re useful and I hope they’ll help other people with oily skin.

My key processes to maintenance is to exfoliate with a gentle physical (as opposed to chemical) exfoliator everyday. I exfoliate after i cleanse my skin first so I am not rubbing dirt into my pores. I wouldn’t use salicylic acid unless you are using it as a spot treatment because it will dry out your skin and cause it to produce more oil. Listen to your skin. If it feels dry, thats a bad sign.

I moisturize with a good moisturizer. It doesnt need to be oil-free. Oil is good for your skin. Your skin produces oil anyway. Well moisturized skin won’t overproduce oil so drink lots of water!

I use sunscreen everyday. This also prevents scarring if you do break out.

And I don’t use a toner that stings. I use one that is soothing so i don’t irritate my skin.

I am making this long post because i feel that ppl with oily acne prone skin are misinformed about how to manage it. Forget about drying your skin out and forget about oil-free products. The key is to get your skin balanced.

Products I love are:
Philosophy Purity- A gentle deep cleanser that won’t overdry your skin
Philosophy the microdelivery exfoliating wash- gentle enough for everyday use but very effective with micro grains.
Philosophy Hope in a jar – I used to hate it when i tried a sample but i got this as part of a set and it ended up being very easily absorbed by my skin. It has lactic acid in it which helps with a very gentle chemical exfoliation that helps the moisturizer sink in.
Clinique moisture surge- I used this on top of hope in a jar if my skin is dryer during the winter.