The T-zone of your face includes your forehead, nose, and chin. These areas have more oil glands compared to the rest of your face, making them oily and more acne-prone.

You might think you’re an expert on your face. After all, you look at it in the mirror every day. But it turns out your mug is way more complex than you think. Just like different areas of your body get dirtier than others, different areas of your face can get extra oily and acne-prone. And the most common culprit is your T-zone.

No, the “T-zone” isn’t a football formation or a basketball defense. Your T-zone is the infamous area of your face that seems to have its own oil production factory: your forehead, nose, and chin. You know, the spot that makes you look like you’ve just run a marathon even when you’re chilling on the couch.

Whether you’re battling midday shine at work or trying to keep your mug matte for that hot date, managing the T-zone can be a real pain. So grab a seat, maybe a cold one, and let’s dive into how you can manage an oily T-zone. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve a paper bag or a hat pulled down low.

What Is the T-Zone?

The T-zone of your face includes your forehead, nose, and chin. These features form the shape of the letter “T”—hence the nickname. The T-zone is notorious for being oilier than the rest of your face because it has more sebaceous glands.

These glands produce sebum, the natural oil that keeps your skin hydrated but can sometimes go into overdrive, leaving you looking shinier than a brand-new sports car. If you have an oily T-zone, chances are you get more acne breakouts in that area as opposed to your cheeks.

People with combination skin often find their T-zone is greasier than the rest of their face. On the other hand, people with oily skin or dry skin tend to have more consistent sebum production across their faces.

You may have also heard of something called the “C Zone.” This refers to the skin surrounding your T-zone (mainly your cheeks and lower chin). If you have combination skin, this area tends to be more dry and flaky.

How to Deal With an Oily T-Zone

If your T-zone makes your face look like an oil slick, the key is removing the excess oil without drying out your skin. That might not happen overnight, but following a proper skincare routine can definitely even out your complexion and minimize acne breakouts.

Here are seven dermatologist-approved tips to deal with an oily T-zone.

1. Wash Your Face Twice Daily

The number one thing you can do to combat an oily T-zone is washing your face twice a day—once in the morning and again before bed (maybe even a third time if you do a mid-day workout).

Washing you face removed excess sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and grime.

The best cleanser for an oily T-zone is oil-free and noncomedogenic. You can also use a salicylic acid cleanser, if you’re trying to get rid of blackheads or whiteheads. Just steer clear of anything with alcohol.

2. Moisturize Your Face Twice Daily

It might seem counterintuitive, but keeping your skin hydrated is essential if you have an oily T-zone. People with oily skin often assume they don’t need to moisturize. Ironically, their skin is more oily because it’s moisture-starved.

All skin types—from dry to oily to combination—benefit from daily moisturizing. Just make sure you use a lightweight, gel-based formula instead of any lotions with heavy oils.

To simplify your skincare routine, moisturize your face right after cleansing—once in the morning and again at night.

3. Exfoliate Twice Per Week

Sweat, sebum, and gunk can accumulate on your face throughout the week, even when you shower regularly. Clogged pores are a recipe for oily skin. That’s why you should exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove any debris.

Pro tip: Use a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritating the sensitive skin around your T-zone.

4. Use Oil-Free Sunscreen

Sunscreen is arguably the best skincare product you can use to prevent early signs of aging from sun damage. However, a lot of sunscreens contain oils that don’t do your T-zone any favors. Opt for a sunscreen specifically deisnged for your face, ideally one that’s non-comedogenic.

5. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

We get it, your face is irresistible. But touching it with your grubby fingers can transfer oils and bacteria to your T-zone, making it greasier than it already is.

6. Avoid Junk Food

If you subsist on a diet of Taco Bell and Pop-Tarts, it’s gonna show up on your face as well as the scale. Cut down on greasy and sugary foods, which can contribute to oil production. Swap them with a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein (easier said than done, we know).

7. Stay Hydrated

It’s not just the stuff you put on your skin that matters—you need to keep it hydrated from the inside out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re getting after it in the gym. Otherwise, your skin will churn out extra oil to compensate for the dehydration.

Take Care of Your T-Zone Like a PrettyBoy

There you have it, fellas. Remember, a little shine is fine—think of it as nature’s way of keeping you camera-ready. But if your forehead’s starting to reflect the sun or your nose could double as a slip-and-slide, it’s time to take action.

Enter Revival: the 6-in-1 men’s moisturizer designed to tame your sebaceous glands. Revival is infused with niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acidto lock in moisture so your oil production doesn’t go into overdrive. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination, this stuff keeps your T-zone in check.