By Rachel Hawkins, licensed esthetician, 25+ years · November 2026
This is the question I've answered most in 25+ years as an esthetician. My short answer is to cleanse, exfoliate, clarify, hydrate lightly and protect, every single day.
Morning
- Cleanse with the Extra Strength Cleanser.
- Tone with the Hydrating Toner.
- Moisturize and protect with Morning Moisture SPF 30.
✨ Ask Rae: Don't strip oily skin. Balance it with clear pores and light hydration.
Evening
- Cleanse to remove the day's oil, sunscreen and makeup.
- Exfoliate with the Scrub, gently, on damp skin.
- Clarify by applying Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide 10% to the whole face.
- Hydrate lightly with the Balancing Emulsion or Clarifying Emulsion.
Why "oil-free" isn't the goal
Stripping every drop of oil tells your skin to make more. The goal is balance: clear pores and light hydration.
Be patient
Give the routine 6–8 weeks. What you see today started forming weeks ago.
Prefer it done for you? The Clear Skin Kit bundles these steps, and the quiz will tell you whether it's your match.
FAQ
Should oily skin skip moisturizer? No. Use a light one. Dehydrated skin often gets oilier.
How often should I exfoliate? Most oily skin does well with the Scrub daily or every other day. Back off if you feel tight or tender.
Can I wear makeup? Yes. Choose non-comedogenic formulas and always cleanse at night.
Ask Rae: take the skin quiz and get matched to the right Kage products for your skin, the same way Rachel would in her treatment room.