Oily skin can be a real problem. While oily skin can keep skin looking younger for longer, it can also lead to clogged pores, blemishes and excess shine. People with overactive sebaceous glands tend to experience a shinier T-zone: the chin, nose and forehead are the main areas affected by excess shine. The sebum (oil) produced by our skin has a slightly sticky texture. This sticky texture turns the surface of your skin into a cover for dirt, sweat and debris. If oily skin isn’t cleansed and cleansed regularly, your pores can become a breeding ground for bacteria, meaning the perfect conditions for breakouts.
Apart from a shiny forehead, chin and nose, oily skin types may notice some other regular symptoms. Pores that are clogged with excess oil, debris and dead skin cells will lead to more acne: inflamed or infected sebaceous glands that appear as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts. Aside from more regular breakouts, oily skin types are constantly plagued by makeup struggles. Finding a natural base for oily skin is key, and antibacterial oil-soaked wipes are on standby at all times to keep the shiny face at bay.
The most important battle in the war against shine and breakouts is finding the best cleanser for oily skin. Don’t go for anything harsh or stripping, as removing excess oil can actually cause your oil glands to work overtime to replace the lost moisture in your skin. Flushing debris, bacteria and excess oil from the pores is absolutely vital to keeping oily skin types away from the blemish zone.
Both the Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Cleanser and the Charcoal Clay Cleanser are serious superheroes when it comes to fighting oily skin. Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Cleanser means business when it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria and balancing oil production. This cleanser uses antibacterial herbs like tea tree, willow and parsley to kill any bacteria trapped in pores by sticky sebum. Soothing tea tree and neem soothe acne and lemon and rosemary balance oil production. Our Charcoal Clay Cleanser follows our lead with Bamboo Charcoal and Kaolin Clay, which act as magnets for dirt and debris in clogged pores. Antibacterial peppermint and lemongrass, as well as oil-balancing lemon water, act as back-ups to fight oily skin.
A concentrated natural toner is the invaluable help of your facial cleansing superhero. The best toner for oily skin would be one with astringent properties, which can help tighten pores (meaning more oil control, less residue penetration). Thanks to their high water content, toners can also wash away the remains of facial cleanser, make-up or dead skin cells from the pores. Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Astringent is a powerful unit of antibacterial herbs and oils in a base of hydrating, soothing tea tree water and witch hazel. This oil-balancing toner is essential for calming breakouts and a deeply revitalizing treatment for oily or irritated skin.
Sneaking in a serum could mean relief for overly oily skin. Delivering hydration and moisture to the deeper layers of the skin with the ultra-small molecule size of a serum can help keep your sebaceous glands from overproducing. For daily use, we love the Fermented Rice Protection Serum or the EGCG Green Tea Protection Serum for oily skin types, as they offer oil-balancing essential oils and niacinamide and antibacterial green tea and herbs.
If you’re looking for a night serum for oily skin, look no further than our best-selling PM Multivitamin & Antioxidant Power Serum. This powerful serum is more than just an anti-aging powerhouse. It’s packed with oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, broccoli, spinach and tomato.
If you have oily skin and the word “moisturizer” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. A big misconception, which probably leads to more problems than solutions, is that oily skin types don’t need or shouldn’t use moisturizer. This couldn’t be further from the truth! However, finding the right moisturizer for oily skin is the real key to success. The best moisturizer for oily skin should have a lower oil content and a lighter body than your average formula. Our Hydra Drench is an ultra-light oil-balancing moisturizer made with oily skin types in mind. Made with a sensitive skin-friendly rose water base, plus chia seed gel and oil. Chia’s zinc and fatty acid content can soothe and clear acne-prone skin.
If you’re on the less severe end of the oily skin spectrum, you can even try a medium-weight oil-balancing moisturizer. Our EGCG Green Tea Protective Cream uses the essential phytonutrient of green tea to fight clogged pores and bacteria stuck to oily skin. Polyphenols in green tea damages bacterial membranes and fight infection, meaning it’s a useful tool for treating acne-causing bacterial overgrowth. Helps eliminate systemic bacterial inflammation for smoother, toned skin. The natural caffeine content in this moisturizer for oily skin also helps stimulate circulation, which means less inflammation and redness at the breakout site.
Now that you have a tried and true skincare routine for oily skin, it’s time to find the perfect foundation! Check out The Best Foundation for Uily Skin to really complete your oily skin care routine!
Frequently asked questions about oily skin
How often should you cleanse oily skin to prevent pimples?
Cleansing oily skin twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, is usually sufficient to remove excess oil and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially leading to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate. It’s important to use a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin to avoid irritation and maintain skin balance.
How does a serum benefit oily skin?
Serums can be extremely beneficial for oily skin because they provide targeted treatment without adding too much greasiness or heaviness. Benefits of using serum for oily skin include:
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Weightless Hydration: Serums often contain lightweight, moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
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Oil Check: Ingredients like niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, reducing excess oiliness.
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Acne Prevention: Serums with salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear.
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Improving skin texture: Retinoids and vitamin C serums can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.
What ingredients should I look for in skincare products for oily skin?
When choosing skincare products for oily skin, look for the following ingredients:
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Salicylic acid: It helps to exfoliate the skin and clean the pores.
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Niacinamide: Regulates oil production and reduces inflammation.
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Hyaluronic Acid: It provides hydration without making the skin greasy.
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Clay (eg kaolin, bentonite): Absorbs excess oil and detoxifies the skin.
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Tea Tree Oil: It has antibacterial properties that can help prevent acne.
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Retinoids (eg retinol): It helps regulate skin cell turnover and reduce pore size.
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How can I manage excess oil and shine all day?
Managing excess oil and shine during the day can be done with a few simple steps:
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Use stamps: These absorb excess oil without disturbing the makeup.
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Apply a matte primer: Helps control shine and provides a smooth base for makeup.
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Powder makeup set: Use a translucent or oil-absorbing foundation to set makeup and reduce shine.
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Choose oil-free and non-greasy products: These will not clog pores or contribute to excess oil production.
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Stick to a light, oil-free moisturizer: Hydrated skin is less likely to overproduce oil, so using a suitable moisturizer can help balance oil levels.
Is exfoliation necessary for oily skin and how often should it be done?
Exfoliation is important for oily skin as it helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. However, it is important not to over-exfoliate as this can irritate the skin and lead to increased oil production. For oily skin it is generally recommended to exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Use gentle exfoliants, such as products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, instead of harsh natural exfoliants.
