Oily Skin Care 101

Is it just us, or have we been glowing a bit too intensely lately? Maybe it’s makeup…or maybe it’s just oily skin. Our not-so-little secret is that our glow may be coming from excess oil in our skin. Oily skin is not rare, and it’s also nothing to be embarrassed about!

For most of us, our skin type changes throughout our life. During preteen to young adult years, oily skin is quite common. Because we believe all skin types can achieve balance, let’s do a full download about oily skin including the ideal oily skin care routine.

Want to find out ? Of all the different skin types and textures, oily might just be the easiest to spot, but the way that oily skin behaves can vary within this skin type.

For some of us with oily skin, we’re sporting a definite sheen by the afternoon that’s concentrated in the T-zone but can be all over the face. For others of us, our skin is oily at different points throughout the day and can be oily on all parts of the face – even the eyelids!

Oily skin is defined by a slippery, very shiny, or even greasy-looking skin surface on a regular or consistent basis. This skin type can often be seen in concert with acneic skin, enlarged pores, or those that live in harsh climates.

For all of us oily skin folks out there, we have probably tried everything to get rid of the excess oil on our skin. From the highest-quality powders over our makeup to blotting sheets and mattifying primers, those things don’t seem to work. The reason is that we’re treating the symptoms of oily skin, but not the root cause.

Ironically, oily skin can also be dry. An oily skin care routine needs to be made up of plenty of lightweight, deeply penetrative hydrating elements. In many cases, oily skin lacks moisture or lacks the ability to retain it. When we build out a skin care routine that nurtures this, our skin often responds by making less oil (designed to keep the skin hydrated).

Rather than adding something to our oily skin care routine for balance, why not try taking something away? Occasionally, we may mix up having oily skin with our skin being oily; stay with us here.

When we overload our skin with products, the ingredients in all of our cosmetics combine. Sometimes they play well together, but oftentimes they can clash or even be totally incompatible.

When that happens, we can see the product breaking down on the skin, or we can trigger a little extra oiliness on our faces. When we’re looking to lessen oily skin, simplifying our beauty regimen is a great place to start.

While we’re on the topic of simplifying, there are some products that need to be avoided altogether. Anything that clogs the pores can be a huge problem for oily skin types. What can happen is that we can trap all the excess oil our skin is producing inside of our pores.

This causes pretty bad blackheads, blemishes, and uneven texture on the skin. We want to steer clear of SLS, anything too astringent or clarifying, and greasy or oily skin care products.

We mentioned above that having oily skin can be a sign of missing skin hydration. Does this mean that using oils topically can help balance oily skin? The short answer is, no. This means that oils are one of the main ingredients for oily skin types to avoid as well. Adding oil topically to the skin mimics the problem that oily skin types are already facing – oil on the surface that isn’t moisturizing or absorbing into the skin.

Here’s our favorite part – the grand finale! We’ve created oily skin care routines before, but this new and upgraded version has us ready to show off balanced skin radiance. These products can work wonders for oily skin by treating our skin’s desire for hydration, removing excess sebum and dead skin on the surface, and encouraging balance with neutralizing ingredients that gradually calm the skin’s behavior over time.

Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser
Naturally, an oily skin care routine needs to start with a detox. When addressing longstanding or regular oily skin, it’s important to expect a bit of a skin purge at the beginning, during which everything trapped in the pores is cleansed away. This cleanser, however, makes it a much lovelier process.

This detox cleanser has the texture of superfine sand. Designed to be blended with water, this means the product is very potent and utilizes the full power of Italian green clay for balancing and detoxifying as well as a deep pore recalibration with a blend of peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and neem. This is the type of cleanser that’s strong yet gentle. When combined with the right overall oily skin care routine, it’s a total game-changer.

Lavender Tonique
This toner is like a refreshing skin spritzer infused with the tranquil feeling of blooming lavender bushes. Vegan and with a very simple formula, we maximized the calming, balancing power of lavender.

The lavender extract in this skin tonic is antibacterial, detoxifying, and can help clarify pores as well as fight acne. Because it helps to clarify the pores, this can lead to better balance with regard to oily skin. To create balance, our tonique features a hydrating, healing aloe base and a boost of glycerin to maintain lasting hydration and super supple skin.

Tea Tree Balancing Moisturizer and Tea Tree Concentrated Spot Treatment
We finish things off with treatments featuring tea tree, an oily skin savior!

First up is our balancing moisturizer, which keeps our skin soft without the slick feeling of grease on the surface of the skin. We formulated it to be one of our most lightweight moisturizers, with a hydrating and calming aloe base.

This combined with the neutralizing, anti-inflammatory nature of the star ingredient, tea tree oil extract, means this moisturizer is able to deliver a quickly-absorbing, long-lasting, multi-seasonal, moisturizing skin treat. The additional brightening, antibacterial, protective herbs and extracts are just a bonus for supporting ever-improving skin clarity.

This powerful spot treatment is made with detoxifying herbs to calm and clarify active blemishes. It rapidly reduces inflammation and lessens the appearance of acne scars. It’ll be your skin’s hero on the days you need it!

What defines oily skin and how can I identify it?

Oily skin is characterized by a slippery, shiny, or greasy surface that appears consistently or regularly. It is often most noticeable in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), but it can affect the entire face, including the eyelids. People with oily skin might also experience enlarged pores and are more prone to acne. Harsh climates can exacerbate oily skin conditions. If you notice a sheen on your skin by midday or have to blot your face frequently, you likely have oily skin.

What does oily skin need in terms of skincare?

Oily skin requires lightweight, deeply hydrating products. Ironically, oily skin can sometimes be dry because it lacks moisture or struggles to retain it. Hydrating ingredients help the skin balance its oil production, reducing the amount of excess oil. Incorporating products that penetrate deeply and hydrate effectively, like those with hyaluronic acid or aloe, can help manage oiliness without adding more oil to the skin’s surface.

What should oily skin avoid in a skincare routine?

Oily skin should avoid products that clog pores, such as heavy oils or greasy formulations. It’s important to steer clear of products containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can be too astringent or clarifying, and instead focus on gentle, non-comedogenic products. Overloading the skin with too many products can also cause issues, as incompatible ingredients might break down on the skin and lead to increased oiliness. Simplifying your skincare routine can help manage oily skin more effectively.

Can using oils topically help balance oily skin?

No, using oils topically can exacerbate oily skin problems. Adding oil to the surface of the skin mimics the existing issue of excess oil that doesn’t absorb or moisturize effectively. Instead of using oils, it’s better to use products that hydrate without adding excess oil. Lightweight moisturizers with ingredients like aloe and glycerin can help maintain hydration without contributing to the oiliness.

How can I develop an effective skincare routine for oily skin?

To develop an effective skincare routine for oily skin, it’s crucial to focus on products that balance oil production while providing necessary hydration. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Cleanser: Start with a detoxifying cleanser like the Pore Detox Herbal Cleanser. It contains Italian green clay and essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and neem, which help to deeply cleanse and balance the skin without stripping it of moisture.
Toner: Follow with a toner like Lavender Tonique. This product uses lavender extract to clarify pores and fight acne, while its aloe base provides hydration. It helps maintain skin balance by removing any residual impurities and preparing the skin for further treatment.
Moisturizer: Use a lightweight moisturizer such as the Tea Tree Balancing Moisturizer. Formulated with an aloe base and tea tree oil extract, it hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue. This moisturizer also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and prevent breakouts.
Spot Treatment: For targeted treatment of blemishes, use the Tea Tree Concentrated Spot Treatment. This powerful spot treatment helps to calm and clarify active blemishes, reduce inflammation, and minimize acne scars with detoxifying herbs and tea tree oil.

By incorporating these products into your daily routine, you can manage oily skin effectively, keeping it balanced and healthy without the excess shine.