Oily skin can be a struggle to manage especially for oily skin in the summer or oily skin when wearing makeup. Oily skin is a specific skin type.  Skin types are a starting point in finding the right skincare regimen. Skin type is usually genetic and is determined by the texture of the skin, the amount of oil production, and the size of the pores. Your skin type is typically what you are genetically born with, although different factors such as your environment and age can cause changes in your skin. For the most part you can’t change your skin type – however you can help to get rid of its downsides completely and manage it to keep the skin healthy.

What is Oily Skin?

Everybody’s skin has sebaceous glands; this is how our skin naturally protects itself and stays moisturized. Some people’s oil glands produce too much sebum and that is perfectly normal but this can often cause the look of oily skin. Oily skin is characterized by a shiny appearance, especially around the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), enlarged pores, blackheads and blemishes on the oilier parts of the face. Makeup and skincare tend to ‘slide’ and move around the face throughout the day. People with oily skin often can have normal or even dry and dehydrated cheek and neck areas.

 What Causes Oily Skin?

The causes of oily skin include a variety of factors and by identifying them you can manage the effects of oily skin a lot easier.

1. Genetics. Genetics are largely responsible for your skin type. If oily skin runs in your family, your sebaceous glands are probably going to be more active, as well.

2. Climate. Skin usually gets oilier in hot and humid areas of the world. That is also the reason why skin looks shinier in the summer than during the fall and winter seasons.

3. Fluctuating hormones. The hormones responsible for oily skin are called androgens. Sometimes they cause excessive sebum production, resulting in blackheads and breakouts.

4. Over exfoliating. People with oily skin often go for harsh physical or chemical exfoliants or use them way too often way too aggressively. Exfoliation is great for any skin type and especially beneficial for oily skin but overdoing it can have the opposite effect and strip away too much of the oil from the skin. This may cause oily skin and the skin barrier to identify a threat, causing it to go into overdrive and produce even more oil to compensate for the loss.

5. Skipping moisturizer and sunscreen. You shouldn’t be afraid of moisturizers and sunscreen products, even if you have oily skin. Moisturizing is an essential step in maintaining a healthy and youthful complexion. Not wearing sunscreen regularly can cause sun damage which may dry out the skin.

How to Combat Oily Skin

Oily skin, combined with enlarged pores and acne breakouts, can be challenging to manage. It is crucial to determine the causes of oily skin and to identify potential threats and solutions. Choose products that won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts. Remember to not be too harsh to your skin and be consistent with your skincare routine for oily skin.

Products to Help Oily Skin:

Follow a simple routine to give oily skin the best possible care:

1. Cleanse oily skin daily. If your skin is oily, it’s important to get your skincare regimen off to the right start. Deep cleaning your skin with a gel cleanser formulated for oily skin twice a day will help to remove excess sebum (oil) from the surface. Botanical Facial Gel is a great choice for combating intense oiliness without drying the skin. Designed with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, this refreshing cleanser removes makeup, dirt and oil.

2. Tone oily skin.  The second step after a quality cleanse is applying astringent or toner. When done both morning and night, this step helps to remove any leftover oil, dirt or cleanser from the face and neck. Cucumber Cleansing Lotion is formulated to be an effective yet gentle toner that removes excess oil and soothes the skin with cucumber extract. Using a balancing toner will help the skin to recover and keep the pores clean.

3. Exfoliate oily skin.  To combat dull skin and congested pores, it’s important to exfoliate regularly. Those who do not exfoliate are more likely to suffer from acne because bacteria, dirt and oil can get trapped under dead skin cells, thereby creating the perfect breeding ground on the skin’s surface. To gently exfoliate, oily skin types can use Glycolic Foaming Cleanser two to three times per week, in place of their regular cleanser. Exfoliating is the best way to remove dead skin cells and reduce breakouts and clogged pores. Mild chemical exfoliants are oily skin’s best friend. Before using an exfoliating product, it’s a good idea to spot test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

4. Moisturize oily skin. Oily skin needs moisture just like any other skin type. Make sure to go for products, formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. Facial moisturizers will help you balance the oil production and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin is our go-to product for hydrating oily skin without leaving a greasy film or texture. This soothing blend is ideal for oily skin and those who experience acne regularly, as it’s designed not to contribute to breakouts. It can be used morning and night after cleansing and toning for best results.

5. Wear sunscreen. Applying sunscreen regularly is one of the most important steps in everyone’s regimen and it’s especially important for oily skin in the summer. Our Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a lightweight daily moisturizer with SPF 30 sun protection and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy or looking shiny. 

6. Target your concerns with a face mask. Face masks are used a couple of times a week as a way to tackle existing blemishes, absorb excess oil and keep the skin in balance. When it comes to oily skin, all masks aren’t created equal. For those who have especially active t-zones, the Special Mask for Oily Skin helps to combat extra shine. Used as a treatment up to three times per week, this clay-based mask helps to absorb oil and control surface build-up.

For those who have excessive oil (which can often lead to breakouts) our Drying Mask steps in. This sulfur-based formulation helps to dry up existing pimples, promoting clear, unblemished skin. Excessively oily, blemish-prone skin actively experiencing moderate to severe breakouts can use this mask up to three times per week. 

For those who are acne prone, with only occasional or minor breakouts, the Flower & Tonic Mask is another great option.

7. Eliminate shine with a powder. Diminish surface shine effortlessly with a dusting of the Special Healing Powder. Simply sprinkle some of the powder onto a soft brush and apply to areas of the face that have excess oil. As a bonus, this powder can be used with loose foundation to enhance its oil control. While you yearn for that perfectly matte finish of skin, with just the right amount of dewiness, try to remember that there’s something especially beautiful and charming about having a gorgeous glow that comes from within.