The anatomy of your largest organ, your skin, determines its function and subsequent aesthetic - otherwise known as your skin type.
Each skin type presents differently and requires a curated skincare regimen in order to thrive, but oily skin in particular can be a challenge for many due to the excess sebum production that causes it.
If you find yourself dealing with excess shine and breakouts, you might fall into this category, but it’s not an issue – it’s perfectly possible to achieve a fresh and radiant complexion with consistent and purposeful care.
Identifying Oily Skin
Curious if you're in the oily skin club? Look out for these signs:
Persistent shine, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone).
Enlarged pores, often with a tendency to clog and develop blackheads.
Frequent acne breakouts, including whiteheads and pustules.
Makeup doesn't stay put and tends to slide off throughout the day.
Understanding the Common Causes of Oily Skin
Sebaceous glands in the skin are responsible for producing sebum (oil). For individuals with oily skin, these glands are more active, resulting in increased oil production. Various factors can affect the activity of these glands and the resulting degree of oiliness:
Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining the activity of your sebaceous glands. If oily skin runs in your family, you're more likely to have it too.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can stimulate sebum production, leading to oily skin.
Climate and Humidity: Living in a humid environment can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil as a way to protect the skin's moisture balance.
Incorrect Skincare Routine: Paradoxically, using harsh cleansers or skipping moisturizers can lead to an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration.
Diet and Lifestyle: Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to imbalances in the body, potentially affecting oil production.
Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that trigger increased sebum production.
Using Heavy Products: Heavy, comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can exacerbate oiliness and contribute to breakouts.
How to Care for Oily Skin
Our philosophy dovetails perfectly with caring for oily skin. Keep it straightforward, impactful, and conscious with a skincare routine customised to keep your skin's shine in check:
Gentle Cleansing: Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Over-cleansing can trigger more oil production but a super-gentle cleanser won’t clean the pores, so strike a balance.
Regular Exfoliation: Incorporate a gentle exfoliant two to three times a week to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. This keeps your skin looking fresh and radiant.
Mattifying Serum: Opt for a lightweight serum designed to control excess oil and minimize pores. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Choose your Oils Carefully: Old wisdom posed that oils were a no-no for oily skin, but this needs demystifying – yes, some oils can aggravate sebum production, but others actually regulate and balance sebum production, helping with the management of oily skin. You just need to know which is which. Our organic, vegan-friendly Skin Oil is formulated with some of the most effective oils to help balance oily skin:
Jojoba Oil: Closest in molecular structure to our own sebum, Jojoba Oil does an excellent job of regulating the skin’s need to produce it. Being lightweight, it’s an excellent carrier oil for essential oils in skincare - key ingredient in our Skin Oil Formula.
Argan Oil: High in Vitamin E, Argan oil is highly anti-inflammatory, soothing and balancing for oily skin. Like Jojoba Oil, it is non-comedogenic and helps your skin regulate its own sebum production - key ingredient in our Skin Oil Formula.
Ylang Ylang: This essential oil is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory in nature, allowing it to cleanse the skin and diminish breakouts by assisting with the healing of blemished skin. It also contains powerful antioxidants which help defend against damaging free radicals, thereby protecting the skin and promoting a natural radiance.
Sun Protection: Shield your skin from the sun with a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen. This prevents sun-induced damage without exacerbating oiliness.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Many products for oily skin can be quite harsh, leaving the skin more sensitive and prone to create sebum to protect itself. It’s best to use natural, organic-certified ingredients to avoid this issue as they will be more gentle with your skin.
Stay Hydrated: Your skin, like the rest of your body, is nifty – if it’s not kept well-hydrated, it will try to hydrate itself and compensate by creating more sebum. This will further clog your pores and perpetuate the problem, so remain hydrated from the inside out.
Seek Professional Guidance: If you're struggling to manage the oil or experiencing persistent skin issues, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations and treatments tailored to your skin's unique needs.
Final Takeaway
Embracing and nurturing your oily skin is essential in moving closer to a balanced complexion that radiates health and vitality. By being clued-up in identifying the signs of oily skin and adopting a meticulously curated skincare routine with the right products, you can successfully combat the shine and achieve the skin you’re after. Remember, your skin’s natural glow is something to celebrate and with the right care, you can put your best face forward every day.
