Natural Wellness Products To Keep Oily Skin Under Control

FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT OILY SKIN

The long and short of understanding oily skin is that it’s typically caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Though sebum is an important part of having healthy skin, too much of it can lead to oily skin which is sometimes also accompanied by clogged pores and breakouts.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

There are many factors to consider when it comes to the cause of oily skin, some of which are and are not in our control. Some of the causes of oily skin over which we have very little say are genetics, hormonal changes and our environment. If oily skin is prevalent in your family lineage, there is a possibility you’ve inherited it too. Larger sebaceous glands are hereditary, so it’s likely you are following in the footsteps of those before you. Similarly, hormonal changes can be responsible for causing oily skin, brought on in times of our lives like during puberty, during pregnancy and during menopause. Environmental factors like humidity and hot weather tend to result in an overproduction of oil on the skin as well.

When considering what is within your control, start with properly and regularly cleansing the skin. Those with oily skin should avoid overly hot water, products that contain alcohol which can be drying to the skin and prompt it to produce even more oil and avoid scrubbing too hard and exfoliating too often, all of which can lead to irritated skin that begins to produce more oil. Looking at skin care and cosmetic products you use regularly is also within your control. Using the correct products for your skin type and those made with high quality, non-comedogenic ingredients is also important.

CAN PEOPLE WITH OILY SKIN USE ESSENTIAL OILS AND CARRIER OILS?

As the saying goes, “like attracts like”. What that means when it comes to oily skin is that in some cases, you’ve got to fight oil with oil. If you’ve used or are using harsh, abrasive ingredients like alcohol or washcloths and you’ve stripped your skin of its necessary natural oils, it can go into overproduction-mode and in fact increase the amount of sebum on your skin. Oils help make the skin smooth, plump and pliable, which is why certain oils, like rose and tea tree are great for calming the appearance of redness and sensitivity in oily skin. Using oil can actually help restore your skin’s natural oils and keep your skin feeling more fresh and balanced.

Of course there are certain oils you should avoid when looking to treat oily skin on the face, and it tends to be those that are more prone to causing blocked pores, like sesame oil or wheat germ oil which may be better suited to body and hair care products, far away from the delicate skin on your face.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR OILY SKIN

Because gentle washing is so important for those with oily skin, you’re going to need to ensure the products you choose are free from harsh chemicals or irritating ingredients like alcohol and artificial fragrances. Washing in the morning and the evening, patting the skin dry (careful not to pull or tug at the skin which causes skin’s oil production to go into overdrive) and using lukewarm water is the best way to manage oily skin.

We’re big fans of our Zap Cleansing Bar, a natural treatment for skin in need of deep cleansing action. Let Zap take care of excess dirt, oils and dead skin cells and reveal the bright, fresh, radiant skin underneath. With gentle and balancing ingredients like aloe vera to soothe the skin, coconut to moisturize and tea tree to cleanse and refresh, our best recommendation is to gently wash face, neck and body in the morning and evening, rinsing well with lukewarm water.

Post cleanse, we like to follow up with Zap Toner, which includes skin-clarifying ingredients like liquid mineral salts, tea tree, geranium and juniper berry to soothe, re-balance, reduce excess oil and calm irritation while promoting your skin’s natural rejuvenation. Apply immediately after cleansing by misting the face with eyes and mouth closed, or by misting a cotton pad and applying directly to the skin.

TREATMENT PRODUCTS FOR OILY SKIN

We also like to use a series of treatment-style products in our skin care routine as part of our regular maintenance of oily skin. These products are not necessarily intended for everyday use, but can be supportive and beneficial when applied a couple of times per week or as required.

When we want to help our oily skin feel soothed and restored, we reach for Balancing Elixir, which as mentioned earlier is an oil based product intended to help bring the skin back into harmony using gentle, non-clogging carrier and essential oils. The base of this product, evening primrose, is rich in antioxidants to help promote skin’s radiance and essential oils like tea tree, myrtle and geranium are deeply cleansing, relieving and smoothing to skin. A few drops pressed into the skin in the evening is all you need to help the face feel calmed and eased.

Once or twice a week, we like to apply Clay Cleanse face mask to help purify and restore a healthy glow. Made with kaolin clay to reduce excess oil and soothe the skin, this detoxifying face mask also includes bamboo charcoal powder to draw out dirt and oil from clogged pores alongside frankincense essential oil to help improve the look of skin’s vitality.

Lastly, when we want to treat and relieve spots and breakouts, we reach for our Zap blend, which is a product designed for targeted application to the skin wherever you experience blemishes that are in need of cleansing, soothing and balancing. We recommend rolling this product directly to problem areas after cleansing, toning and moisturizing, up to two times daily or as required.

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR MANAGING OILY SKIN

Treating and maintaining healthy skin through a robust and consistent skin care routine is an important part of managing oily skin. Along with dietary considerations and other environmental factors, here are some simple to follow guidelines for taking care of oily skin properly:

1. Cleanse daily, in the morning and evening, with a gentle cleanser that is free of alcohol and artificial fragrances, and keep water temperature on the lukewarm to cool side.
2. Avoid skin care and body care products that are made with synthetic fragrances, added moisturizers, certain oils that can cause clogged pores and any harsh chemicals which can irritate or dry out the skin, which in turn causes an overproduction of sebum.
3. Don’t use loofahs, washcloths or other rough abrasives when cleansing or exfoliating the skin. Extra friction like pulling or tugging at the skin can sometimes cause the skin to produce more oil. Instead, use your fingertips or a very soft cloth to carefully cleanse the face and body to help oil production stay balanced.