Skincare for Dealing with an Oily Skin Type 

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So what exactly is oily skin and what causes it?

Everybody needs a certain amount of natural oils to ensure the healthy function of the skin. However, for someone who has an oily skin type they have excess oil production leading to a persistently shiny or greasy appearance. People with this skin type often have enlarged pores which may be prone to clogging along with a tendency towards; blackheads, pimples and other acne based issues.

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It is very common for people to have skin which is described as combination with an oily t-zone across the nose and forehead, but normal to dry skin in other areas.

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Oily face skin and/ or oily body skin is typically genetic but excess oil can also be the result of heightened hormone levels, for instance during puberty, as well as during some parts of women’s menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and when going through menopause, as sebaceous glands become more active during these times.

How can an oily skin type be managed?

Given the characteristics of oily skin you should look to put together a routine with products which as a group have the following qualities:

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  • Exfoliating - to ensure that pores do not get clogged.

  • Specifically contain Salicylic Acid- as this Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is a chemical exfoliator which is oily soluble and can therefore work to help clean out the pores.

  • Anti-Bacterial- to reduce breakouts and blemishes.

  • Non-Commedogenic (don't clog the pores) -  avoid products which may clog pores such as cocoa butter.

  • Higher in Linoleic Acid - as low levels of this in the skin have been shown to lead to an increase in oil production and thicker sebum which may lead to blemishes and acne.

Which skin care products could help you deal with Oily Skin?

Below are our favourite skin care product for oily face skin or oily body skin which cover many of the properties above: