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 have an oily skin type they produce an excess of these oils which 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 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 oily skin be treated?

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

Konjac sponges with Bamboo Charcoal or French green clay

As oily skin often results in the build up of dead skin cells it is important to incorporate products with exfoliating properties into your routine in order to remove the top layer and reveal fresher skin beneath. This should not be done excessively as you may disrupt the function of the skin barrier resulting in irritation.

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Someone with very oily or acne prone skin is likely to benefit from the use of a konjac sponge infused with bamboo charcoal as it has purifying anti-bacterial qualities. Whereas someone with an oily t-zone but more combination may prefer to use one with French Green Clay which gently draws out toxic for a smoother, fresher complexion. Brought to you by The Konjac Sponge Company these products provide gentle exfoliation perfect for those dealing with excess oils.

Green People - Light Day Moisturiser

It is easy to be put off from using a moisturiser when you have oily skin as it can feel counter intuitive to add addition oils to the affected area. However, if you select one which is light weight, calming and contains a form of salicylic acid then this can create a marked improvement in the condition of the skin. Green People's Neutral Sensitive Scent Free Light Day Moisturiser provides all of these benefits and more due to the excellent line-up of ingredients below:

Prebiotics

Restore a healthy skin balance to help prevent acne and impurities.

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Willow bark

Rich in Salicin, an anti-inflammatory which reduces irritation and helps control acne breakouts.

Chamomile extract

Rich in flavonoids instantly reducing oxidative stress and soothing skin inflammation.

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Perilla oil

Has powerful antioxidant properties with a soothing action ideal for inflammatory skin conditions.

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Jojoba oil

Helps to balance sebum levels, and is a highly protective oil rich in Omega-7 & 9 fatty acids to provide a non-sticky, light and soft skin feel.

Lyonsleaf - Zinc & calendula cream

Lyonsleaf have created a cream which works as an amazing spot treatment for those suffering from blemishes resulting from oily skin. It contains the following key ingredients which make it so great for this purpose:

Calendula 

Thought to have wound healing, collagen promoting and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Zinc oxide 

Can combat acne by calming inflammation and further protecting the skin. It helps soothe redness, decrease the size of breakouts/pimples/cysts and is thought to help reduce excess sebum production.

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Babassu oil 

Has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it has a low chance of clogging pores. It is great for soothing inflamed skin conditions like acne, reducing both redness and itchiness.

Myroo - Gentle Cleanser

While cleansing your skin with oil sounds counter intuitive, especially if you have oily skin, it is in fact the most gentle and effective way to loosen pore clogging debris, pollution, make-up and spf without irritating your skin. Cleansing oils draw out other oils, make-up and impurities that congest pores with a “like attracts like” approach. 

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Research has shown that people with acne have low levels of Linoleic Acid in their skin’s surface lipids. Adding these fatty acid-rich oils topically is the best way to address this problem.  Linoleic Acid is an omega-6 essential fatty acid not produced by body.  It has anti-aging, barrier protective, soothing, and balancing properties, and is most suitable for oily and acne prone skin.

Myroo have created a wonderfully well balanced cleansing oil which is high in linoleic acid so so should work well for those with oily skin. It contains the following key ingredients which make it so great for this purpose:

Safflower Seed Oil

Has a comedogenic rating of 0 so won't clog pores and has one of the highest percentages of linoleic acid of any oil (65%-85%).

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Apricot Kernel Oil

Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial which makes it a valuable ally against acne causing bacteria.

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Borage (Starflower) Seed Oil

High is linolleic acid (~35%) but also contains one of the highest percentages of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA); an activated form of omega-6 that promotes skin hydration and elasticity.

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Rosemary extract

Contains rosmarinic acid, which is believed to have a calming effect on skin and may therefore be useful for mitigating several common skin issues including the inflammation associated with acne.

Bloomtown - Blue Clay & Indigo Leaf Soothing Mask

Brought to you by Bloomtown this soothing clay mask provides all the detoxifying benefits of bentonite blue clay in a product which is incredibly soothing and won't leave your skin feeling tight. The product contains the following beneficial ingredients:

Blue Bentonite Clay

Draws out toxins from the skin and has anti-bacterial properties to improve blemishes.

Indigo Leaf 

Soothes inflammation.

Nettle Root

When the extracts are applied to the skin, stinging nettle has been proven to reduce the severity of acne and can even prevent bacterial infections. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can also speed healing, reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.

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Coconut Extract

Due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil it can fight harmful microorganisms whilst still having a good balance of other fatty acids to keep skin moisturised.

Myroo - 100% Cold Pressed Blackberry Seed oil Super Boost Drops

Brought to you by Myroo  these super boost drops are perfect for tackling oily, blotchy and uneven skin either applied directly to the skin or as a boost to your moisturiser. The product contains the following beneficial ingredient:

Blackberry Seed oil

Blackberry Seed Oil contains standout levels of Vitamin C, Omega 3 and Omega 6. This unique combination of essential fatty acids and antioxidants help combat the signs of ageing skin, blotchiness, large pores, and blemishes.

This oil is suitable for oilier skin types and does well mixed with other oils.

Apothaka - Barrier Support Serum

If your goal is healthy skin then you need to keep your skin barrier in check. The skin barrier is the first line of defence against environmental assaults and unwanted substances so it’s vital to keep it fully functioning and maintain its resilience. A compromised barrier can result in potential for irritation and sensitivity as unwanted substances are more easily able to penetrate the skin.

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This clear, hydrating serum is designed to support, protect and replenish the skin barrier, allowing it to maintain its optimal hydration balance and keep skin healthy. Silicone, oil and alcohol free, with a weightless gel texture that is perfect for those with oily or acne prone skin. Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:

5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Strengthens barrier function (among a wide variety of other benefits), resulting in better water retaining abilities of the skin.

Ceramide Complex 

Key components of your skin’s natural lipid mix, this skin-identical lipid complex contains 3 different types of ceramides, cholesterol and the ceramide precursor phytosphingosine to help form a protective layer and prevent moisture loss from the skin's surface.

Hyaluronic Acid

Instantly hydrates, plumps and smooths the skin.