Holistic Skincare Tips For Oily Skin

Oily skin, where excess sebum is produced in the skin can be a genetic trait that puts us more at risk of clogged pores and acne, but it can also be a blessing as we age. In fact, while dry skin may break out far less it tends to age faster while oily skin tends to stay more hydrated and elasticated as we age. Indeed it is our lipid barrier that protects us against UV damage and environmental pollution, so  additional moisture here can be very protective.

Saying that most people who experience skin break outs regularly tend to be on the oilier side, as that oil mixes with excess keratin protein to form clogged pores, and it can sometimes feel like a balancing act trying to manage the excess oil production, especially when it comes to keeping our make up looking neat and fresh. 

If you are finding that the excessive oil is an issue, there are a few ways to naturally reduce and balance the excess through smart skincare choices and a little bit of holistic care. 

 

HOLSITIC TIP 1 - REDUCE SUGAR INTAKE

Eat an organic, wholefood diet that's low in sugar to combat excess oil & improve skin health

When it comes to oily and acne-prone skin, it is definitely wise to reduce your sugar and processed food intake. Switching to an low-glycaemic, organic, wholefood diet will undoubtedly help to keep everything balanced internally. Blood sugar spikes from highly-refined foods such as traditional cereals, bread, pasta and sugar, unfortunately leads to more oil production and more bacteria so keeping blood sugar balanced here is key to healthy, clear skin. 

We always favour an organic, living-food diet, with a rainbow of different coloured vegetables, some low glycaemic fruit choices and lots of fresh herbs too. These foods bring valuable plant-pigments and plant-energy into our diet, helping to keep skin clear, healthy and glowing at every age.

Avoid processed and super-sugary food as much as you can, and steer clear of GMO franken-foods, especially corn and soy, which can all cause hormonal changes within the body, such as spiking insulin, changing the way the body metabolizes estrogen, and triggering the stress hormone cortisol, all of which can result in chaotic hormone levels that wreak havoc on your complexion as well as your overall wellbeing.

 

HOLISTIC TIP 2 - AVOID WASHING IN HOT WATER

We love bathing in hot water before taking a cold shower, for the hormetic and anti-ageing effects of hot/cold therapy. However, we recommend avoiding hot water on your face! Using very hot water to wash or rinse your face can damage your lip layer and dehydrate the skin. It will lead to extra oil production, damaged skin and more acne.

Instead opt for tepid to warm water when cleansing and rinsing. For this reason, we usually save face washing for time at the sink, rather than during a hot shower. 

 

HOLSITIC TIP 3 - CHOOSING THE RIGHT SKINCARE

Choose clean, natural skincare formulas that balance & hydrate skin

 

When it comes to choosing the right skincare for oily skin it's important to look for formulas that are going to detoxify, balance, nourish and hydrate. Oily skin can often be shiny, with enlarged pores and prone to blackheads and breakouts but formulas that strip and dry out are not the right solution. 

Those with oily skin don't need to shy away from hydration and oils for the face, as these can help to keep skin soft and balanced, while also helping to combat excess oily production. Look for gentle cleansers that will help to balance excess oil without stripping or drying, as harsh cleansers could cause further oily production as well as inflammation and irritation. 

Just because skin is oily doesn't mean it can't also be dry or sensitive, as the different zones of the face will produce different amounts of oil so look for skincare formulas that will address all areas and needs. 

For oily skin, we love clean and natural ingredients such as soothing aloe, detoxifying charcoal, balancing rosehip, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. 

Masks, cleansers and peels with natural acidic exfoliators will help to gently rid skin of both oil and dead skin cells. These acid exfoliators are more gentle and preferable for oily skin than physical scrubs.

When it comes those with oily skin, natural oils can also be a great option. Absolutely look for non-comedogenic products that won't block pores, but don't avoid oils altogether. Know that adding the right topical oils to your beauty regimen will actually be beneficial for your skin, as many natural oils are clarifying, anti-inflammatory and packed with antioxidants to protect and rejuvenate skin while improving elasticity. They will actively work to improve your skin and reduce overall blemishes. Look for Grapeseed Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil, Hemp Seed Oil and Neem Oil in particular.

By introducing natural, non-comedogenic oils you will notice smoother skin, less lines and more radiance.

 

A SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR OILY SKIN

1. Cleansing

Aim for deep but gentle cleansing that leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, not stripped. This refreshing Peppermint Face wash from The Organic Pharmacy offers essential hydration and skin-repair benefits while removing all impurities, unclogging pores, eliminating bacteria and balancing sebum production. 

The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Face Wash, €49

 

2. Gentle Exfoliation

Agent Nateur's Acid Wash Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser offers gentle daily exfoliation to clear pores, balance oil, improve skin elasticity and hydration, and soothe redness and inflammation. It's a vegan, Non-GMO formula with premium organic and natural ingredients and is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, to revive all skin types without irritation. Leaves skin silky, supple and hydrated.

Agent Nateur Acid Wash Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser, €59

 

3. Clarifying & Detoxifying

Juice Beauty's Bamboo Charcoal Mask helps to calm irritation, reduce sebum and mattify the complexion. It's a quick working mask that only takes a few minutes once or twice a week. With bamboo charcoal & kaolin clay to help detox, Aspen bark to help smooth & hydrate, and exfoliating polyhydroxy acids for a softer, smoother complexion.

Activated Bamboo Charcoal has absorbent properties in combination with Bentonite and Kaolin clays to help draw out excess oil, impurities, and help protect against daily pollutants resulting in a healthy, clear looking complexion​.

 

Juice Beauty, Bamboo Pore Refining Mask, €40

 

4. Balancing & Toning

Ere Perez's Herbal Face Tonic is an excellent toner to rebalance the skin pH and prepare it for serum and moisturiser and make up. With a refreshing, soothing herbal formula that helps to uplift and refresh tired skin, including Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Citrus, Rosemary, Geranium and Green Tea. Hyaluronic Acid also gives deep and long lasting hydration, and promotes healthy collagen. The Witch Hazel helps to tone and tighten the skin. 

Ere Perez, Herbal Face Tonic, €34

 

5. The Right Hydration

We love Evolve Beauty's Hyaluronic Serum 200 for an intensive moisture boost that penetrates the skins layers for deep and lasting hydration. Contains 200mg hyaluronic acid per bottle, proven to hydrate skin from within and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. Organic pomegranate extract softens and protects. Delicately fragranced with organic rosewater. Helps to improve skin tone and collagen production, as well as regulating cell turnover for a fresh and healthy complexion. 

Evolve Beauty, Hyaluronic Serum 200, €42

 

6. The Right Day Cream

When seeking out the right day cream for Oily & Combination skin, you'll want one that is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, as well as light, easily absorbed. The Organic Pharmacy's Manuka Honey Day Cream was designed with such purpose in mind. It is a balancing light moisturiser ideal for oily or acne prone skin with antiseptic Manuka, balancing Cedarwood and soothing Lavender. Skin calming Echinacea and Propolis make this cream highly effective in normalising oil production and reducing flaky areas.

The Organic Pharmacy, Manuka Face Cream, €66

 

7. The Right Supplementary Support

A supplement that promotes skin health for inside, Your Super's Super Greens formula contains just 6 organic superfood ingredients to drastically boost antioxidant levels and support a healthy gut, more robust immunity and overall balance. It's rich in plant pigments, protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins, with anti-inflammatory properties. We like to use it to balance hormones, reduce systemic inflammation and protect against free radical damage. 

Your Super, Super Greens, €29.95⁣

 

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Perfectly balanced and healthy skin is achievable with the right balance of internal and external support. 

SHOP CLEAN & NATURAL SKINCARE FOR OILY & COMBINATION SKIN

 

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Please note that all our blog posts are intended for information and entertainment purposes only, and not as any kind of health or medical advice. Should you be concerned about your skin or health please contacted a trained practitioner.