Oily and acne-prone skin need moisturizing oils high in linoleic acids to balance without overstimulating sebum production, soothe irritation, and decrease redness. Acne-prone skin needs dry oils that are unlikely to clog pores and absorb quickly.
We use red raspberry, pumpkin, tamanu, sea buckthorn, argan, watermelon, sunflower, pomegranate, hemp, and rosehip in our blends for acne-prone skin.
We use red raspberry, pumpkin, watermelon, pomegranate, hemp, rosehip, and meadowfoam in our blends for oily skin. Carrier Oils for Custom Blends has descriptions of each oil.
Oily Skin and Acne Treatments
Caring for your oily and acne-prone skin starts with healthy cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing habits. Here are our recommended remedies for tending to your skins needs.
Cleanse with Natural Soap
- Do not use soap that will dry out skin. Soaps that are drying cause an overproduction of sebum, making oily skin more oily. Soaps with oatmeal, clays, and activated charcoal are very useful for skin that is oily or acne-prone, as it draws out excess oil without stripping all of the skins natural oils. Honey, lemon, baking soda, chamomile tea, and apple cider vinegar are cleanser alternatives.
- Facial steams, masks, or bath salts could be helpful with treating oily and acne-prone skin. Facial steams cleanse and nourish the skin, and should be followed with exfoliation to really reap the benefits. Always follow with an oil when skin is still damp. Essential oils and tea are useful additions to a facial steam. Bath salts (epsom, sea) help draw out toxins, and with the addition of oils, clays, or apple cider vinegar can really help normalize sebaceous secretion and relieve and prevent skin conditions. Clay or charcoal masks are extremely worthwhile for your skin type because of their powerful detox properties. Using at least once a month, ideally every week) could greatly improve your complexion.
- Excessive scrubbing when bathing will not decrease sebum production. Cleansing skin and exfoliating are not the same. While it is important to get rid of impurities and dirt when cleaning skin, scrubbing too roughly will only cause damage and irritation.
- We recommend following with a toner or astringent before applying a moisturizer. Toners and astringents remove excess oil from your skin, restore its pH level, and leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. Tea tree and helichrysum are hydrosols that make great toners.
Exfoliate Frequently
- To encourage healthy skin turnover and growth, use gentle exfoliants and scrubs that do not dry out or aggravate your skin. Some gentle and natural alternatives to salicylic acid and retinol are lemon juice, egg whites, honey, sugar, ground oatmeal or coffee, and yogurt.
- Exfoliating helps shed dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and removes extra buildup that occurs with oily and acne-prone skin. Our Adzuki Bean Scrub exfoliates perfectly and is effective for all skin types. Always exfoliate clean skin and follow with a moisturizer.
- Those with oily and acne-prone skin could benefit from exfoliating everyday. If you have acne-prone skin that is dry or sensitive, exfoliate at least twice a week or as often as your skin will tolerate it. Your skin is naturally suppose to shed dead skin cells every month, but oily skin traps those cells, leading to clogged pores. Exfoliating is the boost that your skin needs to normalize.
Hydrate & Choose Natural Moisturizers
- The oil that skin naturally produces is not the same as hydration. Drinking lots of water actually helps your skin stay moisturized and prevents a dry, flaky complexion. Oily skin that becomes dry causes an increase in oil production, making oily skin more oily. Staying hydrated when you have oily or acne-prone skin helps flush out toxins that may be causing breakouts or uneven oiliness. Many people see a difference in their skin within a month of doubling their consumption of water.
- A moisturizer helps increase the water content in skin and prevents further moisture loss. Slowing the evaporation of moisture from your skin actually helps sebum producing cells to shut down.
- The best face creams or serums are those made with plant-based oils to help lessen sebum production. Pure or unrefined botanicals are loaded with naturally fatty acids that work with your skin to soften, soothe, and hydrate. Stay away from petroleum-based products that contain minerals which clog pores and cause breakouts. To get the most out of your moisturizer, make sure that skin is exfoliated and clean.
Avoid These Products & Practices
- Harsh soap cleansing products and laundry detergents with ingredients like dioxane,phosphates, sulfates, silicones, and acids are damaging for oily and acne-prone skin and should be steered clear from.
- Alcohol-based or skin drying products stimulate your oil glands, making your skin more oily. The alcohol in astringents like witch hazel are useful for toning oily skin, but should be avoided with acne-prone skin that is also dry, aging, or sensitive.
- Comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil (avoid with oily skin, but some acne-prone skin responds well), petroleum, mineral oils, lanolin, cocoa butter, and synthetic dyes promote acne breakouts.
- Popping pimples damages skins surface, leading to open wounds and potential scarring. As tempting as picking your skin is, it is best practice to avoid as best you can. IF you cannot help the compulsion, make sure your skin and hands are clean, and use special tools designed for popping or removing blemishes. Repeat your cleansing and toning routine, and follow with a moisturizer.
- Fragrance is a term that was designed to hide the chemical ingredients within the product. The FDA does not require its ingredients to be listed so you do not know what harmful chemicals are included, even among natural products. We strongly believe in full transparency when it comes to natural ingredients, so any soap or moisturizer with a fragrance should be avoided.
- Essential oils are great fragrance alternatives that have added properties that promote healthy skin and hair. We use a 1% dilution to avoid irritation and sensitizing, and all essential oils we use and recommend in our acne-prone blends are beneficial for your skin type, such as tea tree, rosemary, lemon, or bergamot.
Check out our post Adzuki Beans for an alternative scrub gentle enough for daily use, Essential Oil Blends for Custom Oils for information on essential oil blends formulated for your oily or acne-prone skin needs, and Natural Face Oils for oil application instructions.