Choosing Skincare for Oily Skin

Do you have oily skin and are unsure how to reduce sebum production or how to unclog pores? This blog will help you discover all-natural herbs and oils to help.

Best Herbs and Botanicals for Oily Skin

Look for ingredients that are naturally astringent, antibacterial, and help to balance sebum production.

• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): A natural astringent, it helps tighten and minimize the appearance of pores while reducing excess oil without over-drying the skin. Extracts may also help calm irritation.

  • Where to find it: Toners, mists, and clarifying cleansers.

• Neem (Leaves/Oil): Known for powerful antibacterial properties, neem can help control acne-causing bacteria and excess oil production, making it a powerhouse for blemish-prone, oily skin.

• White Willow Bark: This natural source of salicylic acid (BHA) is excellent for exfoliation, helping to unclog pores and improve the appearance of an oily, congested complexion.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): An astringent herb rich in antioxidants, rosemary oil or extract helps to purify the skin, balance oil, and can be invigorating.

• Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): Rich in polyphenols, green tea extract is an excellent antioxidant that can also help improve skin tone and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on sebum production.

Beneficial Natural Oils for Oily Skin

Applying the right oils can actually "trick" the skin into producing less of its own oil, helping to restore balance. Choose non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) options.

• Jojoba Oil: This is a top choice because its chemical structure is very similar to human sebum (the oil your skin naturally produces). Applying Jojoba oil can signal to the skin that it has produced enough oil, helping to balance and reduce overproduction.

• Grapeseed Oil: A very light, non-greasy, and easily absorbed oil that's high in linoleic acid, which is essential for healthy skin function. It also acts as a mild astringent.

• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): A potent essential oil known for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree oil is excellent as a spot treatment or diluted in a carrier oil for acne and breakouts. Always dilute essential oils before use.

• Geranium Essential Oil: A popular choice for balancing and regulating sebum production, Geranium essential oil helps to keep the skin from becoming overly greasy and is generally calming.

Essential Application Tip

Be sure to include a note about essential oil safety:

• Dilution is Key: Essential oils like Tea Tree and Rosemary are very potent and must be diluted in a carrier oil (like jojoba or grapeseed) or incorporated into a finished product before applying to the skin to prevent irritation and sensitivity. A typical facial dilution is 1% (about 6 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

Conclusion:

Oily skin can be hard to manage, and acne can be irritating, and for some people, they cover it up with make-up, making the situation worse. Let's try some of these herbs and oils in a formula to heal the skin instead of covering it up.

Face Mask for Intensive Dry Skin

25 g White Kaolin Clay

5 g Powdered Marshmallow Root

75 ml Marshmallow Root Decoction

50 ml Lavender Hydrosol

15 ml Borage Oil

10 ml Evening Primrose Oil

15 ml Glycerine

15 g Emulsyfying Wax

2 g Preservative