It’s easy to feel cursed by your oily skin, but in many ways you should feel blessed. Why? Oil is essential for healthy skin. Not only does it keep our skin hydrated, which can help to keep premature wrinkles at bay, but it protects, acting as the first line of defence against pathogens entering our bodies. Nevertheless, oily skin can knock your confidence. It’s more prone to congestion, blackheads, and blemishes, and it can give your skin a sheen that you might find embarrassing. Rather than rid your skin of oil, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, the key is to manage oil production with nourishing products and a gentle but consistent regime. Read on for our top tips, steps, and product recommendations to keep your oily skin happy, and healthy.

Best ingredients for oily skin

Smart product selection is vital for oily skin. With the wrong products you could, at best, not see any results, and at worst, aggravate the problem. Look for products that contain the following powerful ingredients, linoleic acid, salicylic acid, and clay. Here’s why:

Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is great for oily, acne-prone skin. Found in some oil-based products, it’s a fatty acid that regulates those overactive sebaceous glands that can make us look shiny. It also strengthens our skin’s protective barrier, helping to maintain moisture while keeping out pollution and allergens. Seek out NINI Organics Natura Detox Oil, which is rich in Linoleic acid. It also contains antibacterial vitamins, anti-inflammatories and detoxifiers.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a small molecule acid that enters blocked pores and disintegrates the old sebum, helping to clear our skin of blackheads and congestion, and gently exfoliating to leave you fresh-faced and glowing. NINI Organics Natura Detox Foam is an excellent source of natural salicylic acid, and also contains a powerful blend of detoxifying dried vegetables and antioxidants.

Clays

Clays are fantastic for oily skin because they literally absorb the oil from its surface, while removing toxins and enhancing elasticity. However, you should be careful not to completely strip the skin of its hydrating oils. Use something gentle like Skin and Tonic’s De-stress Face Mask, which contains a soothing blend of kaolin clay, coconut-milk, and aloe vera. Alternatively, you could try the Lena Wild Harmony Rescue Mask, which contains detoxifying white and green clays.

Oily skin care routine

Consistency is key when it comes to an oily skin care routine, which is why it’s no good using the ingredients above if you don’t use them properly. Follow the three key steps below to get the best results from your products and to make the most of your naturally oily skin.

1. Cleanse

Cleansing is the most important part of your regime and should be done every morning and night. The right cleanser gets rid of excess sebum, removes makeup and SPF from the day, and can reduce the risk of breakouts and congestion caused by oily skin. Choose your product carefully - a harsh cleanser will be too stripping and only stimulate more oil production. Instead, opt for a cleanser with a gentle surfactant, a foaming agent that gently stirs up activity on the skin’s surface to remove oil. Try Haeckels Marine Facial Cleanser, which contains a soothing mix of bladderwrack and aloe vera.

2. Hydrate

It’s vital to hydrate after you cleanse. Some people shy away from hydrating their oily skin in the mistaken belief that it will make it worse. In fact, the dryer your skin, the more sebum it produces to compensate, increasing the risk of congestion and breakouts. You could use an oil with linoleic acid like the Natura Detox Oil. But if you’d prefer a water-based product, NINI Organics Crimson Beauty should be your go-to. It’s a hyaluronic acid serum that boosts moisture levels and balances your skin’s flora.

3. Mask

You should aim to use a clay mask like the De-Stress or Harmony Rescue Mask two to three times a week. Mix it with honey or oat milk, apply liberally, and leave on for between three and 10 minutes (depending on your skin type) before rinsing off with tepid water. If you have combination skin, such as an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, you can just apply it to the T-zone. Video: re:lax Explains: Cleansers

Final tips for oily skin

Great products and a consistent regime should just be one part of your oily skin care routine. To get the best results, you should adopt a holistic approach that incorporates regular facials and a diet that complements and improves your skin’s natural condition. Opt for bespoke facials, so that your therapist can tailor the treatment to your skin. Non-invasive methods like High Frequency and LED light therapy are excellent for oily skin. They’re deep cleansing and have antibacterial properties, which are great for combating congestion and breakouts. When it comes to diet, you don’t need to completely eliminate the things you love, but you should have stimulants like coffee, sugar, alcohol, and foods that are high in saturated fat, in moderation. Make sure to eat plenty of healthy protein and foods that support your liver function, such as cruciferous veg. You should also remember to hydrate regularly with water and herbal tea. Finally, facial exercises work the muscles, which promotes lymphatic drainage, aiding in the detoxification of the skin. You can incorporate this into your nightly routine to reduce the risk of breakouts and congestion that can be caused by oily skin.