I Think My Skin Is Oily- Is It Really?

Oily skin is no fun, but the good news is that there are always ways to treat it, and minimize issues. First, let’s start by defining what oily skin is, the explanation behind what is causing the oil, and how to fix it, because there is a lot more to this skin type than some shine.

What is oily skin?

We all need a certain amount of natural oil to keep our skin soft, supple and properly moisturized and your skin type is determined by how much oil is on the surface of your skin. The level of oil can be broken down into whether your skin is dry, combination or oily.  An oily skin type is exactly how it sounds, excess oil and you experience the below:

• Persistent shiny or greasy appearance
• Makeup seems to “slide” off
• Blackheads and pimples, especially in the oilier areas of the face
• Visibly enlarged pores, especially on your nose, chin and forehead

Do I actually have oily skin?

The most common misconception about skin type is assuming when you see that layer of oil, you have oily skin, but that shine can actually indicate dehydrated skin.  If your skin is dehydrated, it is lacking the proper levels of water and skin feels tight. The excess shine is an indication that your skin is over-producing oil to compensate for the lack of moisture- this is how you could easily mistake for an oily skin type. The right amount of moisture is needed to properly balance oil levels in the skin.

If your T-Zone, the area of your face consisting of your forehead and nose, is oily but the rest of your face looks normal or dry, then you have combination-type skin.

The best indicator having learned the above, is the pore size. If your pores are visibly enlarged, especially in the telltale areas around your nose, and you are experiencing the above symptoms, then you have oily skin. If your pores are small and tight, you notice fine lines and your skin looks dull, you have dehydrated skin.

Some of our faves for an oily skin:

Cool & Clear Cleanser from Elemental Herbology

Reduce breakouts and purify pores with this award winning anti-bacterial facial cleanser. Chock-full of natural oil-balancing ingredients such as Tea Tree, Green Tea and Lavender oils, this SLS-free cleanser gently removes all makeup and impurities for a clean and clear complexion.

Moisture Milk Moisturizer from Elemental Herbology

This lightweight moisturizer is the best choice for oily or break-out prone skin. With active Anti-bacterial botanicals such as Tea Tree and Rosemary Oils, combined with Glycolic & Lactic Acid to calm breakouts, balance oil secretion and provide the right amount of hydration.

3-Min Phyto-Peeling Gel Mask from Cinq Mondes

This enzymatic peel with natural fruit and glycolic acid exfoliates, tightens pores, and reduces oil in just 3-minutes for a glowing, more youthful complexion.  Based on a traditional beauty recipe from Bali, this fluid gel is a 1-2x per week solution for a clear complexion.