Let’s all admit it, oily skin can get uncomfortable and troublesome. For many, oil sometimes leaves the face feeling greasy and causes clogged pores, which leads to acne.  ‌

The good thing is that you can totally manage your skin and reduce your risk of developing acne without having to pay for expensive synthetic products.

The key is picking products with ingredients that are suitable for your skin type and needs. If you’re struggling with oily skin, you can choose the ones that help reduce oil but don’t leave your skin feeling dry and squeaky clean.

To help you understand what prompts oily skin and figure out which ingredients you should incorporate into your skincare regimen to keep your skin at its best, let’s scroll down and explore!

What causes oily skin?

The skin makes sebum, natural oil that aids in moisturizing and protecting your skin. Your skin can produce an excess amount of sebum, making your skin greasy with extra oil. This may also obstruct pores and make them look enlarged, causing acne to form.

Sebum, which is an oily fat-comprised substance, is not always convenient to have but it helps moisturize and shield your skin. This can be produced excessively due to factors like genetics, stress, and medications, among others.

Natural skincare ingredients to try

While having oily skin may be difficult to manage, there are still natural skincare ingredients for oily skin that you can check out. Let’s explore them!

1. Tea tree

If you’re acne-prone, then tea tree may be your best weapon! This is topically applied on the skin for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It is known as a gentle astringent, controlling oil without causing skin dryness. Since it is also antibacterial, it can help keep your skin blemish-free, smoother, and less irritated.

While this skincare ingredient doesn’t always offer a one-size-fits-all treatment, this can surely help many reduce their overall acne severity.

2. Lemon

Lemon is one of nature’s most revered skin and overall health remedies. Known as a natural antiseptic, lemon can kill bacteria that may be trapped in pores and cause acne breakouts. Its vitamin C can also help brighten skin and combat hyperpigmentation while whisking away excess sebum and greasiness. Lemon can also clarify the skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells.

3. Honey

Honey is also an excellent choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic abilities.

Since honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps retain moisture, your skin can stay moisturized without getting too oily. The main reason for this is that a humectant draws moisture from the skin without replacing it.

Look for products with honey as one of their ingredients. For some, they opt to directly apply honey on the face to treat cane and oily skin and rinse it thoroughly after application.

4. Hyaluronic acid

Known also as a humectant with remarkable moisturizing properties, Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules and keeps our skin’s moisture to ensure long-lasting hydration. It also accelerates the wound healing process, regulates body inflammation levels, and has antibacterial properties.

Hyaluronic acid is mostly found on the skin. This is made up of long carbohydrate molecule chains that ensure water retention. As we age, the acid’s production in our body slows down, causing our skin texture to get rougher and feel more dehydrated. This is the reason why hyaluronic acid must be present in the skincare products we currently use.

5. Glycolic acid

This may not sound familiar to many, but glycolic acid is also integral in keeping our skin in its best condition and protected. It mainly prevents the skin damage that may be caused by aging and harmful sun rays. It also helps treat skin discoloration, dull skin, scarring, and fine lines, so it’s a perfect must-have for your skincare.

Interestingly, glycolic acid is usually derived from natural resources like pineapple and sugarcane. It acts as an exfoliator, removing the outermost skin later.

6. Almond oil

Another miracle worker is almond oil. Its fatty acids help in dissolving the sebum, hence preventing pimples. The oil can also keep your pores clear and balance your skin out to function at its best. Should you want your skin to stay youthful, almond oil is a great skincare ingredient pick because it stimulates collagen.

Almond oil is anti-inflammatory and helps boost immunity! It is enriched with Vitamin E, which is great for both hair and skin.

For those with oily skin, two to three drops of almond oil on the skin once a week will do wonders!

7. Aloe vera

Aside from soothing burns and other skin conditions, aloe vera is also a good choice to treat flaky skin caused by oily patches. It also absorbs extra oil from the face while keeping it extra moisturized, which helps the skin avoid acne. It also boasts of its antibacterial properties that may help in destroying acne-causing bacteria.

If you want to use products with aloe vera or the plant itself, you can apply a thin layer to your face before bedtime and leave it on until morning.

8. Tomatoes

Tomato pulp or juice can help minimize skin oiliness and brighten the skin. It also contains salicylic acid, which is a common acne home remedy.

Tomato is particularly advantageous for people with oily skin due to its astringent effect that reduces oiliness. It also unclogs and cleanses pores to prevent acne breakouts.

Managing oily skin

Oily skin that is caused by hormones or genetics can be difficult to prevent. However, striving to be consistent in doing healthy and natural skincare, avoiding oil cleansing mistakes, ensuring balanced daily lifestyle activities (like eating healthy food, exercising, and sleeping), and choosing the right personal care and beauty products can help. You can also opt for vegan makeup if you want to be sure that the products you use are cruelty-free and plant-based.

Blog written by: Katie Pierce