We live in a world where having oily skin walks the fine line between a glowing hydrated goddess and I’ve been working at the funnel cake stand all day. That said, the tune of good old oily skin never fails to give ~shine bright like a diamond~ whether you want it or not. So now one would ask how us oily skin types can walk the path of glowing light in this treacherous game without slipping over the edge and into the grease fire. Friends, I have the answer, and if you’ve read the title of this article then you are well aware of the strange but immensely helpful equation of adding more oil to the mix.
Yes, you read it right my oily skin type folks. However, there is absolutely an art to this tactic so please pull up a chair, grab your pens and notebooks, and most importantly put your oil-blotting paper down because class is in session.
What do oil-based skincare products do?
When given the keys to the castle, it is my personal belief to get comfortable with the whole estate, not just the castle itself. If you’re picking up what I’m putting down, then you understand that knowing exactly why the equation of adding more oil to an already oily skin type actually works. What you will also learn, is just like how the world needs all kinds of people, your skin needs all kinds of oils- just make sure they are the ones that make sense for your skin.
The basic concept is that layering more oils on your face will essentially trick your skin into believing it is so wonderfully hydrated that it doesn’t need to produce any more oil. Beyond moisturizing, these natural oils can also cleanse, balance or work as a spot treatment (just to name a few). As I mentioned earlier, even oily skin types need all kinds of oils to keep that lovely glow. The same goes for the sub-categories of oily skin like acne-prone oily skin type or even its own category of combination skin. To those of us in any of these sub-genres, and to be honest anyone in general I would recommend focusing on the types of oils known as non-comedogenic. To know what non-comedogenic is I’ll first let you in on comedogenic, which is an adjective for tending to cause blackheads by clogging the pores of the skin. So it stands to reason that non-comedogenic refers to that not clogging the pores.
Oils can also be harsh at times so knowing when to dilute or what’s right if you are a sensitive skin darling like yours truly is. One of the main tip-offs of what could be considered a harsher oil is going to be the scent. Oils such as lavender and tea tree and incredibly beneficial, however, can easily irritate and at times even allergic reactions when used by themselves. So I’ll say it loud for everyone to hear, nobody knows your body like you, so listen closely and don’t push where there isn’t space.
One final little note on the essence of oil-based skincare products, and that's look out for synthetics. These fiends typically step into the ring in the form of fragrance. Possible side effects can include irritation, rashes, and even allergic reactions in some people.
Go to natural oils for oily skin types:
Now that we have a little background on the why it's time to get into the what. In a sea overflowing with options of oils, it can get a little overwhelming. Luckily, you have me as your skin spirit guide to lay out just a few cute numbers to try on for size. Please keep in mind that I am not a licensed professional, just a human with an intense burning passion for skincare and helping others feel comfy in their own skin.
The following are a few options of go-to natural oils for my oily skin type lovelies, but bear in mind that you choose your journey here and what's right for your skin whether it is oily or not!
Rosehip oil- This lil cutie pie is the product of the fruits of the rose bush found under the petals of the flower. Like triple threat, Zendaya, rosehip oil also contains a trio of award-winning qualities in the form of nutrients better known as vitamins A, C, and E. This team of essential fatty acids serves as anti-aging, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, and moisture. The bonus level of rosehip oil can even be found in non-comedogenic formulas- so stay sharp fam.
Safflower oil- Yet another cutie pie in this roster of go-to natural oils for oily skin types (or any skin type) is safflower oil which like it sounds is made from the seeds of the safflower plant. This number is rolling in riches of essential fatty acids as well as linoleic acid. This wealth takes shape in the form of both moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for those also working with eczema and acne-prone skin.
Grapeseed oil- As if skincare couldn’t get any better, you tell me there is an effective oil that is also a by-product of making wine? Yes, you read that right, the leftover seeds of grapes pressed from winemaking are removed and through various extraction methods, are used to make this miracle. With all of the “anti’s” this natural oil has, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-aging, and anti-free radical, it might as well just add one more to the list as a bonus track on Rihanna’s Anti album.
Jojoba oil- If you love speaking this one’s name out loud, you’ll be yelling it from the mountain tops after you learn the true superpowers. Jojoba oil comes from the nut of the jojoba plant, a perennial that thrives in harsh desert environments. Not only is jojoba inspiring our minds as a plant literally thriving in the most severe of conditions, but it is also inspiring our skin with the ultimate bundle of life-giving benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and anti-free radical.
Final thoughts:
While all of these natural oils are fantastic on their own, I’d like to paint the jaw-dropping image that they could create when combined together. If you’re looking for recs, I’d like to offer up our very own Get Glowing Serum, filled to the top with a previously mentioned star rosehip oil, but also a few new players like avocado oil, neroli oil, and tea tree that supply their own personal profiles of benefits. That’s right darlings, this a choose your journey and in your journey you can get as freaky, mixed up, and drenched in dewy oils as you’d like. Knowing what we know now, oil plus oil is hopefully starting to sound a bit more palatable and less like the grease fire that it first comes off as. Happy oiling to all and to all a good night.
- Katie Antal