How to help oily skin

There are four main skin types; normal, dry, combination and oily. If you have oily skin, then you will understand the challenge with controlling it throughout the day. 

What causes oily skin? 

The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, a naturally produced oily substance that helps stop your skin from drying out. When an excessive amount is produced, this can lead to oily skin. 

The excess sebum on the surface of your skin allows bacteria to spread more easily as the excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and then clogs the pores, leading to more frequent outbreaks of acne and other skin inflammations. 

There are several other factors that could lead to oily skin; 

• Age – Typically you are more likely to produce an excess of sebum in your youth. 
• Genetics – Oily skin can be passed through genes. If both your parents have oily skin, then it is likely you will inherit it also. 
• Not moisturising – A common mistake is to try and ‘dry’ out oily skin by not moisturising, but this only leads to your skin producing even more sebum due to lack of moisture. 
• Incorrect products – Using products that are too heavy or contain harsh ingredients. 
• Climate/season - The glands that produce sebum work together with the sweat glands to help control our body temperature. As the heat increases our temperature, more oil can be produced. 

4 Step skincare routine for oily skin to help balance and control 

1. Exfoliate

Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Try not to over-exfoliate as this may lead to an increase in sebum production. 

2. Cleanse

It can be tempting to try and get rid of the oils by over-washing. It’s important to use a cleanser that will be gentle on your skin and not strip it or disrupt pH levels. ishga Active Cleansing Lotion is gentle but effective at removing bacteria and dirt. In the evening, we would recommend a double cleanse, so skin is thoroughly cleaned before applying products before bedtime. 

3. Tone

Applying toner will help to remove any remaining residue left from your cleanse while helping to balance the skins pH levels. Opt for an alcohol free toner so it won't dry out your skin. 

4. Moisturise

It can be tempting to skip this step as you may think that the skin is already ‘moisturised’ enough with natural oils, but if you leave out this step your skin may end up overcompensating for the lack of moisture and produce even more sebum. ishga Balancing Marine Cream is ideal for lightweight but effective nourishment. 

Can I really use oil products on oily skin? 

Yes! It’s a common misconception that you should not use oil-based products if you have oily skin. A face oil can help to regulate the skin's natural oils by tricking it into producing less sebum. ishga Nourishing Face Oil also contains antioxidants due to Hebridean seaweed, which helps to nourish and protect the skin.  

How does seaweed help oily skin? 

If you have oily skin, then you may have acne breakouts. Our unique Hebridean seaweed extract used in our products has been found to reduce acne breakouts and help manage oil by many of our customers. How exactly does our seaweed skincare do this? 

1. It regulates sebum levels: Using products containing seaweed can help maintain the levels of oil (sebum) that are naturally produced in the skin.  
2. Detoxifying effects: Vitamin rich Hebridean seaweed contains high levels of polysaccharides, such as alginates and fucoidan. These molecules bind to harmful metal components such as mercury, lead and cobalt that can be found in small amounts in the skin. This reduces the damaging effects they can have. For acne-prone skin, seaweed is effective as it contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 
3. It's a naturally powerful hydrator: Seaweed is full of humectants that draw in moisture from the environment. This moisture-locking ability prevents our skin from becoming too dry and leading to an overproduction of sebum. 
4. It's a potent source of antioxidants: Hebridean seaweed contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidant compounds provide protection against environmental damage to the skin by neutralising free radicals (damaging atoms in the air). This offers excellent protection for the skin and leads to a healthier complexion.  

You can shop our range of results-driven organic skincare here, suitable for all skin types.