Guide to natural products for oily and combination skin

Natural products and ingredients are the best option for oily or combination skin. Harsh, chemical-based products strip the skin of natural oils and make oiliness worse. Use this guide to find the best natural products for oily or combination skin types.

What are the four types of skin?

Skin type is genetic and can be classed into four main types: oily, ‘normal’, dry and combination. Outside of our skin type, we might have certain skin states which are not necessarily genetic or permanent. These can include ageing, congested, dehydrated and sensitive. You might be wondering: how do you know if you have combination skin? If you have shininess in the T-zone of your face (forehead, nose and chin) but have dry skin on your cheeks then you’ve likely got combination skin. Combination skin is the most common skin type, but it’s also the hardest to take care of due to the combination of oil and dryness. If you experience a natural shine all over the face and the feeling of oiliness throughout the day, however, then you likely have oily skin.

What natural products are good for oily skin?

Natural products are great for oily skin. In fact, one of the worst things you can do to oily skin is use harsh, chemical-based products that will strip your skin of all-natural oil. This over-drying often causes the skin to produce extra oil and therefore worsens skin oiliness. The goal of oily skincare is to reduce the overproduction of oil. You might also want to use natural products to reduce and treat breakouts, acne or acne scars which are common in those with oily or combination skin.

Any skin care routine should include the three essential skin care products: cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. People with oily skin might want to use an oil free cleanser. We don't recommend using only oil-free products as natural botanicals and oils help balance your natural oil production and can contain acne-fighting properties. An oil-free cleanser tends to have a foaming or gel-like consistency and it won’t contain any oils. But something like the Acure Incredibly Clear Cleanser with charcoal and cleansing clay is a great alternative to an oil-free cleanser. Many people with oily skin tend to use an oil free moisturizer. Usually, an oil free moisturizer is a water-based moisturiser that uses hydrating ingredients like water and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate without using oil. That said, there are plenty of cleansers and moisturisers that might contain plant-based oils but are still mattifying and good for oily skin. Tea tree oil is great for reducing and treating breakouts. We love the Acure Mattifying Moisturiser for oily skin – it's lightweight but hydrating. No skincare routine is complete without sun protection. If you’re looking for a sunscreen for oily skin, then we recommend choosing one that’s non-greasy. Our favourite sunscreen for oily skin is the Eco by Sonya vegan face sunscreen as it fights against acne and doesn’t clog pores.
    

Do and don'ts for oily skin?

There are a few basic do’s and don’ts that apply to treating and taking care of oily skin. Firstly, do always use a moisturiser. You might be tempted to not moisturise as your skin feels oily. A moisturiser locks in moisture and helps hydrate your skin. Without it, your skin will produce more oil on its own to compensate, which can lead to breakouts. Do use a peel or a gentle exfoliating product once a week to reduce congestion and clogged pores. And do commit to a skincare routine – our skin likes consistency. Now the don’ts: don’t pick at your skin or spots. Don’t over cleanse or use harsh face scrubs as both will strip your skin of natural oil. And don’t forget to regularly wash your clothes and pillowcase – the bacteria from fabrics can increase oiliness and breakouts.

What is good for combination skin?

Taking care of combination skin is slightly different to taking care of oily skin. The challenge with combination skin is striking the balance between reducing oil and hydrating your cheeks. If you have combination skin, it’s best to use a gentle, oil-balancing cleanser. You probably should avoid an oil-free cleanser and instead opt for a cleanser that contains ingredients like tea tree oil and willow, which are hydrating but also fight acne and oiliness. You might be wondering what type of moisturiser is best for combination skin? Although it can be hard to find, the best moisturizer for combination skin is a multitasking one. A moisturizer for combination skin has to nourish and hydrate dry skin areas but not exacerbate oiliness in the T-zone. The Jojoba Co’s Daily Light Moisturizer is a great moisturiser for combination skin as it’s specifically formulated to balance oil production in the T-zone, reduce redness and replenish dehydrated skin.

Can you use face oil if you have oily skin?

Yes! Face oil can actually be great for oily skin and combination skin. Using a face oil can replenish your skin’s natural oils and stop the excessive production of oil – which our skin often does when it thinks it's lacking hydration or oil. If you never use a face oil and only use oil-free products, you might find that over time your skin doesn’t change or produces more oil to compensate for the lack of oil it’s receiving. The Butt Naked Hemp Blemish Face Oil is great for oily skin as its formulated to balance and hydrate. Jojoba oil also makes for a great face oil as it can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and balance your natural sebum/oil production.
 

Makeup for oily or combination skin

With your skincare now sorted, you might be wondering what makeup is best for oily or combination skin. If you have oily or combination skin you might have trouble finding a foundation that works to control shine and stay put all day. If you’re looking for the best foundation for oily skin Australia, our range of natural and organic foundations has you covered. The Zuii Organic Flora Foundation is the best foundation for oily skin Australia as it’s a powder, offers medium to full coverage and doesn’t look cakey or dry. If you’re looking for a foundation for combination skin, then we recommend choosing a liquid foundation. The Ere Perez Oat Quinoa Water Foundation is a great foundation for combination skin as it’s hydrating and nourishing but also has a matte finish. You can always use a setting powder in the T-zone or all over to prevent oiliness and prolong the wear time. When it comes to cleansing at the end of the day, you might like to choose an oil free makeup remover. The Acure Micellar Water is a great makeup remover that will dissolve makeup and prepare the skin for cleansing.  

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