How to control oily skin and acne naturally

This guide offers information and advice for those researching how to control their oily, acne-prone skin. We understand the causes of oily skin and the best ways to care for it. We have advice on the best skin care for oily skin and also what to eat to bring oily skin and spots under control.

Balancing natural products for oily skin

To start with, be kind to your skin with the products that you use. It can be all too easy to use harsh, astringent skin care that strips away the oil, but this will only stimulate extra sebum production instead of helping to balance your skin.

Green People has developed a range of natural products for oily skin that contain plant actives such as Willow Bark extract to help to gently balance and control oily skin.

Prebiotics rebalances the skin flora and phyto (plant) actives from Pineapple and Tea Tree extract reduce the risk of spots by preventing blocked pores and banishing bad bacteria.

Made without harsh, stripping chemicals like alcohol (ethanol), found in many high street products, these natural products instead use a gentle approach to help skin to regain its natural balance.

What are the characteristics of oily skin?

Oily skin has hyperactive sebaceous glands, working overtime to produce excess oils and sebum, and cellular renewal is speeded up too. This results in shiny skin, visible pores, pimples, blemishes, acne and inflammation. Oily skin can be due to poor diet, fluctuating hormone levels, hormonal contraceptives and choice of cosmetics. Humidity and hot weather can make the skin even greasier 

"Oily skin has hyperactive sebaceous glands producing excess oils and sebum."

The flow of sebum or oil often increases during adolescence, pregnancy and after menopause, again because of hormonal changes. The problem can occur at any age but tends to decrease with age. One advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

Tips for controlling oily and acne-prone skin naturally

• Use plenty of warm (not hot) water and a gentle, yet effective cleanser to stop the pores clogging. A foam-based antibacterial cleanser that is organic and rich in active plant nutrients reduces the risk of cleanser-induced skin irritation.
• Avoid astringent lotions and irritating alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of natural oils. Your oil glands will just work harder to compensate for the oils lost.
• Avoid mineral oils and silicone as these ingredients can block the pores, preventing the skin from breathing and trapping dirt - it is just like wrapping your skin in cling-film.
• Wash your face two or three times a day (morning and evening are essential), but no more or you will over-stimulate your skin to produce more oil
• Always rinse your face thoroughly
• Use a facial micro-fibre cloth or a muslin cloth, which works as a gentle exfoliator to dislodge dead skin cells and cleanse the pores. Remember to wash the cloth thoroughly every day. You can follow this with an alcohol-free facial mist to hydrate the skin
• If your skin feels tight, apply a light Hydrating Firming Serum or a balancing moisturiser like Day Solution
• Apply a deep-cleansing mineral mask twice a week
• Never apply make-up unless your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and remove all traces of make-up before you go to bed. Choose Pressed Mineral Powders to cover any blemishes and prevent shine 

Discover more about our oily skin products

Oy! Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash 100ml

Foamy face wash for acne-prone teenage skin

£15.00

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Hydrating Firming Serum 50ml

Naturally supercharge your skin hydration: plump, smooth & firm

£27.00

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Day Solution Moisturiser 50ml

A light, skin-balancing day cream with anti-blemish properties

£24.00

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Diet for oily skin

• Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits
• A deficiency of vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Good sources include brewer's yeast, whole grains, beans and nuts.
• Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are rich in iron, which can rejuvenate the skin
• Add plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet
• Drink lots of filtered water to both keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins
• Avoid saturated and hydrogenated fats, fired and highly seasoned foods, soft drinks, alcohol, sugar, chocolate and junk food

We hope this has helped you inspire you with some new ideas about how to control acne and oily skin naturally. Our customer care team is happy to help with any questions you have about caring for oily skin. Please call us on 01403 740350 or leave your comment or question below.