Oils for oily skin can seem a little counterintuitive. But it’s a common misconception that a face oil is a major no-go for those with oily skin.
We get it, adding more oil just sounds crazy, right? Wrong. If your skin tends to be on the oily side and you’re afraid of using a face oil, you shouldn’t be!
Surprisingly, even though it may not feel like it, oily skin tends to be dehydrated. When skin lacks moisture, it tends to overproduce an oily, waxy substance called sebum. This can lead to breakouts and shiny-looking skin, which nobody wants. We’ve pulled together our top skincare tips for oily skin to help you find the right routine for your skin.
Are face oils good for oily skin?
If you’re reading this and thinking “I’ve tried face oils on my oily skin and it just made things worse!” It might be that you were using them wrong. Face oils are super important for all skin types - they nourish and hydrate your skin, and most importantly, they seal in the moisture which creates a protective barrier. But if you have oily skin you’ll only want to use them sparingly. Start by applying face oils only once a day to avoid adding to your skin's natural oils too much. You’ll also want to be sure that you’re using an oil with the right ingredients.Oils that are non-comedogenic and oils high in EFAs can be beneficial for oily skin. Linoleic acid, which is an essential building block for Ceramides (one of the skin's main moisturising elements) helps make the skin's barrier stronger so it can keep moisture in and irritants out. Look for natural Serums and Face Oils rich in Linoleic Acid with ingredients like Rosehip Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Soybean Oil.
Are oil-based cleansers good for oily skin?
Cleansing oils are incredible for dissolving tough water-proof formulas and SPF while supporting your skin barrier, balancing oil production, nourishing and even calming inflammation. Unlike some cleansers which can strip the skin, oil cleansers tend to be gentle on the skin, they don’t strip your skin of its natural oils or leave it unbalanced which can lead to more oil being produced.For an oil-based cleanser suitable for oily skin, try the Super Hydrate-ME Cleansing Oil. Supercharged with a combination of Chamomile, Avocado Oil, Vitamin C and other superfood oils, it will help nourish, firm and soften your skin. And thanks to the non-comedogenic Macadamia Oil it will super hydrate your skin without clogging your pores.
When to use oil in skincare routine for oily skin
For the best skincare routine, we always recommend double-cleansing - but that’s even more true for oily skin types, since they tend to produce more oils which can trap bacteria that inflame the skin or cause breakouts. Doubling cleansing allows you to thoroughly remove your makeup, then removing excess oils, without stripping the skin.Adding a hydrating face oil into your night-time skincare routine is usually best for oily skin as it allows time for it to sink in properly. Your skin produces less sebum at night so will be in better condition to absorb and gain the most benefit from the oil. You can also rest easy knowing that you don’t need to worry about your skin looking extra oily throughout the day. If you’re nervous, start small - adding just a few drops of oil to your regular moisturiser.
What are the best face oils for oily skin?
RAWW has a number of superfood-infused face oils with amazing skin benefits.
For a lightweight, non-greasy oil, try the Day Warrior Light Facial Oil. Containing Lycopene (Tomato Extract), Pomegranate Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract and Passionfruit Seed Oil, it’s packed full of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce blemishes and helps to nourish and brighten the skin, while also protecting your skin from damage caused by blue light exposure!
If you find you have dull, tired skin, try the Recover-ME Face Oil. The ultimate hydrating face oil, it's packed full of nourishing ingredients like Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil plus brightening ingredients like Acai Berry and anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like Evening Primrose, Grapeseed Oil and Camellia Seed Oil.
A firm favourite for oily skin is the supercharged Pure Rosehip Oil infused with WildBerry Harvest. This amazing little oil works with your skin to brighten your complexion and minimise signs of ageing. Superfood ingredients like WildBerry Harvest™ and Vitamins A, C & E, along with the richness of fatty acids, give your skin a hydration boost and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Oily skin can be hard to care for, and we know it can be tricky to get the right balance between keeping your skin moisturised and making it look extra shiny. Head to our blog post for The best natural skincare routine for oily skin as well as our skincare routine for breakout-prone skin to help you find your balance.
Still not sure what skin type you have? Check out our guide on how to find your skin type along with our full range of skincare products to support your daily routine.