The 10 best oils to fight oily skin and breakouts

You might be thinking what? Adding more oils when the skin is already oily? Yes, that is exactly what we mean. Even if it sounds counterintuitive.

But oils, and specifically essential oils, actually help to balance the skin and oil production. As a bonus certain essential oils have qualities that can help to calm down irritated sensitive oily skin, they may be antibacterial and antimicrobial preventing breakouts and some are balancing. Yogandha products are created and inspired by the amazing properties of essential oils.

Nature and the seasons can help us on our journey and in our life. Join the Yogandha Year where you receive support, inspiration, tools and Yogandha products in time with the seasons. Learn more here.

Using oils help to balance the skin

But what about commercial products for oily or blemished skin? Sadly many of them strip the natural oil from the skin making the skin overcompensate and produce even more sebum or oil. They also don’t contain all the amazing qualities that essential oils do. Very often oily or blemished skin is very sensitive. And if you have been using harsh skin care products on your skin chances are that it is even more sensitised. It’s time to switch to natural skin care such as Yogandha and create balance instead.

Oils versus essential oils

Essential oils are the concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plant material. Usually extracted by distillation. They are not oily like olive oil or cooking oil which are sometimes referred to as fixed or base oils. However, they are hydrophobic meaning they don’t mix with water similar to fixed oils. They are also extremely potent. This is why we always recommend using a dispersing agent when using essential oils such as a fixed oil or specific shower gel or lotion.

Oils for oily skin

Let start with the fixed oils. The ones you would use as a base oil.

We love jojoba which is very light and non-sticky. It’s fantastic for greasy or oily skin as it’s a great balancer for sebum production. It tricks the skin into stopping the overproduction of its own oils.

Grapeseed oil is another super light oil and it acts as an astringent too.

Fractionated coconut oil is another favourite. It is cooling and calming and can serve to dry the skin.

Essential oils to balance oily skin

Tea Tree

Tea Tree is our number 1 for it’s antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This is perfect if you have spots or blackheads as it reduces any spreading of bacteria. Tea tree oil is extremely potent and should always be used in a carrier and never neat on the skin. Even if you have previously used it neat on spots it can sensitise the skin in the long run. Tea tree is wonderful but please always use it in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another antiseptic and antimicrobial essential oil reducing the spread of bacteria. It naturally rejuvenates the skin. Rosemary essential oil is also wonderful for the blood circulation keeping the skin healthy and bright. Using it in a spritzer it makes an excellent natural alternative to commercial toners.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil has a beautiful floral sensuous aroma. It is an excellent oil for balancing oily skin and one of the least irritating oils for the skin too. Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

Geranium

Geranium is one of our favourite balancers. It balances the body, mind, emotions, spirit as well as hormones and skin. It helps to regulate sebum production and gives balance to congested skin. It also tightness the skin giving you a wonderful complexion. It’s a very floral aroma.

Lavender

Lavender is another one of our go-to balancers. Like most essential oils it is antibacterial and a favourite to apply to spots. You can find it in our Yogandha Relax Body Oil and Yogandha Muscle Soothe Body Oil.

Myrrh

Myrrh is interesting recommended for both dry and oily skin. Myrrh is intensely anti-inflammatory and recommended as an anti-aging agent and to promote firmness. It is healing and can be used to treat blemishes.

Essential oils have these incredible qualities and they come from a natural source. It is as if they can bring us back to our centre, to a state of homeostasis. Not just for balanced complexion but also on an emotional and mental level too.

Would you like to explore more about the healing power of plants and essential oils? And how we can use the power of nature to support us on our healing journey? Please join us on our Yogandha Year where you receive support, inspiration, tools and Yogandha products in time with the seasons. Learn more here.

Join the journey and never miss a tip