Help Me Choose: Oily Skin & Acne Skin Care

     

    Oily Skin & Acne-Prone Skin

    Your skin is home to thousands of tiny openings called pores, scattered across your body, except for the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. But what are pores?

    Each pore is the opening of a hair follicle, a small tube-like structure that anchors a single hair shaft. Every follicle has the potential to grow one hair, whether visible or not. This intricate network of pores and follicles plays a vital role in maintaining our skin's health and appearance.

    Every pore is technically a hair follicle that can produce sebum the natural skin oil

    Sebaceous glands, usually attached to hair follicles, release sebum, a fatty, waxy substance that lubricates and moisturizes the skin. These glands are found in the highest concentrations on the face and scalp.

    Interestingly, while palms and soles do not have pores associated with hair follicles, they do have specialized glands called eccrine glands that produce sweat, helping to regulate body temperature. These glands have their unique duct system, allowing sweat to reach the surface. By understanding the complex relationships between pores, hair follicles, and glands, we can better appreciate the remarkable mechanisms that keep our skin healthy and thriving.

    There is a common misconception that people with oily skin are automatically more prone to acne breakouts. However, the reality is that anyone can have acne, regardless of skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, acne can affect anyone.

    Oily skin, which often looks shiny and feels slick to the touch, does have its challenges. It tends to attract more dirt and dust than dry skin, making it more susceptible to blackheads and acne. Nevertheless, with the right skincare routine and practices, it is possible to manage oily skin and keep acne at bay.

    Acne is a complex skin condition that originates in the oil glands. It often begins with a single clogged pore, which can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations and bacterial infections.

    Normally, dead skin cells shed about every 28 days in young adults, but as we age, this process slows down. However, in acne-prone skin, dead cells can accumulate, clogging pores and trapping oil and bacteria beneath the surface.

    As bacteria multiply, they cause inflammation, leading to the formation of pimples. This highlights the importance of maintaining good skin hygiene, using effective treatments, and adopting preventative measures to keep pores clear and reduce the occurrence of acne.


    Recommended For Oily Skin & Acne

     

    Symptoms

    Oily Skin

    Oily skin tends to attract more dirt and dust than dry skin and may be prone to blackheads, acne, and excessive shine.

    Natural Organic Bamboo Charcoal Soap

    It often appears shiny and is characterized by a thicker-feeling texture and larger pores.

    People with oily skin often struggle with keeping shine down during the day and often want to wash their faces often.

    There are two very common misconceptions about oily skin that can exacerbate the issue. The first is that individuals with oily skin do not require a moisturizer, and the second is that they should use products that "dry out" the oil.

    However, the truth is that all skin types, including oily skin, need proper hydration. Without adequate moisture, oily skin can become even more oily, as the skin's natural response to dryness is to produce more sebum.

    Using a moisturizer helps prevent excess moisture loss while also maintaining the skin's natural balance. It's essential to use skincare products that help remove excess surface oils without overdrying the skin.

    Characteristics of Oily Skin

    • Large, more visible pores
    • Shiny complexion
    • Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
    • Oiliness can vary depending on the time of year, weather, and hormones

     

    Acne

    Due to hormonal changes and genetics, acne can happen to anyone. Breakouts are also made worse by touching your face, popping or picking pimples, and washing with harsh products.

    Many people think that acne is simply pimples. However, acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition.

    Progression of Acne Formation on Facial Skin

    • Whiteheads: closed plugged pores or closed comedones
    • Blackheads: open plugged pores or open comedones (the oil turns dark when it is exposed to air)
    • Papules: small red, tender bumps
    • Pustules: papules with pus at their tips or what most people call pimples
    • Nodules: large, solid, hard, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin
    • Cystic Lesions: similar to nodules, but they are softer and pus-filled (both nodules & cystic lesions can leave scars)

    Helping with Oily Skin & Acne

     

    CLEANSE WITH NATURAL SOAP

    Cleanse With Natural SoapIf your skin is oily, do not use cleansing products that will dry out your skin. Use a gentle, natural soap.

    Natural soaps made with citrus essential oils or natural clays have been traditionally recommended for oily skin. 

    Soaps like Fresh Aloe or Lemon Lavender can help balance skin oils.

    We also recommend our Neem & Tea Tree and Seabuckthorn & Tea Tree Soaps. Tea Tree Essential Oil and Neem Oil are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating acne by reducing bacteria on the skin and calming inflammation without causing the dryness or irritation of more conventional acne treatments. Sea buckthorn oil can help with acne and oily skin by reducing inflammation and balancing oil production.

    Our Bamboo Charcoal Soap is a deep cleansing natural body and complexion soap that combines bamboo charcoal, sea salt, bentonite clay, and tea tree oil to clear and brighten your complexion.

    Our Sea Salt & Seaweed Soap helps remove impurities, draws out excess oil, balances skin oil production, and clarifies the complexion. The salt helps calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne. Its antibacterial properties also help fight acne-causing bacteria, promoting healthier, clearer skin. Do not use on open sores, it will sting!

    Our natural soaps stand apart from commercial oily skin and acne cleansers, which often contain harsh ingredients that can exacerbate skin issues. Unlike these products, our soaps are incredibly gentle and made from completely natural ingredients.

    When cleansing oily skin, it is essential to adopt a gentle approach. Avoid rough scrubbing, as this can increase oil production and worsen the problem. Instead, clean the skin gently to maintain its natural balance and promote healthy, radiant skin.

    For a more extensive list of soaps for oily skin please read, Help Me Choose Soap.

     

    MOISTURIZE

    While many folks with oily or acne-prone skin tend to shy away from moisturizing, it is a very important step. 

    natural whipped squalane face and eye creamA moisturizer helps increase the water content in the skin to prevent further moisture loss. When oily skin is dried out, it can trigger even more oil production, thereby exacerbating the problem.

    When the skin is adequately moisturized, it signals to the sebaceous glands that they don't need to produce as much sebum (natural oil) to maintain moisture levels, potentially leading to reduced oil production over time.

    It is important to use the proper moisturizer for your skin. Stay away from petroleum-based products that contain mineral oils that can clog your pores and cause breakouts.

    The best face creams or face oils are those made with organic, unrefined, plant-based oils that help balance sebum production.

    To get the most out of a moisturizer, make sure that the skin is exfoliated and clean.

     

    CHOOSE NATURAL MOISTURIZERS

    Pure, unrefined botanical oils are loaded with natural fatty acids that work with your skin to soften, soothe, and hydrate. They help balance excess sebum production while moisturizing your skin.

    For example, we use golden Jojoba Oil in all of our organic facial oils.

    Since its chemical composition closely resembles the skin's natural oil (sebum), it "tricks" the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, leading to a balanced oil level and reduced acne concerns. It also helps dissolve pore-clogging sebum to help reduce acne breakouts.

    Our most popular facial cream is our Whipped Squalane Face & Eye Mousse. Olive squalane closely mimics the natural oils your skin produces to help reduce oil production, misturize the skin, and balance the skin's natural oil levels. Customer feedback shows that it works well for all skin types. 

    For more information read "What Are Face Oils & How To Use Them"

     

    EXFOLIATE

    VERY gentle exfoliation encourages healthy skin turnover, sloughs away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and removes the extra buildup that comes with oily skin. 

    It is important to choose a gentle natural scrub that will not aggravate the skin. Excess or harsh exfoliation can cause the skin to dry out and produce even more oil and can lead to irritated skin, which may increase inflammation and breakouts. By adopting a gentle approach to exfoliating, you can help maintain healthy, balanced skin and reduce the appearance of acne.

    Natural Organic Facial Sugar ScrubBe extra careful when using scrubs on facial acne to avoid exacerbating the issue.

    Massage gently and do NOT scrub the product into the facial skin. While it may seem counterintuitive, aggressive scrubbing may do more harm than good. The blockages that cause blemishes often occur deeper within the follicle and excess surface scrubbing will simply irritate the skin.

    We recommend different products for facial and body exfoliation.

    Many of our natural soaps help with exfoliation. Our Adzuki Bean Complexion Soap provides very gentle exfoliation for the face and body.

    Loofah Adzuki Soap has the scrubbing power of shredded loofah and organic adzuki bean powder. Our scratchy Loofah Pumice Soap can also be used for thick, dry, scaly patches on elbows and knees, but be careful, it is quite abrasive. 

    Our Organic body and facial scrubs, made with organic fair trade sugars, cleanse pores to stimulate dull, lifeless skin.

    For more information read our blog, "The Nitty Gritty of Exfoliation"

     

    NATURAL CLAY FACE MASKS

    Natural Clay Facial Mask in Wooden BowlClay Face Masks can work wonders for your skin. The simple natural ingredients can help exfoliate and soften skin, draw out impurities, minimize pores, and remove excess surface oil. 

    Activated Charcoal Clay Face Mask is especially good for oily and blemish-prone skin

    Activated Bamboo Charcoal is hugely popular in today’s beauty world and for good reason! It’s a powerful ingredient that deeply cleans skin, drawing out even the most deep-seated impurities. Combined with both Bentonite and White Kaolin clays, this rich mask will help control oil production and target acne, leaving your complexion crystal-clear and purified.

    For more information read our blog "How To Use Clay Face Masks"

     

    FACIAL STEAMS & TONERS

    If you are prone to mild acne, steaming alone will not clear comedones (pore blockages), but the moisturizing heat can help increase circulation and make facial skin sweat.

    Organic Hair TeaSweating helps naturally cleanse the skin by flushing out dirt, oil, and impurities from pores, potentially reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts.

    Using a facial steam before cleansing softens and helps release dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that can cause breakouts.

    If you have severe or cystic acne, heat may aggravate the condition. Check with your doctor before using a face steaming treatment. If steam is contraindicated, you can use an herbal tea as a toner.

    • clears pores and allows them to breathe
    • loosens debris and softens rough skin
    • promotes healthy circulation
    • hydrates skin, giving it a healthy glow

    Our Astringent and Problem Skin Blends also make great skin toners for those who should not use facial steams.

    Click here for Herbal Facial Steams & Toners recipes

     

    BATH SALTS

    Organic Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang Bath Salts Salt baths help balance oily skin and have some antibacterial properties, which can help cleanse pores and reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to breakouts. 

    Salt baths may be an effective remedy for those with body acne. 

    Salt water will sting on any open area. Also, be sure the saltwater is completely rinsed off.

    For more information read our blog "Organic Bath Salts & Recipes"

    It is important to remember that the overall health of your skin depends not only on your skincare routine but also on your general health, diet, hormones, environment, and stress levels.

    Things to Avoid

    HARSH SOAP CLEANSING PRODUCTS

    The detergents used in many commercial soaps and acne cleansing products contain harsh detergents. These harsh detergents strip natural oils, which dry out the skin. When oily skin is dry, it can trigger even more oil production, which exacerbates the problem.

    ALCOHOL BASED OR SKIN DRYING PRODUCTS

    Many believe that drying out their oily skin will help decrease acne. However, oily skin is made worse by skin-drying or alcohol-based products and harsh soaps or body washes. The chemicals in these products strip natural oils and dry out the skin, which then encourages the oil glands to produce more oil (sebum). It then becomes a vicious cycle.

    COMEDOGENIC INGREDIENTS

    Comedogenic ingredients, such as mineral oil and other petroleum-based ingredients, block pores and can lead to or exacerbate acne.

    POPPING PIMPLES

    Do not try to pop pimples. Not only will it not help the acne heal, but it may spread the breakout underneath the skin. Stop touching your face!

    HARSH LAUNDRY DETERGENTS

    Pillowcases, sheets, and towels touch your skin every day. Avoid using strong, scented detergents to help reduce irritation and sensitivity. Change towels and pillowcases often to help avoid the spread of acne bacteria.

    If you are on medication or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care provider.


    Recommended For Oily Skin & Acne

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which clay mask do I use if my skin is dry, oily and normal?
    Facial-Clays-Skin-Types

    Our face has different zones in which the skin can vary in thickness, texture, pore size and the number of oil-producing glands.

    Each zone may have very different needs and require individual attention.

    So, what happens if you have multiple facial skin issues, like dryness, oily spots, and blemishes?

    The answer is Multi-Masking . . .


    What is Multi-Masking

    Multi-masking is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of applying one face mask over your entire face, you apply different masks to different areas of the face in order to treat multiple skincare concerns at the same time.

    For more information please read our blog Multi-Masking and Targeted Application For Combination Facial Skin

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    What are essential oils?

    What Are Pure Essential Oils?

    Have you ever enjoyed the scent of a fragrant flower or herb? The fragrance comes from potent, aromatic compounds called essential oils found in the flowers, stems, seeds, bark, roots, fruits, and other parts of plants. It often requires several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil.

    Essential oils not only give plants their unique scents but also help lure plant pollinators and protect plants from insects and other predators.

    The chemical composition of essential oils may provide valuable psychological and physical aromatherapeutic benefits for some people.

    It is important to note that to be a true essential oil, the oil must be isolated from the plant material by physical means only. Essential oils are NEVER extracted using solvents.

    Although synthetic fragrances or "nature identical" oils are available at a much lower cost, only natural plant essential oils will provide any aromatherapeutic benefits.

    View related natural skin care blogs

    What Are Essential Oils (Much more detail)

    How Essential Oils Are Extracted

    Why We Use Only Real Plant Essential Oils?

    What is Aromatherapy?

    If you are pregnant or under a doctor's care for any medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils.

    Pregnancy & Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.

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    People with severe allergies—please note: If you have severe anaphylactic-type reactions to ANY of the ingredients in ANY of our products, please do not buy our products. We have dedicated soap rooms and product rooms that are kept meticulously clean, but we cannot guarantee against possible cross-contamination of individual ingredients.

    Chagrin Valley Soap & Craft is not responsible for any individual reaction to any particular ingredient. Each product description on our website includes a complete list of ingredients. People with sensitivities to any listed ingredient should not use the product. In case you are in doubt always try an allergy patch test and if at any time irritation occurs, discontinue use of the product.

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    The content and information on this website, provided by The Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company, is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended and should not be construed as medical advice to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The information regarding folklore or health-related benefits of certain ingredients is for educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to prescribe or be taken as medical advice.

    The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal physician or other medical professionals. Do not use the information found on this website to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. If you have medical concerns regarding yourself or your family you should seek the advice of qualified, licensed health professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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