Facial care for oily skin: what kind of products should you be using?

Basically, oily skin produces too much sebum. This oily substance is actually a natural protectant for the skin – which needs it to stay supple and healthy. But if there's too much sebum, it can clog pores and cause inflammation on the skin surface. As a result, blemishes appear.

There are several reasons why oily skin overproduces sebum. They include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances (especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause), and external factors such as diet and stress.

Foods rich in sugar and saturated fats can increase sebum production. Stress, meanwhile, triggers the release of cortisol – a hormone that can increase sebaceous gland activity.

To restore balance to oily skin, make sure you avoid harsh skincare products, as these can dry it out. Instead, opt for skincare products that help to control sebum production while keeping your skin well hydrated.

Botanical oils such as jojoba oil or nigella oil are ideal for both balancing and purifying the skin, without clogging pores. There are also natural active ingredients like zinc and propolis, which help to purify the skin while also providing antibacterial action. Neroli and helichrysum hydrosols are known for their healing and soothing properties, while sage and witchhazel extracts can help to reduce blemishes and tone the skin, so that pores are less visible.

These ingredients are just a few examples of what nature can provide to care for oily and blemish-prone skin.

A well-structured skincare routine is essential for oily, blemish-prone skin.

• In the evening, begin with double cleansing. Use a micellar water to remove makeup, then a gentle cleansing gel to remove impurities without damaging the skin. And what better product to do this than our best seller, Le Nettoyant Pureté? Our gentle purifying facial cleanser is ideal for combination and oily, blemish-prone skin.
• In the morning, simply use a lightweight toner to refresh your skin without upsetting its balance. 
• Follow with a serum such as Le Booster Pureté, which contains natural ingredients (zinc, chaulmoogra oil and arrabidaea chica, also known as crajiru) to treat blemishes.
• Apply a non-comedogenic, light moisturizing cream to keep skin hydrated. A non-greasy, water-based, moisturizing gel could also make a good alternative.

Good to know: blemish-prone skin needs to be gently exfoliated. Once every two weeks, exfoliate with a gentle face scrub, then apply a purifying mask to deeply cleanse your skin. This simple routine will help you to control sebum and prevent blemishes, but also maintain a good water-oil balance.