Here's Why Oily Skin Still Needs Oil

When I was younger, I hoarded all of the washes and treatments that were supposed to zap my oily skin and leave me with as matte a complexion as possible. But the thought of that makes me cringe now that I know just how good facial oils are for oily skin. I know the idea of applying oil to oily skin seems totally counterintuitive — especially if, like me, your skin is capable of producing enough oil for yourself plus three others. But, as Celebrity Medical Expert and Co-Founder of Tula Dr. Roshini Raj explains to me over email, using oil-based facial products can actually help prevent the skin from producing excessive oil.

This is because oil is produced in an effort to regulate the skin when the oil-water content is out of balance. "So if you're trying to combat congested, oily skin by using harsh, stripping products that remove your skin's natural oils, your body will actually overcompensate for the reduction of oils by producing even more oil, which further aggravates the sebaceous glands' activity, clogging pores and causing breakouts." Which means, by applying oil to skin instead of trying to remove what's already there, sebaceous glands shouldn't feel the need to kick into overdrive, and skin will stay balanced. But which facial oils are the best for oily skin?

Dr. Raj recommends looking for oils "that contain anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing compounds like chamomile, jojoba, or aloe vera essential oils." Adding this type of oil to your skincare routine will help restore your skin's balance, which will, in turn, slow down overactive sebaceous glands, and reveal healthier, clearer skin. Here are a few worth trying.

1. Lotus Oil

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil, $43, Amazon

This oil made from 100 percent pure plant extracts works to tighten pores, refine texture, minimize fine lines, moisturize, and balance oily skin.

2. Tsubaki Oil

Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil, $46, Sephora

Antioxidant and omega-rich, this beauty oil protects against free radicals, has anti-aging properties, and evens skin tone.

3. Intensive Recovery Beauty Oil

Lumene Complete Rewind Intensive Recovery Beauty Oil, $17, Amazon

Essential oils like jojoba, avocado, sea buckthorn, and sunflower oil help repair skin and smooth fine lines.

4. Virgin Marula Oil

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, $72, Amazon

Anti-microbial and high in antioxidants and omegas, this facial oil provides protection against environmental stressors and free radicals, and improves skin's appearance and elasticity.

5. Overnight Oil

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil, $57, Amazon

This plant-based formula aids with cell-renewal and the elimination of toxins, free radicals, and dead skin cells.

6. Vitamin C & E Oil

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil, $43, Sephora

Vitamins C & E along with eight plant oils help release dead skin cells, restore radiance, and smooth and rehydrate skin.

You'll be surprised how much the right oil can transform your oily skin.

Images: Eddie Pearson/Stocksy; Courtesy of Brands