Balancing Oily Skin Naturally

Balancing oily skin naturally involves a whole-body holistic approach that supports long-term skin health without relying on harsh treatments or synthetic products.

What is sebum?

Sebum is simply the scientific name for the oily substance your skin produces.

Sebum, in normal amounts, is your friend. It’s the skin’s natural moisturiser. When levels of production are just right, it protects, nourishes and prevents the complexion from becoming overly dry.

But when sebum production is too high, all this excess oil can collect at the surface, contributing to shine, congestion and an increased risk of complications such as acne. Not to mention, it is also frustrating having to constantly blot the skin, reapply makeup or worry about how shiny your face is on a daily basis.

What are the potential reasons for sebum production being too high?

While the skin is often thought of as a cosmetic, external issue, much of the time the health of our skin begins internally. It may be linked to the functioning of our gut or organs of detoxification, such as the liver.

Digestion, the way the liver handles hormones, antioxidant status, essential fats, hydration and stress each play a role in how sebum behaves.

Skincare habits add another layer and can be helpful in attaining clear skin, but the naturopathic perspective on skin health is to never forget the importance of internal balance.

Therefore, considering nutrition, herbs and other lifestyle factors alongside a skincare routine tailored to your specific skin requirements, will create a powerful synergy.

Why support oil balance naturally?

Because these influences interact so closely, many practitioners take a broader view and look at the wider systems at play that may be driving the oiliness.

Nourishing the skin from within

Eating a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables brings in antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, while minerals including zinc and selenium support renewal and maintain steady oil production (1).

B vitamins also play a part in skin barrier function and balancing skin tone (2).

Zinc is especially valuable. People with chronically oily skin or acne (known clinically as seborrhoea) are often found to have lower levels of zinc. Since zinc contributes to inflammation control and tissue regeneration, raising intake can be helpful (3).

Supporting hormonal balance

Hormonal rhythms influence how much sebum the glands produce. The liver supports this process by helping to break down hormones before they are excreted through the bowel.

Naturopathic practitioners often highlight the liver being central to the control of this hormonal cycle (4).

Supporting liver activity may help hormones move through the body more efficiently. This can also influence glucose control, because the liver is closely involved in maintaining steady blood sugar.

As well as supporting skin barrier function, Vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc also support hormonal pathways linked to sebum production (5).

Balancing glucose and the M-TOR pathway

The connection between the gut, blood sugar and oily skin is an important one.

M-TOR is an enzyme involved in metabolic pathways, muscle building and cell growth. When insulin function becomes impaired, M-TOR can be released in a way that encourages excessive sebum (6). It can also contribute to increased keratin at the surface of the skin and to inflammation, which is a core part of acne development.

Western eating patterns and associated disrupted insulin signalling may overstimulate the mTORC1 pathway.

In summary, supporting stable blood sugar may help calm this pathway and encourage a clearer complexion.

Hydration to combat excess oil production

If fluid intake is low, oil glands may increase their output to protect the surface.

Drinking enough filtered water throughout the day helps the skin stay hydrated and allows sebum to perform its job properly (7).

The usual recommendation is 2L per day, but this may change based on factors such as climate, age or activity level, etc.

Mitigating the effects of stress

Cortisol, the main stress hormone, can stimulate the sebaceous glands (8). Soothing practices such as meditation, yoga, walking and breathing exercises can help settle the stress response, if engaged in regularly.

Supporting the lymphatic system

A sluggish lymphatic system may contribute to a build up of toxins beneath the skin (9). This can show up as persistent shine, breakouts and inflammation.

Simple habits such as gentle movement, gua sha and massage help keep the lymphatic system moving along as it should, which may help support a clearer looking complexion.

Probiotics and healthy elimination through the gut

The gut plays a central role in clearing toxins, waste products and ‘spent’ (metabolised) hormones.

Many naturopaths hold the belief that, if bowel movements do not occur at least once a day, harmful bacteria may flourish in the gut, and the skin might be left to take on some of the work of toxin elimination.

This could be contributing to blemishes, skin congestion and excess oiliness. Therefore, supporting daily, comfortable elimination helps lighten the load on the skin and may encourage a clearer looking complexion.

What about probiotics?

Probiotics can be a helpful addition here. By supporting the balance of friendly bacteria in the digestive system, they may encourage smoother digestion and more efficient elimination, as well as microbial balance (10).

And, when the gut is functioning well from the inside, the skin often reflects that balance on the outside, contributing to a more consistent and healthy looking glow. Try YourGut GLOW probiotic, containing a synbiotic blend with beneficial bacteria, hyaluronic acid, natural vitamin C, zinc and MSM to support hydration and collagen formation.

Barrier friendly skincare

A gentle skincare routine respects the skin’s barrier and reduces the likelihood of rebound oiliness. Mild cleansers remove impurities without stripping natural oils. Lightweight water based moisturisers and non comedogenic sunscreen help maintain clarity while keeping the skin comfortable.

Herbal and traditional support

Herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root are traditionally used to support liver activity, which may influence sebum balance. Homeopathic remedies may help during acute flare ups when selected according to individual symptoms.

When to consider a consultation

The reasons behind oily skin can be highly individual.

If you have been struggling with your skin for some time, or have observed a sudden change to your skin health, a private consultation can be particularly helpful in discovering the root cause.

Factors such as gut, liver health and hormonal balance may be influenced by diet, genetics, as well as your personal health history.

Recent use of antibiotics can also change the balance of the digestive system. Because each person’s case is so unique, one to one guidance can be valuable when oiliness persists.

Booking a consultation with a practitioner trained in naturopathy, herbal medicine and/ or nutrition offers the chance to explore how the gut, liver, hormones and daily routines are operating.

These practitioners look at the whole picture (not just the presenting symptom) including digestion, stress, detoxification and nutrient intake. Then, a personalised assessment can help identify where support may be needed and offer a tailored plan that reflects your individual constitution and health history.

Key takeaways

Nutrient rich diets, regular hydration, calming practices and movement are generally thought to promote good skin health. You can also try adding in herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, ginger and aloe vera as they are widely recognised for skin benefits.

Those with sensitive skin, long standing hormone related concerns or complex medication routines may benefit from personalised advice. Very hot water, harsh cleansers and frequent washing can lead to irritation and may increase oil production.

Other factors to support oily skin

Everyone is different and achieving the perfect skincare routine may require some patience.

Naturopaths also suggest that simple practices, such as dry brushing followed by magnesium salt baths with a small amount of apple cider vinegar or essential oils added to it, can complement your routine on more of a whole-body level.

Summary

Oily skin is shaped by a network of internal factors involving the gut, liver, hormones, hydration, stress levels and the skin barrier.

When these areas are supported, sebum is likely to settle.

It is this holistic approach that encourages lasting skin hydration and reduced oiliness in the long-term, over temporary fixes.

Recommended products

The Organic Pharmacy Double Cleanse Kit: Two step cleanse lifting makeup, purifying pores and leaving skin fresh and hydrated.

Green People Oy Clear Skin Cleansing Moisturiser: Light, non comedogenic moisturiser calming blemishes and supporting balanced, clearer looking skin.

Viridian Balanced Zinc Complex: Zinc and copper blend supporting skin health, immunity and natural hormonal balance.

Therapy Organics Cleanse Programme: Plant based cleanse supporting digestion, detox pathways and healthy daily elimination.