The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Oily Skin in NZ
Key Takeaways for Oily Skin:
- The Core Issue: Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands producing excess oil (sebum), leading to shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts.
- The Goal is Balance, Not Stripping: The biggest mistake is using harsh, stripping products. This damages the skin barrier and causes “rebound oiliness,” making the problem worse.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: Oily skin still needs moisture. A routine with lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) hydration is the key to achieving a balanced, healthy complexion.
Dealing with a constantly shiny T-zone, enlarged pores, and makeup that seems to melt away by midday can be incredibly frustrating. If you have oily skin, you’ve likely been told to use harsh, drying products in an attempt to control the shine.
But what if that was actually making it worse?
At Scenturie, we understand that the secret to managing oily skin isn’t about stripping it, but about bringing it back into balance. This is especially true in New Zealand, where our humid climate can amplify oil production. This definitive guide provides a proven, step-by-step routine to help you control excess oil and achieve a clear, healthy, and beautifully balanced complexion in Aotearoa.
Understanding the Signs of Oily Skin
The primary sign of oily skin is a persistent, often greasy-feeling shine across the face. Recognising these characteristics is the first step toward building an effective balancing routine. You may experience:
Visible Shine: A noticeable shiny or greasy appearance, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone).
Enlarged Pores: Pores often appear larger, particularly on and around the nose.
Prone to Breakouts: Excess oil can easily trap dead skin cells and bacteria, leading to frequent blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
A Thick or Coarse Texture: The skin can sometimes feel less delicate than other skin types.
Makeup Doesn’t Last: Foundation and other makeup may seem to “slide off” or break down quickly.
What Causes Oily Skin in New Zealand?
Oily skin is primarily caused by genetics and hormones, but can be significantly influenced by your habits and environment.
Genetics: If your parents have oily skin, you are more likely to have overactive sebaceous glands yourself.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Androgens, the “male” hormones present in everyone, can signal the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why oiliness often peaks during puberty, menstruation, or other times of hormonal change.
Over-Washing or Using Harsh Products: This is a major, yet avoidable, trigger. When you strip your skin with harsh, foaming cleansers, you damage its protective barrier. In response, your skin produces even more oil to try and protect itself.
Environment: New Zealand’s hot and humid summer months can increase sweat and oil production. Dehydration from sun exposure can also trigger the skin to produce more oil to compensate.
The Proven 4-Step Routine for Oily Skin
A consistent routine focused on gentle cleansing, lightweight hydration, and pore clarification is the key to managing oily skin.
Step 1: Cleanse Thoroughly but Gently
It might sound counter-intuitive, but one of the most effective ways to deeply cleanse oily skin is with a high-quality facial oil cleanser. The scientific principle is ‘like dissolves like’—the cleansing oil effortlessly breaks down and dissolves the excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup on your skin.
Unlike harsh foaming cleansers that can strip your skin and trigger rebound oiliness, an oil cleanser deeply purifies your pores while leaving your skin’s delicate moisture barrier feeling soft and respected.
Our Facial Cleansing Oil is expertly formulated to cleanse thoroughly before rinsing away cleanly with water, leaving no greasy residue.
Step 2: Tone to Hydrate and Refine
After cleansing, apply an alcohol-free toner to provide weightless hydration and help refine the appearance of pores.
This step is crucial for balancing the skin. Dehydrated skin produces more oil, so providing a light layer of water-based hydration can help regulate sebum production.
Our Replenishing Natural Toner helps to soothe, balance, and hydrate without feeling heavy.
Step 3: Moisturise with a Lightweight Formula
Yes, oily skin absolutely needs a moisturiser. Skipping it will cause dehydration, leading to a rebound of even more oil. The key is to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without clogging pores.
Our Nourishing Natural Day Cream is a perfect choice, as it’s hydrating yet won’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
Step 4 (Morning Only): Protect with an Oil-Free Sunscreen
Daily sun protection is essential. Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, which triggers more oil production. It can also darken the marks left behind by old breakouts.
Choose a broad-spectrum, lightweight, or oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin without adding shine or clogging pores.
Weekly Rituals for Deep Cleaning & Balance
Exfoliate to Unclog Pores: Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Our Espresso Facial Scrub helps to refine skin texture and clear congestion.
Use a Purifying Clay Mask: Once a week, use a clay mask to absorb excess oil, draw out impurities from your pores, and reduce shine. Our Clay Face Mask Set is perfect for a weekly deep clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I really need to moisturise if my skin is oily? A: Yes, 100%. A lack of hydration causes your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser provides the necessary hydration to help balance your skin.
Q: How often should I wash my face? A: Twice a day (morning and night) is perfect. Over-washing can strip your skin and trigger a rebound effect, leading to more oiliness.
Q: What are the best ingredients for oily skin? A: Look for balancing and purifying ingredients like Kaolin or Bentonite Clay (to absorb oil), gentle exfoliants, and lightweight hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera.
Shop the Recommended Routine
Ready to bring balance back to your skin? These are the core products recommended in this guide, specifically chosen to manage oil and shine without stripping your skin.
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Replenishing Natural Toner
$44.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Facial Cleansing Oil
$52.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
