I'm Isabella van Buren owner of the "Isabella van Buren Lifestyle" and "Bare Face Beauty" brands. One of the questions I get asked about over and over again is...

"Can I use a facial oil on my oily/combination skin? Won't that create a breakout and worsen the condition of my blemish-prone skin?"

The answer might surprise you!! Yes to the first question and no to the second! Carefully chosen, facial oil can really help stabilise the skin by providing your skin with the antioxidants and fatty amino acids it needs to maintain the natural barrier between your skin and the environment. This means less bacteria can penetrate the outer film (mantle) of your skin to wreak havoc and inflammation in your sebum producing pores causing spots and blemishes.

The trick is to apply the right oils! It doesn't have to be oil on its own, many face masks and moisturisers contain carefully selected oils blended into the moisturising formulation. Either way, your skin will thank you!

SO! Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise – because oils are loaded with antioxidants and amino acids that heal your skin without stripping away too much of its natural oils. If you use very harsh products that degrease your skin to the point where your skin mantle is tripped away..your skin has no defence against bacteria and environmental toxins...

Well then, which oils are best for an oily skin? 

1.  Pure Organic Rosehip Oil. We stock the TRILOGY 100% Certified organic Rosehip Oil 45ml which is a wonderful Australian brand. Apply to the skin on its own after cleansing and toning morning and night. Follow with your usual day or night cream if required.

2.  Tea Tree Oil. This is a legendary antiseptic. Apply a tiny amount to the blemish using cottonwool. We stock the Australian brand Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Medicated Gel for Acne 25g which works as a spot treatment.

3. The cult favourite Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil 30ml

The new oil you've been hearing about is fast-absorbing, super-hydrating, and will not break you out. ... This oil helps battle breakouts — for real! It's non-comedogenic because it's so high in omega fatty acids and absorbs quickly, so it won't clog your pores.

What does it do?

Marula oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It's widely used as an ingredient in skin products, and appears to be beneficial for oily, acne-prone, dry, and ageing skin. It is also effective at keeping hair soft, supple, and moisturised!

4. TIP: For clogged pores, steam the skin (not too long as you can actually CAUSE a breakout if you overdo this. Start with 3 min steam session but no more than 8 minutes.) The idea is dilate pores to allow an exit passageway for the removal of stubborn, thickened sebum buildup in the pores. 

There you are! Use some of these suggestions along with a balanced diet and loads of H2O and you're on your way to manageable skin.  We all want clear perfect skin, but none of us have it! We all have our physical skin battles that we address with skincare products but very importantly, the X factor for great skin is joy! So manage skin, don't obsess over it! Enjoy life and your skin will show radiance!

Please take time to browse our store for really effective acne skin care products to help you in your skincare journey :)

Isabella xxx