15% off £25 or 20% off £35

Code:SHOP
 

15% off £25 or 20% off £35

Code:SHOP

☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsNew NordicBioglanNew Leaf ProductsWeledaGrass & Co.BetterYou3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletFree Honey with £60 Food SpendShort Dated July 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomShiitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorPukkaEgmont HoneyFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £5Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenElectrolytesEnergy GelsAminosVitaminsGreensBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelTriActiveSiSPhDFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutletIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinNEOMAveenoSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £183 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeFree Honey with £60 Food SpendAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosehipRosemaryVitamin EHyaluronic AcidAloe VeraLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £10Buy 1 Get 1 Free EventShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45CalpolOilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceNew inVeganFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £18Introductory OfferOutlet2 For £5Short Dated August 2025Short Dated July 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureWeledaOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredQ+AFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £18Introductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarTea TreeRosehipVitamin EHyaluronic AcidReishi MushroomAloe VeraLavenderNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

A guide to oily skin

Beauty portrait of a young Western woman shot in warm tones
If you have oily skin, it’s important that you have a daily skin care routine that suits your skin type or you could make it worse. Find out more here.

Summary

1What causes oily skin?

If you have this then your skin has overactive sebaceous glands, which secrete more oil than you need into your hair follicles. Here are just a few...

2Symptoms of oily skin

Your face will be shiny, your pores will be enlarged and you’ll be prone to acne breakouts, spots and pimples. It’s not all bad news though as...

3How to improve your oily skin quickly

If you’re going through blotting papers like there’s no tomorrow or are always fearful of another spot trying to edge its way to the surface of...

Explore related topics

If you have oily skin, it’s important that you have a daily skin care routine that suits your skin type or you could make it worse.

What causes oily skin?

If you have this then your skin has overactive sebaceous glands, which secrete more oil than you need into your hair follicles. Here are just a few reasons why you might have oily skin:
Beautiful african woman black t-shirt portrait afro haircut touching her face Color background brown
  • Genetics 
  • You’re using the wrong kind of skin care products
  • Your diet 
  • Hormone changes caused by puberty or birth control pills 
  • You’re going through a stressful period in your life
  • You’re expecting a baby 
  • Air pollution

Symptoms of oily skin

Your face will be shiny, your pores will be enlarged and you’ll be prone to acne breakouts, spots and pimples. 

It’s not all bad news though as people with oily skin usually have less wrinkles and look more youthful than people with dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin. 

Some people only have oily skin at certain times of the year, when the weather is humid. If you have sections of your face that are oily (typically your forehead, nose and chin) and other sections that are dry, then you have what’s classed as combination skin.

How to improve your oily skin quickly

If you’re going through blotting papers like there’s no tomorrow or are always fearful of another spot trying to edge its way to the surface of your slick t-zone, you’re probably left wondering what’s going on. 

You’re not alone. 

Oily skin doesn’t have to rule your life as long as you incorporate some fail safe strategies into your skincare regime and make a few healthy lifestyle changes. These will help allow you to get through the day without having to check your shine status every five minutes.

Rinse with lukewarm water

If you use hot water to wash your face, stop now! 

Hot water actually dries the skin out, leading to further oil being produced – definitely not what you want. Try using slightly cooler water when washing in the sink and just turn down the heat a little when showering. 

You need to wash your face twice a day, more if you exercise because you have to keep your face free from dirt and grime.
 

Use oils

Yes, really! It may sound like the complete opposite of what you should do – grease on top of grease? However by putting oil directly onto your skin, it can help trick it into thinking it’s already produced enough and voila; the amount of oil production decreases. Try this if you need some convincing.
 

Gently scrub

You can still use exfoliants on your skin but be super careful with what type and how much pressure you are applying. The skin on your face is delicate and should be treated with love and affection. 

Make sure you pick a scrub suitable for oily skin, such as this botanically effective one, and gently massage it in using slow and circular movements.
 

Use the correct skincare products

You should choose products that have been specifically formulated for oily skin, and using a good cleanser and moisturiser is a must. You don’t want to use harsh soaps or products that dehydrate your skin as they will cause the upper layers to shrink and you’ll end up with more acne breakouts. Products that contain alcohol are a big no-no.
 

Try blotting

You can also use blotting sheets or tissues to absorb some of the oil from parts of your face that are particularly oily. 

Make sure you’re not too rough when blotting or you could cause irritation. You’ll need to take extra care when applying makeup as you don’t want to block your pores by wearing too much.
 

Diet changes

If you are trying these methods and still failing to see an improvement, it could be that the issue goes deeper. 

Hormones can be the reason for oily skin, so it’s important to pay attention to what you’re putting into your body. 

Try to cut back on processed foods and focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Cooking in oil isn’t advised and if you currently eat lots of processed food you might want to cut down and eat more fresh food instead. 

As well as rethinking your diet, you might need to drink more water to keep your skin hydrated, exercise more to get your blood pumping and sleep more, especially if you’re getting less than seven or eight hours a night. 
 

The final say

If you find these small changes to your skin care routine and lifestyle don’t work, then you can always make an appointment to see your doctor. 

They may be able to prescribe a hormone treatment or something that will help regulate how much oil is produced by your glands.

Shop our natural beauty range.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.