If you prefer to use natural oils and herbs to balance oily to normal skin, you don't have to spend a lot if you buy the basics. Think of using a good skin cleanser, astringent, moisturizer and sunscreen. Do a skin patch test before using on a large area of your skin to make certain you are not allergic to these oils or herbs.

Skin Cleansers

Use a gentle skin cleanser made from liquid castille soap, which you can use unscented or add tea tree and lavender essential oils. You can purchase these in bulk and they keep well. For example, use 1 oz. of liquid castille soap and dilute with 10 ounces of filtered water and place into a squeeze bottle. Use to cleanse the skin. Add 10 to 12 drops of tea tree and lavender oil for use on oily to normal skin.

Toners

Oily skin will respond well to a witch hazel toner. Dab on cotton balls and sweep over clean skin. This will help slough off dead skin cells and help dry pimples. If you have sensitive skin, use lavender, clary sage or orange essential oil instead: dilute in almond oil and sweep over skin.

Use tea tree oil to balance obvious oily areas around the forehead, nose and chin. Dilute it with water before applying. Oily skin produces more sebum and can clog pores and result in pimples.

Moisturizers and Sun Blocks

Moisturize with jojoba oil. Apply it lightly to clean skin. Jojoba is very similar to sebum, the waxy substance produced by the body. Jojoba is actually a plant wax and provides a light sun protection factor of about 8 SPF.

Almond oil is also an excellent moisturizer for body and face. Also, use a sunscreen that is made from lavender to protect skin.