Oily Skin
Oily skin or seborrhea is one of the common skin types affecting 60% of world population (both men and women) between the age of puberty and 60 years.
Oily skin has been one of the major reasons behind acne. As per some studies, acne prone skin produces three times more sebum than other skin textures.
If you are on a verge to end this suffering then we have compiled many home remedies for treating oily skin. But trust me; this isn’t the same old boring about oily skin.
But before peeking into that, let me give you a detailed description of everything related to oily skin.
What is Oily Skin?
The real culprit behind the oily skin is Dihydrotestosterone Hormone (DTH). This hormone is responsible for triggering oil production in sebaceous glands. Under normal levels, oil secretion helps to moisturize the skin.
However, when an excess amount of DTH (an androgenic hormone) is released, it triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil/sebum. Secretion of DTH initially starts when the individual enters into puberty.
What Causes Oily Skin?
There are many daily habits and lifestyles choices which have major impact in the production of excess Dihydrotesterone hormone. We have mentioned them below.
- Diet: Consumption of high glycemic foods leads to overactive sebum production.
- Stress: Stress leads to rise in cortisol levels which in turn trigger excess secretion of DTH leading to oily skin.
- Menstrual Cycle: Menstrual cycle also plays an important role in DTH levels. The rise of progesterone (post ovulation) leads to excess DTH secretion. This is the reason why girls experience oilier skin and acne prone skin before menstruation.
- Lack of Good Sleep: Sleep deprivation can result in insulin resistance which further triggers excess production of cortisol and androgen levels.
- Dehydration: Dehydration leaves the skin too dry. To balance the moisture levels, our body triggers sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
- Genetics: Just like many other things, genetics also plays an important role in the behavior of sebaceous glands. If oily skin runs in your genes, then it is common for you to have it.
How To Get Rid Of Oily Skin?
Frankly, if you want a long term relief from oily skin then you have to address all the triggers that are causing it. If it is in your genes, you may not tackle it completely, however you can keep it under your control in many ways.
Whatever the reason might be, with some home remedies, daily care routine and precaution tips, you can set yourself free from oily skin. We have mentioned everything in detail below.
Home Remedies for Treating Oily Skin
The natural remedies mentioned below are quite helpful in clearing the oily skin. All these remedies require ingredients that are usually present in our kitchen. Choose any one among them and try it regularly for effective results.
1. Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth
Multani mittin is one of the oldest components used by humans as a beauty product. It doesn’t contain any chemical sub element that can affect or damage the skin.
The magnesium chloride present in it drags out the dirt and oil present in the skin pores which prevents acne and blackheads.
Being a dry agent, it absorbs all the excess oil lingering on the skin. It is also perfect for improving skin tone and leaves a natural glow to it.
How to Make Multani Mitti Pack for Oily skin?
- Mix rosewater or plain water into 3 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth/multani mitti to make a paste.
- Apply to face, leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Repeat the process once in a week.
2. Clay or Mud Pack
Clay or mud have oil-absorbing properties which help in minimizing excess oil, pimples and blemishes to maximum extent.
It helps to detoxify and cleans the pores which in turn helps them to breath. The tightening effect of it reduces the wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Application of mud or clay packs on the whole body has therapeutic properties. They can be easily prepared at home.
How to Make Clay or Mud Pack?
- Combine 1 teaspoon of clay and enough amounts of rosewater or witch hazel.
- Spread a layer of the mixture over the clean skin and let it dry completely.
- Rinse off thoroughly with water and pat dry.
- For added benefits, you can add few drops of any essential oil.
3. Gram Flour or Besan
The alkalizing nature of gram flour absorbs the excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells. It makes your skin supple, soft and tight.
Regular application of gram flour not only treats oily skin, but also improves skin complexion, fights with aging, treats sagged skin and leaves the skin soft.
How to Make Gram Flour Pack?
- Take a tablespoonful of gram flour and add enough amounts of rosewater to make a paste.
- Spread the paste over your skin avoiding the area around eyes and mouth.
- Leave it to dry completely and rinse off with water by massaging in circular motions.
- Alternatively, you can use milk, yogurt, or any fruit juice instead of rosewater.
4. Corn Starch
The super oil-absorbing properties of cornstarch are helpful in reduce oil on the skin. The presence of vitamin E helps prevent UV damage and skin redness.
The water soluble vitamins B1 & B2 protect the skin from aging and boost hydration.
The vitamin A present in corn flour fades the brown spots, blemishes and sun spots. The considerable amount present in it boosts collagen and prevents aging.
How to Make Corn Starch Pack?
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch with warm water to make a paste.
- Spread the paste on the face and leave it to dry.
- Rinse thoroughly with water by rubbing in circular motions.
- Repeat the process once in a day.
- Once the oiliness is under control, you can reduce its application to once in 3 – 4 days.
5. Egg White
The drying properties of egg white draw out the impurities and excess oil build-up from the deep layers of the skin. Its natural astringent properties shrink and tighten the pores which control the sebum production.
The vitamin, protein and amino acids present in it enhance the skin elasticity and act as anti-aging.
How to Make Egg White Pack?
- Gently whip an egg white until foamy.
- Spread a layer of it over the skin.
- Let it dry completely and rinse off with water.
- For added benefits, add some lemon juice or lemon essential oil.
6. Orange
The super absorbing properties of orange draw out sebum, dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin pores.
- It helps to get rid of all the toxic matter on the skin that causes damage.
- The vitamin C present in it prevents wrinkles and makes your skin fresh and soft.
- The citric acid present in it is a natural astringent which helps to dry away the pimples. Regular application of orange pack also helps to brighten and lighten the skin.
How to Make Orange Mask?
- Dry the orange peels under the sun until crisp.
- Blend them into fine powder.
- Combine orange peel powder and rose water to make a paste.
- Spread a layer of the paste on the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process once in 2 – 3 days.
Quick Tip: Application of orange juice provides fair and younger looking skin. You can either apply orange juice directly on the skin or mix it with any other natural ingredients.
7. Oatmeal
The high absorbing properties of oatmeal help to pull out the excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities from the skin pores. The saponins present in it act as natural cleansing agent which also helps to wash away the excess sebum on the skin.
How to Make Oatmeal Mask?
- Cook some oatmeal and let it cool down.
- Combine oatmeal and honey to make a paste.
- Apply a thick layer of the mixture on the skin.
- Leave it to dry for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process once in 3 days.
Alternative Method: Grind dry oats to make a fine powder. Add witch hazel into it to make a thick paste. Spread it over the skin and leave it to dry. Rinse off with water.
8. Apple
Apples contain malic acid which exfoliate accumulated dead skin cells and absorb the excess sebum from the skin. The antiseptic, soothing and astringent properties are very helpful for your skin.
The copper content present in apple helps to reduce the melanin production. The vitamin C present in apple restores the collagen content in the skin.
How to Make Apple Mask?
- Mix ½ cup mashed apple, ½ cup cooked oatmeal, 1 slightly beaten egg white, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to make a paste.
- Apply to face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Alternative Method: Combine apple pulp and honey into a paste. Spread the paste on the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with water thoroughly. Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.
Note: Just like apple, other fruits like pulp of mango, banana and papaya can be used as face pack.
9. Witch Hazel
The astringent property of witch hazel tightens up the pores and dries up the excess oil. The presence of tannins is the reasons for its natural astringent properties.
It helps to reduce the inflammation, irritation and redness caused by pimples. It helps to balance the skin’s pH level and moisturize without leaving skin greasy.
How to Make Witch Hazel Pack?
- Using a cotton ball, apply witch hazel over the skin.
- Leave it on to dry completely.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Repeat the application daily.
- For added benefits, you can add evening primrose oil or frankincense oil.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH level of the skin which in turn helps to reduce excess oil production. It also helps to maintain the skin from becoming oily.
Regular application of apple cider vinegar helps to exfoliate the impurities and toxins from the skin leaving it healthy and glowing.
It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to deal with acne and skin ailments.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Mask?
- Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 3/4 cup of distilled water.
- Using a cotton ball, apply the solution over your face.
- Leave the application for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
- Repeat the process daily.
- For extra benefits, you can add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink it before going to bed.
Note:
- If apple cider vinegar is not available then you can use white vinegar instead of it. White vinegar exfoliates and controls the oil production.
- Using a cotton ball, apply white vinegar over the skin. Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with water. During summer, you can freeze the white vinegar into cubes and rub them over the face.
11. Cucumber
Cucumber is well known for its astringent and cooling properties which are beneficial in controlling oil production. It contains vitamin A and E, potassium, magnesium and minerals which very good for nourishing the skin.
As it contains 90% of water, it helps to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated for a long period of time. This also helps to prevent the sebaceous glands from becoming over-active.
How to Make Cucumber Mask?
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon each of cucumber juice and lemon/lime juice.
- Apply the mixture over the skin and leave it to dry completely.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process.
- If you have sensitive skin, you can omit the lemon juice.
Alternative Method: Gently rub a cucumber slice on the skin for few minutes. Let the juice stay on the skin throughout the night. Rinse off with water in the morning.
12. Peppermint, Sage, Yarrow
The three herbs peppermint, sage and yarrow contain strong astringent properties which are beneficial for people with oily skin tone.
Though this combination can be used by people with any skin type, it is more beneficial for oily and combination skin type because it helps to manage oil balance on the skin.
How to Make Peppermint, Sage and Yarrow Pack?
- Add 1 tablespoon each of peppermint, sage and yarrow into a cup of boiling water.
- Cover and let it steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool down. Using a cotton ball, apply it over the skin.
- Leave it to dry completely and rinse off with water.
- You can store the remaining water for future use.
- Repeat the process once in 2 days.
Note: Following the same process, you can also make green tea and use it as toner.
13. Honey-Lemon-Sugar
Honey nourishes and moisturizes the skin without making it oily. It locks the moisture in the skin cells and also acts as antibacterial.
Lemon dries out the excess oil and rejuvenates the skin. Its bleaching properties lighten the skin without any side effects.
The gritty nature of sugar exfoliates the dead skin cells and other impurities from the deep layers of the skin. Sugar also helps to hydrate the skin.
How to Make Honey-Lemon-Sugar Mask?
- Combine 1 teaspoon each of honey, lemon and sugar.
- Apply the mixture on the skin.
- Gently massage for few minutes and leave it on for another few minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process once in 3 days.
14. Salt
The gritty nature of Epsom salt or sea salt removes the dead skin cells and impurities form the skin. You can either use Epsom salt, sea salt or kosher salt for scrubbing.
How to Make Salt Mask?
- Combine 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and few drops of essential oil like lavender oil, peppermint oil or any other as per your preference.
- Massage the mixture on your skin for few minutes.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process once in a day.
15. Baking Soda
The harsh and gritty nature of baking soda helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, impurities and excess sebum on the skin.
Apart from that, it also balances the pH levels of the skin which restricts the sebaceous gland from producing more sebum.
Baking soda contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which deal with any bacteria causing skin ailments.
How to Make Baking Soda Mask?
- Take ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Rub the mixture onto your face using clear finger tips.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a week.
Alternative Method: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon water to make a paste. Massage it into your face. Let it dry for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
16. Strawberry
Strawberry is one of the best fruits we can use for scrubbing. The vitamin C and seeds of strawberry remove the dead skin cells, excess oil and brighten up the skin tone.
Other beneficial properties of strawberry help to slow down the skin ageing process. It also prevents wrinkles and fine lines by improving collagen.
How to Make Strawberry Mask?
- Mash few strawberries to make a paste.
- Add few drops of lemon juice into it and mix well.
- Apply it on the face and gently scrub for few minutes.
- Leave it on until to dry completely.
- Rinse off with water and pat dry.
Alternatively, you can use honey instead of lemon juice.
Repeat the process once in 2 days.
17. Yogurt
Just like milk, the lactic acid present in yogurt helps to remove the impurities and excess oil from the skin. It moisturizes the skin and restricts sebaceous glands from becoming overactive.
The alpha hydroxyl acid present in yogurt helps in exfoliating the impurities, dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin pores.
Mineral zinc present in yogurt contains mild astringent properties which shrink the pores and reduce the oiliness on the skin.
How to Make Yogurt Pack?
- Apply 1 tablespoon of unsweetened yogurt on the face.
- Gently massage for few minutes.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
- Repeat the process once or twice in a day.
Alternatively, you can add ground oatmeal and honey into the yogurt.
18. Tomato
The acidic levels present in tomato restore the skin’s pH balance which in turn restricts the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum.
The salicylic acid present in tomatoes works as exfoliant which removes toxins, excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin surface.
The astringent properties of tomato help to soothe the inflammation and shrink the open pores which in turn reduce the skin oiliness.
How to Make Tomato Pack?
- Blend a tomato and extract juice from it.
- Using a cotton ball, apply it on the skin.
- Gently massage for few minutes.
- Leave it on until to dry completely and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process once in a day.
- For extra benefits, you can add honey.
19. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is very effective for oily skin as it absorbs the excess oil present on the skin. Its antimicrobial properties deal with acne caused by oily skin.
The natural astringent properties of aloe shrink the open pores, moisturize the skin and rejuvenate it. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties treat acne associated to oily skin.
How to Make Aloe Vera Mask?
- Add 1 aloe vera leaf to some water and bring it boil.
- Let it simmer for few minutes.
- Remove from the flame, let it cool and grind it by adding some honey.
- Apply the paste over the clean skin and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water.
- You can follow this process once in a week.
Alternative Method: Extract the gel from aloe vera. Apply the gel on the skin and massage for a minute. Leave it to dry completely and wash with clean water.
Step By Step Daily Skin Care Routine
The following are the essential guidelines which help to control oiliness on the skin, shrink the pores and reduce breakouts.
1. Cleansing
Many dermatological experts recommend cleansing at least twice a day for people who have oily skin and acne prone skin. The cleanser you select should rinse without leaving any residue behind.
Make sure the cleanser is fragrance free and doesn’t contain drying agents. Also please avoid cleansing brushes with harsh bristles and skin-aggravating scrubs.
2. Toning
Toning plays an important role in skin health. It helps to shrink the open pores and remove any traces of makeup that can lead to clogged pores.
It is important to use alcohol-free toner that is loaded with skin-replenishing agents and antioxidants. These ingredients help to renew and recharge the skin.
3. Exfoliation
Oily skin tends to have a thick coat of dead skin cells and oil on the skin. Exfoliating is one of the best ways to remove the buildup of impurities.
The best exfoliating agent is oily skin called salicylic acid (BHA). Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin pores which allow the oil to flow easily to skin surface so that it doesn’t get clogged up and lead to acne.
For impressive results, try a non-abrasive, skin soothing, hydrating exfoliant which doesn’t leave any residue behind.
4. Sun Screen
Most of the people may ignore it but sun screen helps to reduce early signs of skin aging and prevent skin damage. If you have avoided sun-screens in the past, then it is time to re-consider its application. While choosing a sunscreen make sure to light, oil free ones that helps keep your skin matte.
5. Hydration
At night before going to bed, apply hydrating and skin-renewing gel which doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients.
Dietary Changes to Get Rid of Oily Skin
Diet plays an integral part in controlling the excess sebum secretion of the skin. For maintaining a healthy skin it is extremely important to have healthy eating habits.
- It is very important to include fresh fruits, vegetables and leafy greens in your daily diet.
- Fresh and fibrous foods are helpful in eliminating toxins from the body.
- Fruits and vegetables that are rich in water i.e., watermelon, cucumber and other are helpful in cleansing the body.
- Fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, sweet lime, lime, lemon and grapefruit are helpful in maintaining glowing and healthy skin.
- Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B, D and E like soya beans, avocados, sea foods and others are helpful in preventing oily skin.
- Drinking plenty of water daily helps in hydrating the skin and prevents various skin ailments.
- Stay away from smoking, alcohol and caffeinated drinks, dairy products, canned or processed foods and refined flours which encourage oil production.
- Reducing the salt intake helps managing the oily skin more effectively.
- Enzymes present in foods like pineapple and pumpkin are helpful in dissolving excess oil and remove the dirt and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Tips for Preventing Oily Skin
- Wash your face twice daily with glycerin soap.
- Carry oil-absorbing tissues to wipe away oil whenever necessary.
- Washing with cool water twice a day is better than using chemicals on your skin.
- Avoid moisturizers that exacerbate your oil problem, but use sunscreen before going outside.
- Keep hair away from the face, especially if it is oily.
- Constantly touching your face will transfer excess dirt and oil onto it.
- Clean your makeup brushes once a week.
- Use water-based cosmetics and try to avoid foundations that will clog pores and cause breakouts.
- Rub papaya or watermelon on your skin to reduce oiliness.
- Avoid artificial perfumes, coloring agents, synthetic chemicals, and mineral oils.
- To avoid side effects, always use natural products and home remedies.
- The combination of neroli and lavender oil acts as a toner and cleanser when sprayed on the skin. It helps to remove the excess oil from the skin.
- Consuming 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil everyday ensures a healthy skin. It is better to consume it in the morning.
- Avoid skin care products with harmful chemicals: Skin care products containing harsh chemicals or alcohol will irritate your skin which leads to excess oil production. So it is better to avoid them.
- Stop over-washing: Washing your face more times worsens the skin condition. So limit it to 2 times in a day.
- Avoid heavy cosmetics: Heavy duty cosmetics and skin care products can clog your pores, trap dirt and oil in the skin pores which can lead to acne.
- Towels and pads that you use daily should be changed regularly as the oil and bacteria trapped in them can spread on your face and worsen the skin problems.
- Avoid damp makeup, heavy and oily skin care products.
- Wash your face only with mild soaps to keep oil production under the control. Don’t forget to wash your face and neck after reaching home from outdoors. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Never use hot water as it can strip away the oil from the skin.
- To remove dirt and close open pores, apply the astringent or toner.
- Use water based moisturizers to retain the moisture content in the skin.
- Sun rays are very harmful on the skin and encourage sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Apply sunscreen lotion to avoid the damage caused by sun.
- Facial steam helps in unclogging the pores and removes the dirt trapped in them and evaporates the oil on the skin. Before taking a facial steam, remove the any cream or makeup or else it can cause skin irritation. Just 5 minute facial steaming is enough.
- Choosing right cleanser is very essential for oily skin. Cleansers with added moisturizers can worsen up the skin. So it is better to choose water based cleanser that does not contain detergent properties.
Don’t let oily skin keep you down, fight back by treating the root causes.