What is oily skin and how to remove oily skin naturally? Oily skin is due to overproduction from the sebaceous glands, which are located near your skin’s top layer. Sebum is an oily substance made up of fat cells. Sebum is not all bad, since it helps protect and moisturize your skin and also keeps hair shiny and healthy. Too much sebum production may lead to oily skin. Other factors such as genetics, hormone changes or even stress may be the causes.

Oily skin care can be quite challenging. There are different home remedies that might help, though, without the need for expensive treatments or prescription drugs. Here are some of the most popular ones on how to remove oily skin naturally that you can try:

1. Wash your face

It’s often overlooked, but many people with oily skin don’t wash their face daily. If your skin is oily, you should wash it twice a day – but don’t overdo it. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents. Use a gentle soap such as glycerin soap instead.

Read also: How to prevent maskne

2. Blotting papers

Oil blotting papers can be found for purchase at most drug stores. The best way to use them is to dab oil from your skin after applying your makeup and before you head out the door. These thin, small sheets won’t prevent your sebaceous glands from going into overdrive, but they’ll allow you to blot excess oil.

Read also: How to remove pimples

3. Honey

Honey is a natural remedy with antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, so most skin types can benefit from its use. Those prone to acne or oily skin may specifically find it beneficial.

Honey is also a natural humectant, which means it helps keep the skin moist but not oily. This is because humectants draw moisture from the skin without replacing it.

Raw honey can be beneficial to those with oily skin and acne as it helps to dry up the oils and prevents further breakouts. All you need is 3 tbsp of honey, a cotton pad, and some warm water. Apply the honey onto your face with the cotton pad and let it dry for 10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly.

4. Oatmeal

When choosing raw oats, also consider your skin type. Oat is a great ingredient if you have an oily complexion and need help with absorbing excess oil. It may also be used in conjunction with yoghurt, honey or mashed fruit such as banana or papaya to make a smoothie that helps exfoliate dead skin. To use oatmeal on your face:

1. Combine 1/2 cup whole oats with 1 cup of hot water to form a paste.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey.
3. Apply the oatmeal mixture to your skin and massage it for about three minutes. Rinse with warm water and then wipe dry.
4. Alternatively, you can mix the oatmeal with a little bit of water and apply it to your face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry off.

5. Egg whites and lemons

Egg whites and lemons are both often used as a folk remedy for oily skin. The ingredients of these can tighten pores and help to absorb oil from your skin. The acid in lemons and other citrus fruits is also thought to help with this and is the reason it’s found in many – if not most – facial scrubs on the market today. Lemons also have antibacterial qualities, but this could pose a problem for someone who is allergic to eggs.

To make an egg white and lemon face mask:

1. Combine 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
2. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on until it dries.
3. Remove with warm water, then gently pat dry with a towel.

6. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is known for soothing burns and other skin conditions, something it does very effectively. It also might help with flaky skin caused by oily patches. Many people use aloe vera to treat their oily skin, either via topical application or simply by drinking it in juice form.

If you have sensitive skin, Aloe Vera can cause an allergic reaction. Put a thin layer on your face before bedtime and leave it on until morning, just to be safe.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain salicylic acid, a common home remedy for acne as well as other dermatological conditions. It works by absorbing excess skin oils and clearing pores. To make an exfoliating tomato mask:

1. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar with the tomato pulp.
2. Apply to the skin in a circular motion, massaging gently..
3. Leave the mask on for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry..

You can also apply just tomato pulp or tomato slices to your skin to help reduce wrinkles.

Read also: How to remove dark circles, How to use Gua Sha on face, Premature skin aging

Summary

How to remove oily skin naturally? When oily skin is linked to genetics or hormonal changes, preventing it can be hard. Practising consistent skin care and avoiding unhealthy foods like fried food, sugary food, and processed foods may help.

Using heavy cosmetics to cover the effects of oily skin can make the condition worse. When oily skin acts up, it is recommended to reduce the use of makeup, especially foundation. Choose non comedogenic, water-based products instead of oil-based ones. Look for products with labels that say “non comedogenic”.

The effectiveness of a remedy can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as your specific situation. It’s possible to become allergic to remedies you have been using for a while. If your skin begins to react unfavourably towards any product, discontinue use.

If a home remedy is worsening your symptoms, don’t use it anymore. If you’re struggling with severe acne or other oily skin symptoms that can lead to infection or scarring, see a dermatologist.

Read also: How to remove black heads, How to remove face hair, How to get rid of dandruff

 

References

• Viuda-Martos, M., Ruiz-Navajas, Y., Fernández-López, J., & Perez-Álvarez, J. (2008, October 22). Antibacterial activity of lemon (citrus lemon L.), Mandarin (citrus reticulata L.), grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi L.) and orange (citrus sinensis L.) essential oils. Wiley Online Library.