Oily Skin Home Remedies

The Truth About Oily Skin

Those suffering from oily skin know how persistent and bothersome the issue of oily skin can be. When you have oily skin you may feel the need to constantly wash your face to prevent that unappealing shine. While that "I just worked out" glow can be attractive, it's not something that you want to sport 24/7. There are many products out there that are used to address this common skin issue, but why spend a lot of money when you can utilize home remedies to address the oily skin? Before trying every product on the shelf, at least give home remedies a shot.

I'd like to note that many people who suffer from oily skin may also suffer from acne breakouts. This is due to the fact that sebum production is in overdrive, leading to more clogged pores and eventually breakouts. Dermatologists often treat acne by addressing this overproduction of sebum in the skin, which in turn helps prevent clogged hair follicles and bacteria buildup.

While there are many downsides of having oily skin, there is at least one positive aspect. Oily skin helps to slow the common signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. It may seem hopeless now, but eventually you may reap the benefits of your oily skin!

In the meantime...

Until you are able to appreciate the anti-aging effects of oily skin, you are probably desperate to get rid of that pesky oil and shine on your face. Before I tell you about the effective home remedies for addressing oily skin, let's talk about preventive measures.

• Wash your face twice a day, morning and night. Your daily skincare routine can help prevent excess shine. When you choose your facial skincare products, make sure to check the labels to ensure that the products you use are oil-free and alcohol free. Alcohol strips the skin of it's natural oils, and as a normal reaction to this sebum production increases making skin more oily. For more info about skincare routines for acne prone skin, click here.
• Don't touch your face! Many people don't realize how often they touch their face. Our hands and fingers have oils on them, which can be transferred to your face, thus making your face more oily than it is. Also be aware of other things that touch your face, such as cell phones, sun glasses, and so on.
• Be aware of the cosmetic products your are using. Many makeup products are oil-based, which only exacerbates already-oily skin. Make it a habit to read all the labels on your cosmetic products. Look for oil-free and non comedogenic products to avoid added shine. You should also be washing your makeup brushes weekly as oil can build up on the bristles. Click here to read more about washing makeup brushes.
• Have you ever heard the phrase you are what you eat? Well, it's true. Make sure you eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies because what you eat does have an influence on your skin. While we're talking about it, make sure you drink enough water as well! (typically 8 glasses of water a day is recommended- 8oz. per glass)

Home remedies

Okay, now that we've gotten the logistics out of the way, let's discuss some of the most effective natural home remedies for oily skin.

• Baking Soda: Baking soda has been known to help balance the PH levels of skin, so it can have a positive effect on oily skin. It also exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells so that oil production on the face is more regulated. You should only use baking soda 2-3 times a week at most. Just mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water and massage into your facial skin. You can leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Cucumber: Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins A & E, magnesium, and potassium. It also has a soothing effect on skin. These characteristics make cucumber a good option for oily skin. The easiest way to use cucumbers on your oily skin is to get a fresh organic cucumber, slice off a few pieces, and rub them on your face thoroughly. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning. You can do this treatment daily as a nighttime toner.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is not only good for treating acne due to it's antibacterial properties, but it can also help combat oily skin. You can either apply it topically or take it internally. Topically it helps remove excess oil and clean out pores. When taken internally, ACV helps to balance hormones, which can help reduce oil production in skin. Read about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for acne here.
• Lemons: Lemons contain citric acid which acts as an astringent to soak up excess oil. To use lemons for oily skin get a lemon and slice it in two. Squeeze half of the lemon juice into a small bowl or cup, and mix in a tablespoon of water. Use a cotton ball to apply as a toner all over the face. Leave it on overnight and rinse the next morning. (Bonus- lemons help fade acne scars too!)
• Homemade Blotting Papers: Blotting excess oil off of the skin is the quickest fix for oily skin, especially throughout the daytime when you are struggling with that extra shine. To make your own blotting papers at home you will need: a pack of tissue paper (the kind used for gift bags), scissors, and a small container that will fit in your purse or makeup bag. Simply cut the tissue paper into small rectangles of the same size and place in your small container. Whenever your face is feeling heavy with oil and shine, just pull one out and blot the excess oil from your skin.