A person’s sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance important for moisturizing the skin. Mixed with fat molecules, sebum forms a coating on the surface of the skin, protecting it against bacteria and fungi. However, excess sebum can clog the pores of the skin and make it oily. This condition can also cause acne.
To reduce the appearance of oily skin, homemade masks can be used. This article discusses various home remedies for oily skin.
Home remedies for oily skin
Several home and natural solutions can help a person reduce the appearance of oily skin.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. It is also a natural humectant, which means it helps seal in moisture in the skin. A natural honey face mask can reduce the appearance of oily skin. To make one:
spread a layer of honey on the face
leave on for 10 minutes
rinse the honey with lukewarm water.
Oatmeal
Rolled oats may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to an analysis of various trials conducted. It can also be effective in treating skin problems such as viral infections, atopic dermatitis, pruritus, and acneiform rashes. An oatmeal face mask can reduce the appearance of oily skin. To make one with ground oatmeal and water:
combine half a cup of ground oats with hot water to form a paste.
cool the dough to body temperature
Massage the paste on the face for about 3 minutes.
rinse face with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Combining oatmeal with honey or mashed fruit can also create an effective face mask.
aloe vera
According to a review of clinical trials, aloe vera has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Here’s how to harvest a mature aloe vera plant to use as a home remedy for oily skin:
cut a few leaves near the stem
cut the sharp edges with a knife
wash and dry the leaves
After cleaning the leaves, a person can extract the gel by using a sharp knife to slice the top layer of the leaf, revealing the gel inside. Once the gel is extracted with a spoon or knife, it can be cut into pieces or mixed. To use the gel, a person can apply a thin layer to the face. You can leave it on overnight. Aloe vera gel may not be suitable for people with infected skin and may cause an allergic reaction. One may wish to test the aloe vera gel on his forearm before applying it to his face. If the person does not show a reaction within 24 to 48 hours, aloe vera can be used safely.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba is a vegetable oil widely used in sunscreens and moisturizers. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating several skin conditions.
A pilot study concluded that jojoba oil combined with clay in a face mask can effectively treat skin lesions and mild acne. Jojoba oil can be applied directly to clean skin, or mixed with a cream or other oil.
Clay masks
Clay masks are an effective treatment for oily skin. Minerals such as bentonite or smectite can absorb oils from the skin and can be helpful in reducing the appearance of oily skin. Bentonite may be beneficial for healing skin lesions and ulcers, according to an article in the Iranian Journal of Public Health.
Almonds
Ground almonds, used in a facial scrub, are effective in treating oily skin. Almond oil may have anti-hepatotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties, and help rejuvenate the skin and improve skin tone and color. However, people with nut allergies should avoid using almonds.
To make an almond facial scrub, follow these steps:
grind the raw almonds into powder
mix three tablespoons of this powder with two tablespoons of raw honey
Apply the scrub to the face using gentle circular movements.
wash off the scrub with lukewarm water
pat the skin dry.
Egg whites
There is no evidence that egg whites tighten pores, although an egg white face mask is sometimes used to combat oily skin. The white of one egg is usually enough for a face mask. To make one:
mix the white of an egg with the juice of half a lemon
whisk the mixture until it thickens
apply the mixture on the face for 10 minutes
clean the face with warm water to remove the mask
Pat your face dry.
Basic skin care
In addition to home remedies, basic skin care can improve oily skin:
wash in warm water, using a mild soap
avoiding soaps fortified with perfumes, moisturizers, or harsh chemicals
stop using rough washcloths, to minimize friction which can stimulate the skin and lead to increased sebum.
You can also use blotting paper, which absorbs oil from the skin and makes it look less oily. Blotting paper does not treat sebum production.
Cloth towels impregnated with cleansing ingredients, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, can remove oil from the skin while cleaning pores.
Daily routines for oily skin
In addition to home remedies, a person can follow daily routines that can help reduce oily skin, including:
wash your face twice a day with warm water
use water-based products
change your diet by avoiding fatty foods and trans fats.
eating a balanced, whole-food diet
stay hydrated
avoiding touching your face throughout the day
apply moisturizer daily
Avoid putting on make-up while sleeping.
Summary
Oily skin is a relatively common condition, and a person can use various home remedies to treat it. These include honey, jojoba oil, egg white and clay.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments and home remedies do not improve the appearance of oily skin, or if they are painful or bothersome.
