Do you have oily skin? If so, you're not alone. Oily skin is the result of the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands. This can lead to a number of problems, including acne and blackheads.
Sebum is an oily substance made of fats. Sebum isn’t all bad since it helps protect and moisturize your skin BUT... Too much sebum, however, may lead to oily skin, which can lead to clogged pores and you guessed it... acne. This can also be impacted by genetics, hormones, or even stress.
While there are many products on the market that claim to help oily skin, not all of them work. In this blog post, we will discuss the best home remedies for oily skin that actually work (for real)!
Wash or cleanse your face
This one is the most obvious one we can think of. If you aren't doing it regularly and consistently then... we have a problem.
It's important to wash your face every day to maintain good skin health. Washing your face removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog your pores and lead to acne. It's also important to use a gentle soap that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.
If your skin's oily, you should wash your face around twice a day. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents and use a gentle soap.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that can be used to help improve skin conditions. It can soothe sunburns, moisturize the skin, and even help with acne. It's one of the best remedies for oily skin because it helps to control sebum production, which can lead to fewer breakouts.
Almonds
One of the best home remedies for oily skin is to use ground-up almonds or a similar nut. Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, which is beneficial for keeping your skin healthy. They also help exfoliate skin and absorb excess oil in pores. To use them as a remedy for oily skin, mix a tablespoon of ground almonds with enough milk to make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Honey
We all know that honey is one of nature’s greatest creations. That’s why we must protect our fellow 🐝 friends at all costs. More on that in a future article!
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. It's also antibacterial, so it can help to fight acne. Honey is a great home remedy for oily skin because it helps to control sebum production, which can lead to fewer breakouts. Some ways to use honey as a home remedy for oily skin include:
- Applying honey directly to your skin as a mask
- Mixing honey with lemon juice or cucumber juice and using as a face mask
- Adding honey to your bath water
- Using honey as a moisturizer
Natural clays + cosmetic clays
Natural healing clays help to latch onto and absorb oil in skin. Certain clays come in powdered form and all you have to do is add water to the mix.
Certain clays come in powdered form and all you have to do is add water to the mix. These clays help to latch onto and absorb oil in skin, which can lead to a reduction in oiliness and even improved clogged pores.
Speaking of clay masks, we know them well (our Dead Sea Mud Mask, hint, hint). It’s mixed with healing clays from the Dead Sea as well as organic honey and other nourishing ingredients that will not only latch onto blackheads, clogged pores and impurities, but it will also help to hydrate and protect skin for the long term.
Oatmeal
We know this one really well when it comes to a balanced, healthy diet… but oatmeal actually can help improve the look of oily skin. Who would have thought?
It calms inflammation and can even absorb excess oil trapped in skin. Combining it with natural ingredients like honey or yogurt can help to exfoliate the outer layers of dead skin.
Try combining ground up oatmeal with:
- hot water to form a paste like substance
- mixing in some natural honey or a small amount of yogurt
- gently rubbing in the mixture onto your face for a few minutes
- rinse and pat dry for a quick cleansing effect
Regular Blotting
You can take a proactive stance when it comes to managing the oiliness that gets secreted from the skin’s glands.
Grab some papers or blotting papers, or even paper towel would work. This method is more of a self-care idea, as you’ll need to remind yourself and create a habit to stick to.
You’ll want to regularly blot any excess oil from your face periodically thoughout the day to help minimize shininess and greasiness in skin. It’s a super easy and affordable way to help control the oilineess that your skin secrets over time.
Scrubs or Konjac sponges
Natural exfoliating tools like a konjac sponge or scrub can help keep your pores clean.
Using a konjac sponge can help to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin. This will remove any dirt or dead skin that has built up and can lead to clogs and excess oil buildup.
You don’t want to overuse tools like these though, as over exfoliating will hurt you in the long run. It can cause dryness, which will eventually increase sebum production and potentially make your skin even more oily! And we don’t want that at all. It’s all about a regular balanced routine, so be on the lookout for the time that works best for you.
We usually say a good exfoliation session should happen around 1-2 times a week to start. If you feel you might need more… maybe a 3rd time would help you out but you definitely don’t want to exfoliate more than that! Controlling oily skin is key to keeping your complexion looking its best. While some people may be tempted to over-exfoliate in an attempt to get rid of the oil, this can actually backfire and make the problem worse. The best approach is a balanced routine that includes regular exfoliation, blotting papers, and using natural ingredients like honey or clay to absorb excess oil.
The bottom line
Managing oily skin can be a challenge, but it's worth it to have a clear and healthy complexion. Thankfully, there are many home remedies that can help control oiliness. Natural exfoliants like konjac sponges or scrubs can remove dirt and dead skin cells from pores, while ingredients like honey or clay can absorb excess oil. Regular blotting with papers or blotting powder can also help keep shine at bay. With a little effort, you can achieve and maintain oily skin using these simple home remedies.