10 Natural Solutions for Managing Oily Skin

Dealing with oily skin can often feel like an endless struggle to eliminate shine from your forehead and chin. Genetics often play a significant role, as excessively oily skin tends to run in families.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during adolescence and early adulthood, can lead to oily skin and acne breakouts. However, this issue isn't limited to younger individuals. Many women experience oily skin during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Certain birth control pills may also contribute to increased skin oiliness.

Another factor contributing to oily skin is the male hormone androgen, which regulates oil production. Interestingly, women's bodies also produce androgen through the ovaries and adrenal glands. This explains why many women experience oilier skin during their menstrual cycle and menopause, as androgen levels fluctuate.

The silver lining of oily skin is its anti-aging benefits. Individuals with oily skin often develop fewer wrinkles over time compared to those with dry or normal skin.

Wondering how to manage oily skin for a flawless appearance? Turn to the next page to discover effective home remedies for controlling oily skin.

This information is for educational purposes only. IT IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this content. This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

1: Wash Your Face

Oily skin can typically be managed at home, but consult a doctor if acne persists despite home treatments or if you experience sudden, unusual skin changes (e.g., skin shifting from dry to oily abruptly without hormonal reasons). Start by ensuring your skin is thoroughly clean.

For those with oily skin, excess oil can make the skin appear and feel unclean. To address this, cleanse your skin at least twice daily. Some experts suggest using detergent-based soaps, and adding a drop of dishwashing detergent to your soap can help dissolve oil. However, other dermatologists caution against detergent soaps, recommending glycerin soap for gentle yet effective cleansing. If detergent soap irritates your skin, switch to glycerin soap, widely available in drugstores.

2: Absorb Extra Oil

Use aloe vera. Apply aloe vera gel, available at drugstores and health-food stores, to absorb oil and unclog pores. Use the gel two to three times daily, especially after cleansing, and allow it to dry. For a refreshing effect, store the gel in the refrigerator.

Apply astringents. Rubbing alcohol or alcohol-acetone blends, like those in Seba-Nil Liquid Cleanser, can effectively reduce oil without the need for costly, fragranced astringents. Convenient premoistened alcohol wipes are also available for on-the-go use.

Keep tissues handy. Even without astringents, facial tissues can quickly absorb excess oil. Specialized oil-absorbing tissues, available at cosmetics counters, are particularly effective for touch-ups between washes.

Refresh with cold water rinses. For a chemical-free approach, splashing your face with cold water and gently drying it a few times daily can help reduce excess oil.

3: Ban Moisturizers

Despite advertisements promoting facial moisturizers, those with oily skin should avoid them, as their skin naturally maintains moisture and prevents dryness. However, using sunscreen before daytime outdoor activities is essential. Look for products labeled for oily skin or noncomedogenic to avoid clogging pores, which is crucial for acne-prone skin.

4: Avoid Oils

Keep hair pulled back. If you're dealing with oily skin, it's advisable to keep your hair away from your face, as oily hair and skin often coexist.

Avoid touching your face. Refrain from touching your face during the day, as your hands can transfer excess oil and dirt.

Opt for water-based cosmetics. Ideally, try to avoid makeup, especially foundation, as it can trap oil and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, choose water-based formulas over oil-based ones and use spot concealers instead of full-face coverage. Stick to powder or gel blushers and steer clear of cream foundations.

Sometimes, additional measures are needed. Discover natural home remedies using ingredients from your kitchen on the next page.

5: Make a Scrub or Masque

A gentle facial scrub can help eliminate excess surface oil. Try this almond honey scrub: Combine a small amount of almond meal (ground almonds) with honey. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin using a hot washcloth, then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, create a scrub with oatmeal and aloe vera. Apply it gently, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse off. Avoid scrubs if you have facial acne, as they may worsen irritation.

Face masks can also help reduce oiliness. Use a clay mask or mix Fuller's Earth (available at pharmacies) with water to create a paste. Apply it to your face, leave it on for about 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

6: Exfoliate

Use a gentle abrasive approach. For liquid soap users, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Gently apply to oily areas like the nose and chin. This mild abrasive effectively removes blackheads and excess oil. Rinse with cool water. Alternatively, exfoliate with white or apple cider vinegar. Apply with a cotton ball before bed, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Consistent use for three weeks yields results. For sensitive skin, dilute vinegar with four parts water. For a refreshing summer option, chill the vinegar or freeze it into ice cubes for a cooling facial treatment.

7: Use Cornstarch and Salt

Cornstarch. Cornstarch effectively dries oily areas. Combine 1 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water to form a paste. Apply to your face, let it dry, then rinse with lukewarm water. For optimal results, use this treatment once daily.

Salt. A natural gift from the sea, salt is an excellent desiccant. Fill a small spray bottle with lukewarm water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Close your eyes, imagine you're by the sea, and lightly mist your face once daily. Gently blot dry.

8: Make an Apple Facial

For a homemade facial that combats oil, mix 1/2 cup mashed apple, 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1 slightly beaten egg white, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a smooth paste. Apply to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

9: Try Egg Yolk

For a quick solution to reduce oil shine, use an egg yolk mask. Apply the yolk with a cotton ball to oily areas, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

10: Refresh Skin With Fruit

Citrus fruits and certain vegetables not only rejuvenate the skin but also help control oil production. Combine equal parts lemon juice and water, apply to the face, and let it dry. Rinse with warm water first, then cool water for a refreshing finish. Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon lime juice with the same amount of cucumber juice and apply to the skin a few minutes before showering.