Oily skin is the result of the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands. These glands are located under the skin’s surface.
Sebum is an oily substance made of fats. Sebum isn’t all bad since it helps protect and moisturize your skin and keep your hair shiny and healthy.
Too much sebum, however, may lead to oily skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Genetics, hormone changes, or even stress may increase sebum production.
Oily skin and acne are challenging to manage. Still, home remedies often reduce symptoms without the use of prescription drugs or expensive skin care regimens. Here are 10 remedies for oily skin you can try at home.
- Wash your face
It seems obvious, but many people with oily skin don’t wash their face daily. If your skin’s oily, you should wash your face twice a day — but don’t overdo it. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents. Use a gentle soap such as glycerin soap instead.
- Blotting papers
These thin, small papers won’t prevent your sebaceous glands from going into overdrive, but they’ll allow you to blot excess oil from your face to help minimize shiny, greasy skin. Blotting papers are inexpensive and available over the counter. Use as needed throughout the day.
- Honey
Honey is one of nature’s most revered skin remedies. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic abilities, it may benefit oily and acne-prone skin.
Honey is also a natural humectant, so it helps keep the skin moist but not oily. This is because humectants draw moisture from the skin without replacing it.
To use honey to treat acne and oily skin, spread a thin layer, preferably raw, onto your face; let it dry for about 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Cosmetic clay
Cosmetic clays, also called healing clays, are used to help absorb skin oil and treat many skin conditions. French green clay is a popular treatment for oily skin and acne since it’s highly absorbent. French green clay comes in powder form.
To make a spa-worthy French green clay mask:
Add filtered water or rose water to about a teaspoon of clay until it forms a pudding-like consistency.
Apply the clay mixture to your face and leave it on until it dries.
Remove the clay with warm water and pat dry.
Clay masks removed with water are much gentler on your skin than peel-off masks.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal helps calm inflamed skin and absorb excess oil. It also helps exfoliate dead skin. When used in facial masks, oatmeal is usually ground. It can be combined with yogurt, honey, or mashed fruit such as bananas, apples, or papaya. To use oatmeal on your face:
Combine 1/2 cup ground oats with hot water to form a paste.
Stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
Massage the oatmeal mixture into your face for about three minutes; rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
Alternatively, apply the oatmeal mixture to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes; rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
- Egg whites and lemons
Egg whites and lemons are a folk remedy for oily skin. Both ingredients are thought to tighten pores. The acid in lemons and other citrus fruits may help absorb oil. According to a 2008 study, lemons also have antibacterial abilities. However, this remedy is not a good choice for people with egg allergies.
To make an egg white and lemon face mask:
Combine 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
Apply it to your face, and leave it on until the mask dries.
Remove with warm water, and pat dry.
- Almonds
Ground almonds not only work to exfoliate your skin, but they also help sop up excess oils and impurities. To use an almond face scrub:
Finely grind raw almonds to make 3 teaspoons.
Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
Apply to your face gently, in circular motions.
Rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
You can also make an almond face mask by grinding the almonds into a paste before adding the honey. Leave the mask on for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Do not use if you have a nut allergy.
The post 10 Home Remedies for Oily Skin appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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