Natural Home Remedies for Oily Skin

Struggling with oily skin, constant shine, or frequent breakouts? You’re not alone. Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum, often resulting in clogged pores and acne.

 The good news? You don’t need expensive skincare products to manage it. With the help of natural remedies like aloe vera, fuller’s earth, and gram flour, you can balance oil production and enjoy clearer, healthier skin, right from your kitchen.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a result of the overactive sebaceous glands secreting excess amounts of sebum, a natural oil which is supposed to keep your skin well-hydrated. Although sebum is essential for skin health, an excessive amount of it can cause pore blockage, exacerbate acne, and produce an unwanted shine on the skin. 

Genetics, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and environmental conditions all contribute to the development of oily skin. Understanding the causes of oily skin is the first step in managing and effectively treating it.

How to Identify Oily Skin: Common Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of oily skin can help you adjust your skincare routine to manage it better and reduce excess oil. 

Here are the symptoms of oily skin:

• Shiny or Greasy Appearance: Oily skin often has a shiny or greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.
• Frequent Breakouts: Individuals with oily skin are particularly prone to frequent acne breakouts due to clogged pores.
• Larger Pores: Overproduction of oil may cause pores to appear larger because the pores themselves are enlarged.
• Blackheads and Whiteheads: Excessive oil production can lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, which are common in oily skin.
• Makeup Issues: Makeup tends to slip off or become patchy on oily skin throughout the day.
• Thick or Rough Skin Texture: Oily skin may feel thick or rough due to the buildup of oil and dead skin cells.

10 Best Natural Home Remedies for Oily Skin

With some simple ingredients, you can control oily skin right from home and that too with minimal side effects. These natural home remedies for oily skin can help you get clear, glowing skin. Here are some natural home remedies:

1) Soy

Soy is particularly recognised for normalising the oils within one’s skin and is, therefore, a popular treatment for oily skin. Soy-based products tend to balance natural skin oils by reducing greasiness, which helps prevent outbreaks. 

With regular use, this could result in an even skin tone, as soy not only controls oil but also provides the skin with what it needs to be healthy.

2) Fuller’s Earth

Renowned for its homemade remedies for oily skin is multani mitti, also known as fuller’s clay; the properties in this product can ideally absorb excessive oils, thus preventing pimples and acne on the skin. 

Being able to draw out harsh impurities from the skin, fuller’s clay leaves the skin fresh and less greasy. Over time, continued use helps one achieve smoother and more balanced skin, making fuller’s earth a must in most oily skin regimens.

3) Gram Flour

Besan is the age-old remedy for oily skin. It has natural exfoliating properties that clean away dead skin cells and excess oil, unclog pores, and reduce the likelihood of acne. 

Mix gram flour with water or yoghurt to form a soothing face mask that controls oil and brightens the skin, leaving it soft and radiant.

4) Aloe Vera

From oily skin to other skin troubles, aloe vera is taken as an all-around treatment that soothes and hydrates the skin. Unlike many treatments, aloe vera does not leave the skin greasy while hydrating; thus, it will help maintain your skin’s moisture level perfectly. Indeed, the natural astringent properties help reduce excess oil and irritation, thereby giving one a clear and even complexion when used habitually.

5) Face Wash

The face wash designed for oily skin is essential to control excess oil. Face wash contains non-aggressive cleansers with elements like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which help reduce the level of oil secretion and acne. 

The application of a face wash that targets the purpose effectively pulls out impurities and excess oil from your face, leaving it fresh and clean without drying out your skin.

6) Blotting Paper

Blotting paper is a must-have for individuals with oily skin, as it provides a fast and easy way to control shine throughout the day. These small sheets absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface without disturbing makeup, making them ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. Having blotting papers in your bag helps control shine, especially in humid conditions.

7) Moisturiser

Contrary to the general view, oily skin needs moisturiser. The trick lies in just choosing a light, oil-free moisturiser which hydrates the skin without adding extra oil. 

Proper moisturising does much good in regulating skin moisture, preventing the skin from overproducing its natural oils as a compensatory measure, and often results in fewer breakouts and healthier skin barriers.

8) Avoid Touching Your Face

Touching your face throughout the day can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oils from your hands to your skin, stimulating oil production and potentially leading to breakouts. Keeping a clear complexion involves keeping touch as minimal as possible. Such simple habits can ultimately reduce the possibilities of acne development while keeping your skin fresh and clean.

9) Choose Oil-Free Products

If you have oily skin, ensure that your skincare and makeup choices are oil-free. There are always special formulas with the property of not clogging pores or contributing to the greasiness of oily skin. 

Apply an oil-free foundation or a moisturiser with sunscreen to keep your skin looking matte for most of the day, control oil, and prevent acne.

10) Other Remedies

Other common remedies that can be used for people with oily skin include apple cider vinegar. In addition to these natural solutions for oily skin, using honey masks for their antibacterial properties or taking green tea for its antioxidant benefits, these remedies contribute to overall skin health and help address specific skin concerns.

When to See a Dermatologist for Oily Skin?

If your oily skin is also severely acne-prone, constantly irritated, or if the home remedy for oily skin isn’t practical, then it’s high time to see a dermatologist. This may be enough to warrant a consultation with a dermatologist, who can offer more targeted treatments, such as prescriptions or in-office procedures, to manage your skin concerns better.

Can You Permanently Remove Facial Oil?

To remove oil from your face permanently, focus on maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of oil-free products. Incorporate natural remedies, such as clay masks and aloe vera, to help control oil production. While it’s challenging to eliminate oil due to genetics, regular care can significantly reduce excess oil and keep your skin balanced.

Takeaway

Managing oily skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By incorporating natural remedies for oily skin, such as aloe vera, gram flour, and clay masks, into your daily routine, you can reduce excess sebum and prevent breakouts. 

Remember, consistency is key. For persistent concerns or severe acne, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to explore advanced treatment options.

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Disclaimer 

This article has been reviewed for accuracy by a medical expert; however, please consult your doctor before trying any medications, supplements, or seeking a second opinion on any information discussed in this document.

Expert Quote:

“Natural ingredients like fuller’s earth, aloe vera, and gram flour are gentle yet effective in managing oily skin. Combined with good hygiene and sun protection, these remedies can help restore balance and clarity.”

-Dr Anubha Karol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Sánchez, M., González-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I., & Gómez-Serranillos, M. P. (2020). Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules, 25(6), 1324.https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324
• Endly, D. C., & Miller, R. A. (2017, August 1). Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. PubMed Central (PMC).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605215/
• Shenefelt, P. D. (2011). Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders. Herbal Medicine – NCBI Bookshelf.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/
• Pal, R. S., Pal, Y., & Wal, P. (2017). In-House preparation and standardization of herbal face pack. The Open Dermatology Journal, 11(1), 72–80. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874372201711010072
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