Oily skin can be caused by a whole host of things, including diet, hormones, environmental factors, and cosmetics. While many people tend to think of oily skin as a problem that plagues teenagers, it can persist throughout adulthood. It can even emerge for the first time as you approach middle age – and it never gets less annoying.
A greasy complexion can cause your make-up to wear off more quickly, and can clog your pores, leading to blackheads and pimples. That’s not even mentioning that oily skin can reflect light, causing you to shine like a beacon in photos. We all want a ‘glow,’ but not like this!
Getting rid of oily skin can be quite tricky, as you can accidentally go too far in the opposite direction. Harsh exfoliants and astringents can actually strip your face of necessary oils (sebum), and cause your skin to increase oil production. The result is dry, flaky skin, and the early onset of wrinkles. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways that you can get rid of oily skin without damaging
your face. Here are six tried and true home remedies that can help you wave goodbye to oily skin.
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
This first point almost seems too obvious, but there is an art and a science to washing your face correctly. Attacking it too often or too vigorously with an astringent will dry your skin out, but using something too rich in oils or butters can add to the problem. The best way to clean your face is to apply a gentle foaming cleanser with clean, damp hands, and massage the product into your skin with an even pressure. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel. Resist the urge to scrub your skin with anything exfoliating more than once per week.
2. Create a soothing mask from organic yogurt
Oily skin can be a breeding ground for all kinds of nasty bacteria, some of which can cause acne and breakouts. One way to soothe your skin and fight bacteria is to make a mask from organic yogurt. Plain yogurt is packed with probiotics that will fight the bad bacteria and settle your skin. To use this home remedy, simply place a thin layer of organic yogurt on your skin and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply aloe vera to your face
Aloe vera is a plant with many medicinal properties, and it can help to balance your body’s pH levels, evening out the sebum production in your skin. To make use of aloe vera on your face, simply squeeze the naturally occurring gel from a frond of the plant. Apply a thin layer on your face, and rinse with warm water after 10 minutes.
If you are using commercially packaged aloe vera, make sure that it has not been mixed with alcohol. While alcohol will have an instant drying effect, it will damage your skin over time.
4. Keep blotting papers on hand
Blotting papers are a quick and easy solution for oily skin, perfect for your handbag. They absorb all of the excess oil on your face and leave your skin looking matte and dry. They won’t address the problem at its root, but they can be a lifesaver when you are out and about. While you can buy these thin papers in small packs from most drugstores, you can also make them yourself. Simply cut rice paper (or even tissue paper) into squares and keep them in a container for use as needed.
5. Cucumbers help heal and soothe oily skin
Cucumbers are not only mildly astringent and loaded with vitamins, they are also soothing and cooling, all properties that are perfect for oily skin. You can simply rub thick slices of cucumber on your face, or you can mash them to a pulp and apply like a mask. Do this a few times a week, and you will see a big improvement in your skin.
6. Make a mask from cosmetic clay
Cosmetic clays are incredibly absorbent, perfect for soaking up excess oil without drying out your skin. In fact, many clays (such as French green clay, bentonite, and kaolin, often sold in powdered form) can also be used to treat irritated or sensitive skin.
You can make your own soothing mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of French green clay with rose water, until it has the consistency of pudding. Apply this to your face and allow it to dry, and then rinse with warm water.
Speak Your Mind