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This blog does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Read more. The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this blog should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this blog are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN
Oily skin is a concern for many teens and adults alike. Since oily skin has many origins, figuring out its cause can be a challenge, making this skin condition particularly irritating. And while simple lifestyle changes and certain skincare products can improve or even solve some causes of oily skin, other causes may be more difficult to fix. Luckily, there are many ways to improve oily skin, no matter the origin.
Oily skin can be caused by many factors—some are under our control, and others aren’t. While a genetic predisposition to oily skin can be more challenging to combat, remedies are available. Hormonal changes and lifestyle factors can all influence oil production. For example, a diet rich in added sugar, poor-quality fats, and highly processed foods may reduce the skin’s integrity, leading to more oil production.
Lastly, the products you use on your skin and your daily skincare routine may also influence oil production. Some products strip the natural oils from your skin, signaling your body to produce more oil.
Managing oily skin is a top question for dermatologists, who can help identify the causes of your oily skin and help develop a skincare routine that addresses your individual skin’s needs.
While your dermatologist may suggest or prescribe over-the-counter or prescription treatments, many natural remedies for oily skin are available for you to explore. While some, like clay masks and blotting papers, are designed to improve oily skin as their primary functions, many household ingredients can improve your oily skin. And while some may temporarily reduce the appearance of oil on your skin, others work more proactively to reduce ongoing oil production.
Blotting papers can quickly and easily reduce oil on your skin—however, they are generally a temporary fix. If you are out and about and need a simple way to manage the oil on your skin, blotting papers are one of the most convenient solutions.
When gently patted on the skin, blotting papers absorb oil, removing it from the skin’s surface. This reduces the shiny appearance many dislike and creates a more matte look. Read on for more solutions to oily skin that may reduce oil production overall.
Honey is a household ingredient that may improve oily skin. While you may already use it to sweeten your tea and in baking and cooking, honey possesses unique properties that benefit your skin when applied topically.
Honey has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can reduce microbes on the skin and lessen oil production. Additionally, honey may help reduce the likelihood of blemishes and acne due to its antibacterial properties.
While all forms of honey can be used to make a face mask, manuka honey is a unique form of honey with even more antimicrobial properties than the traditional sweetener. You can make a honey mask by blending honey and oats in a blender and applying it to your face. Gently rub the mixture over your face, then wash off completely.
Like blotting papers, clay masks absorb excess oil from the surface of your skin. While this may not be a quick solution when you are on the go, including masking as part of your regular skincare routine may lessen your skin’s oil production while reducing “oil shine” at the same time.
Many beauty brands make ready-to-use clay masks you can apply directly to your skin and leave on for a period of time before simply washing off. Some clay products can be combined with other ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, to create a face mask. No matter which clay product you use, ensure you follow the package instructions for safe use practices.
Like honey, aloe vera is another household product that can benefit skin in many ways. While you may already have store-bought gel at home to ease sunburn discomfort, you can also apply this product to your face to deter oily skin. Fresh aloe vera can also be applied to skin as a moisturizer that lessens the production of oil.
When using any form of aloe, it is important to test a small patch of skin first before using it on a larger area. Some people are allergic to aloe—a patch test can help you avoid more widespread discomfort in case you have a sensitivity.
While you may be used to eating your oatmeal rather than applying it to your skin, a homemade oatmeal mask is another solution to oily skin. Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it may also reduce redness and the appearance of acne and blemishes when applied to the skin. Additionally, topically applied oatmeal can absorb oil, reducing the amount that rests on the surface of your skin.
You can combine honey and oatmeal to make a simple mask or mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and just enough water to create a paste. Apply to your skin for about 10 minutes and thoroughly rinse away for an oil-reducing mask.
Applying oil to your face may seem counterintuitive when you have oily skin. However, jojoba oil is an ingredient that may benefit oily or acne-prone skin.
When applied topically, jojoba oil can balance your natural oil production, decreasing the amount of oil your skin produces. Jojoba oil is also considered non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores—another perk if you suffer from acne. Applying jojoba oil directly on your face can also moisturize skin while mitigating oil production. For a boost of oil-fighting power, consider adding jojoba oil to your favorite clay mask.
The combination of egg whites and lemon juice is another homemade mask used to reduce oil production. When applied to the face, egg whites can close pores and reduce the secretion of sebum (oil). This can lead to a less oily face and may reduce the likelihood of acne and blemishes.
The lemon juice in this mask serves as a light bleaching agent, helping to even out your complexion. Undiluted lemon juice should not be used directly on your skin, as it could cause a reaction and burning sensation. Instead, dilute the lemon juice before adding it to your egg whites when making your mask. After the mask has been on for about 10 minutes, thoroughly wash with warm water.
Sure, almonds make a delicious and nutritious snack—but they can also improve oily skin. Almonds are a source of healthy unsaturated fats. When crushed in a food processor and applied to your skin, they may balance the production of skin oil, too. The vitamin E in almonds also provides its own benefits, like brightening the skin and improving skin damage caused by UV exposure.
Use equal parts honey and crushed almonds, then apply this exfoliating scrub to your face. Massage gently into the skin, then rinse away.
One of the most obvious ways to improve oily skin is by washing your face to remove excess oil. While this sounds simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re helping—and not hurting—your skin’s condition.
First, identify your skin type to determine the correct type of cleanser for your skin. Those with oily skin may benefit most from an oil-free cleanser, like a foaming or gel cleanser. A slew of other ingredients may also benefit oily skin. Check out this article for a dermatologist’s take on which ingredients to look for when choosing a cleanser.
Lastly, check with your dermatologist on how frequently you should wash your face. Washing with a cleanser too often—or not frequently enough—can influence sebum production. In most cases, you should not wash your face more than twice a day, and some may benefit from limiting cleansing to once daily.
Managing oily skin can take some trial and error. What works for your friend may not work for you—and vice versa. However, with these tips, tricks, and advice, you will be well on your way to beautiful, healthy skin.
Though you may be excited to try out these new skincare ideas for oily skin, don’t implement them all at once. Allow several days between trying new products or homemade masks to avoid overwhelming the sensitive skin on your face. Overdoing it with too many new treatments could lead to even more complexion problems.
Along with trying out new treatments for oily skin, be sure you stay well hydrated. Dehydration can make oily skin worse, so drink plenty of water throughout the day and aim for a minimum of 80 ounces of total fluid daily. Keeping a reusable bottle on hand is a great way to stay on top of your fluid needs.
Additionally, look for oil-free skincare and makeup products to improve oily skin. And don’t forget to moisturize your skin. While it may seem that a moisturizer could make skin even oilier, moisturizing is essential for controlling skin moisture, improving oiliness, and achieving healthy skin.
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