Having oily skin is not necessarily a bad thing. It has its benefits, like effectively trapping moisture and giving you a natural dewy complexion no makeup can imitate. However, if sebum production gets too much, you’ll most likely suffer from several skin problems. Here are some home remedies you can do to avoid excessive grime:

What Causes Oily Skin?

It’s a misconception to think that oily skin stems from junk foods, excess moisturisers, or even sunscreen usage. Fun fact: it’s due to the overproduction of sebum - with genetics as the primary culprit. If you constantly have to deal with shiny skin, chances are, you have your parents to thank for it.

However, there are also other reasons, including the following:

Age. Your present age may be behind your excess shine and grease, especially if you’re between puberty and menopause. During this time, oil production skyrockets due to changes in your body systems.

You’re on Your Period. During your menstrual cycle, your hormones are haywire, and your progesterone levels are at an all-time high. These lead to the overproduction of sebum, on top of other skin issues.

The Air is Hot and Heavy. As the temperature rises, you’ll notice your skin getting greasy. This is due to the hot air, which stimulates the pores to sweat and releases oil.

Oily skin can be annoying, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Here are some of the proven methods to combat oily skin at home:

Invest in a Proper Skincare Regimen

If you’re suffering from excessive sebum production, you should aim to turn your skincare routine into a ritual. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but it’s not impossible when you’re keen on building your regimen. For starters, you should learn the ins and outs of your particular skin type and what causes it to get oily.

Avoid washing your face too much, especially using harsh soaps. Doing so will only irritate your skin and stimulate more of your pores, bringing out more grease. Instead, use an oil cleanser that is gentle and alcohol-free. You may also want to invest in a trustworthy toner, something with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Don’t forget to apply it religiously, especially if you’ve spent the day full of makeup.

Rely on Au Naturale Face Masks

Your pantry is full of hidden skincare wonders, including all-natural face masks that can combat oily skin. If you’re stuck at home for a few hours with nothing better to do, concoct a matcha and mint mask (our Refresh mask is ideal) to deal with excess sebum. It has a cooling effect that can also help with skin irritation and redness, so you’re targeting other skin issues at hand.

Check out some common household ingredients you can use to whip up your homemade face masks below:

• Oatmeal
• Egg Whites
• Activated Charcoal
• Potatoes
• Green Tea
• Slice Up Some Tomatoes

One of the main sources of nutrients and antioxidants found in food and skincare products is tomatoes. They’re delicious, but the cherry on top is that they can remedy your oily skin without spending too much money. You don’t have to purchase processed ones at the store; the one lying in your garden is enough to help with your skin needs.

All you have to do is slice a tomato and gently rub it all over your face. You could even spread it out on your neck to stave off wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing. Tomatoes are packed with plenty of vitamins to boot, so they’re a great help when fighting off acne and dead skin cells. Remember to rinse after twenty minutes and moisturise to make the most of this home remedy.

Moisturise Using Aloe Vera Gel

If you’re not a big fan of store-bought aloe products, you can make use of your aloe vera plant. It may require a bit of labor on your part, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for homemade remedies that’ll do wonders for your skin. It’s the holy grail for people dealing with sebum overproduction, as it helps you stay hydrated without blocking your pores.

Aloe vera gel is also an effective natural astringent, dissolving excess facial grime without causing skin irritation. On top of all these, it can generally heal the skin and uproot the cause of your oily cycle. Remember: the best time to apply the gel is before bedtime, then rinse it all off once you wake up.

Stock Up on Blotting Papers and Cleansing Cloths

Washing your face often can be tempting if you’re prone to oiliness throughout the day. However, doing this more than twice will dry out your skin and send your sebum production into overdrive. Luckily, you have two home remedies you can rely on - blotting papers and cleansing wipes.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on big brands that do the same as every other product. For one, you can use clean coffee filters as an alternative to dab away excess oil on your face. You can also use washcloths and soak them with toner or oil to create reusable cleansing wipes. They’re budget-friendly and effective; you can even summon your inner artist to cut them out into fun shapes.

The Bottom Line

If you’re not keen on using processed, commercial products to treat oily skin, you can resort to homemade remedies instead. It’s accessible and budget-friendly, so you won’t have trouble treating excess grime with common ingredients.

However, note that homemade treatments are not 100% effective and still dependent on your specific situation. If you think it only worsens your symptoms or you feel your skin getting sensitive, discontinue use and book a visit to a dermatologist.

Article written by Myrtle Bautista

Image from Haley Lawrence via https://unsplash.com/photos/o0dD4HFJFWY