Oily Face

Our skin contains numerous oil glands, known as sebaceous glands that secrete oil or sebum to keep the skin smooth and moisturized. However, certain people have overactive sebaceous glands on their skin, which produce more oil or sebum than what is required for keeping the skin soft and supple. The result is oily skin, with greasy shine and enlarged pores. Such skin usually attracts more dirt and grim from the environment than other types of skin, which makes oily skin more prone to acne and pimple breakouts. On the positive side, it is more resistant to the signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines.

But still, frequent acne breakouts, and that greasy shine gives oily skin an unattractive and dull look. The areas of the face that are more likely to have this problem are the forehead region and the areas along the nose and the chin. Greasy face tends to have larger skin pores, which often give it a rough or coarse appearance. For all these reasons, it is quite natural to find ways to get rid of excess oil from the skin. However, while trying to do so, it is very important to adopt an approach that can not only help to remove excess oil from the skin, but also address the underlying factors that stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more than enough oil.

Oily Skin Causes

For many individuals, it is an inherited condition, where the sebaceous glands are programmed to secrete more than the required amount of sebum. However, the activity of the sebaceous glands can be affected by certain factors as well. The factors that are more commonly found to trigger an excessive secretion of oil or sebum are, hormonal imbalance, use of harsh soaps or cleansers and oil based cosmetics, humidity and hot weather. Hormonal imbalance in the body on the other hand, can be caused by several conditions. Usually, the teenagers and adolescents can experience an over secretion of sebum, due to a rising level of the hormone androgen.

But women can experience hormonal fluctuations and as a result oily skin, during pregnancy and menopause. Even those using birth control pills can get this problem, due to changes in the level of hormones in the body. Last but not the least, intake of certain medications, smoking, as well as diet can also affect the activities of the sebaceous glands. Smoking can enlarge the skin pores and thereby, stimulate the secretion of more oil. Similarly, excessive consumption of certain foods like, oily or greasy foods and fried or junk foods are believed to cause the problem of greasy face.

Oily Skin Care

The key to is regular cleansing, and choosing the right type of cosmetics and skin care products. Many people believe that by washing their face frequently, and using a strong cleanser to remove excess oil can help them to overcome this problem. But contrary to this belief, frequent washing, as well as use of harsh cleansers can prove counterproductive. This will actually stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete more oil, in order to compensate the loss of oil. So, limit washing your face to two to three times a day with a gentle soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. While washing your face, massage it gently.

As far as cosmetics are concerned, use the oil free ones, that have been specifically designed for oily skin. Use moisturizer when required, especially after cleansing the skin. But, be sure to use a light and oil free moisturizer. Along with cleansing and moisturizing, exfoliation is also important for skin care. Exfoliation at regular intervals helps to get rid of dead skin cells, which in turn, can prevent the clogging of skin pores and development of pimples and blackheads.

Home Remedies for Oily Skin

Certain home remedies have proved their efficacy in controlling the secretion of sebaceous glands.

• Use aloe vera gel, which can prove effective for several oily skin problems like, pimples and acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help to address such skin problems.
• A paste of sandalwood powder, used as a face mask can immensely benefit oily skin. Mix sandalwood powder with water or rose water to make a paste, and apply evenly on your face, excluding the eye area. Let it dry and then wash if off with lukewarm water. It would help to remove excess oil and clear up acne and skin blemishes.
• Use milk which can help to keep oily skin clean, and prevent the clogging of skin pores.
• Try honey to moisturize your face and also give it a soft and radiant look. Apply honey all over the face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
• Use a face pack of honey and uncooked oatmeal. Mix a small amount of lemon juice with honey and oatmeal to make a fine paste, and apply it on your face evenly. Leave for about 15 minutes and then wash with tepid water.
• To absorb the excess oil present on your face, try fuller's earth or multani mitti. Mix it with water to make a paste and apply on the face. Let it dry and then wash it off with tepid water to get radiant and smooth skin.
• Like fuller's earth, you can use clay mask to get rid of excess oil from your face. Mix clay with water and lemon juice, and apply the resulting paste on your face and neck. You can also add honey and yogurt to it to get better result.
• One of the simplest way to remove the excess oil present on the skin is to apply lemon juice. The acids in lemon juice would dissolve the sebum, and also reduce dark spots and blemishes.
• Grate a few slices of cucumber, add a small amount of lemon juice to it and mix them properly. Now, add some water to it and apply on your face and neck. Leave for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash your face thoroughly.

Diet for Oily Skin

Diet can play an important role in solving skin problems. People with oily skin should restrict their consumption of fats, especially animal fats and greasy and fried foods. Instead, they should follow a healthy diet by consuming lots of green vegetables, fresh fruits and protein rich foods like, whole grains, beans and nuts. Also eat foods that contain vitamin B2, as many times, deficiency of this vitamin can also stimulate excess production of sebum. At the same time, avoid smoking and cut down the consumption of alcohol.

Its treatment demands not only appropriate skin care with regular cleansing and application of the above mentioned natural remedies, but also a balanced diet in order to address the underlying factors, responsible for this condition. In addition to these, to get glowing and problem free skin, be sure to drink plenty of water. To sum up, a healthy lifestyle and proper skin care is what is required for dealing with oily or greasy face.