Oily Skin Remedies

Oily skin is a cause of embarrassment for many, as the skin look dull and greasy. This is due to the overactive sebaceous glands in the skin which produce oil in excess, and this oil is released to the surface of the skin, making it greasy and shiny. In some cases of extremely oily skin, the skin may become coarse with pimples, blackheads and blemishes. This condition results in coarse skin as the pores get enlarged. Oily skin can be due to various reasons like hormonal shifts, heredity, diet, climate, menstruation, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, etc. The changes in hormone levels during various stages like adolescence, pregnancy and menopause can trigger this skin condition. This makes teenagers more vulnerable to have oily skin with acne and blackheads. Hot weather with high humidity levels is another reason for the skin becoming oily. Oily skin can also be caused by the use of some cosmetics or birth control pills. Oily skin is a condition which can affect both sexes. In men, this is mainly due to the fluctuating levels of the hormone androgen.

Oily Skin Care

This good news is for all the people who fret over their oily skin condition. Even though you are facing problems with this condition, it can prove to be beneficial in the long run. It has been observed that oily skin ages slowly as compared to other skin types. The oil released to the surface of the skin helps to retain the moisture level and inhibits the formation of wrinkles, which are among the first signs of aging. People with this skin condition need some oily skin remedies to tackle the problem. Some cases can be cured by treating the cause. For example, if the condition is due to the diet, a change in the diet can work wonders. If it is due to the use of some cosmetics or birth control pills, you can stop using such products. While some of the causes can be treated, others have to be controlled, as you have to live with it. The following are some tips which can help you with skin care for oily skin.

• If you have oily skin, you should refrain from using those skin care products, which can make your skin feel taut. Such cosmetics lead to the shrinkage of the upper skin layer and clogging of the pores.
• Cleansing is very important for oily skin in order to prevent the clogging of pores. It is best to cleanse the skin with lukewarm water and soap, but avoid any harsh products which can make the skin flaky by ripping off oil. It is always better to use oil-based products and oil-free moisturizers. Moisturizers are not necessary for oily skin, but those who are above the age of 30 can use it sparingly around the mouth, eyes and neck.
• People with oily skin should not use heavy cleansing creams. Choose a soap that does not contain any artificial additives. It is a common misconception that washing the face several times a day is good for oily skin. This is not true, as frequent washing may trigger the production of more oil.
• It is suggested by beauty experts that people with oily skin must go for those cosmetics which are specially made for such skin type. It will be beneficial to use an antiseptic day cream (before applying make-up) with benzyl peroxide as an active ingredient in order to minimize the secretions by the sebaceous glands.
• In case of scaly oily skin, you can use a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights. But don't forget to apply a small amount of moisturizer after the exfoliation.

A good skin care regimen is essential to maintain the appearance of an oily skin. You can use tissues to wipe the face frequently, as tissues can absorb excess oil on the skin. But keep your hands and hair off your face. While all these skin care tips can help you in tackling the condition, you can also resort to some natural remedies for oily skin.

Natural Oily Skin Remedies

Some people prefer natural remedies for oily skin rather than the commercial beauty products. Oily skin natural remedies are more sought after by people whose skin is oily and at the same time sensitive too. In such cases, artificial products for oily skin may lead to skin problems, which can be avoided by using some natural oily skin remedies. Natural products for oily skin include many household items which are easily available. You can also try these home remedies for oily skin.

• Mix equal amounts of apple juice and lime juice. Apply this mixture on the skin and rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes with cold water.
• Clay masks are always recommended for those with oily skin. Take a teaspoon of green clay powder in a bowl and add one teaspoon of honey. Mix them well to make a smooth paste, which has to be applied on the face. Rinse off the mask with cold water after 20 minutes. Another effective clay mask can be made by mixing multani mitti and honey. Clay masks can be used twice a week for good results.
• Make a solution of equal parts of water and lemon juice, and apply it on the face. Use warm water to rinse off the solution and then wash the face with cold water. This can be done once or twice a day.
• Aloe vera gel is touted to be good for oily skin conditions, as it can absorb oil and thereby prevent clogging of pores. You can dab a small amount of aloe vera gel to your skin after washing. You can also mix the aloe vera gel with equal amounts of organic yogurt and crushed strawberries to make a paste, which should be applied on the oily skin. Gently massage the mixture into the skin and leave it for ten minutes, before rinsing with warm water.
• You may use tomatoes as an oily skin home remedy. Make some tomato puree and apply it on the face. Rinse off after ten minutes.
• Yogurt is also popular as an oily skin home remedy. Use it as such or mix it with fuller's earth to make a paste to be applied on the skin.
• Mashed papaya is also good for oily skin. Apply it on the skin and rinse off after 20 minutes.

Most of the natural oily skin solutions are found to be effective and without any side effects. But it cannot be said that all natural products are safe, so it is always advisable to avoid using anything which causes skin irritation or any other side effects. Apart from the above said homemade oily skin remedies, there are many herbs which are claimed to be effective in tackling oily skin. They include Witch hazel (to be applied on skin to absorb excess oil), burdock root, lavender (lavender water to be dabbed on the skin), chamomile, horsetail, oat straw, and thyme. Lemon grass, licorice root, and rosebuds are used in oily skin treatment. But you should take herbs only with the consent of your doctor in order to avoid any side effects.

Other Oily Skin Solutions

It is commonly believed that diet is an important factor in making the skin oily. Even though, this contention is claimed to be wrong by some health experts, switching to a balanced diet can be beneficial for overall health. So include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, along with green leaves and food items rich in proteins. Increase the level of water intake and reduce the consumption of fat, oil, sugar, chocolate, salt, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and junk food. Vitamin B2 deficiency may cause oily skin. So include foods with vitamin B2 and B5 like whole grains, beans, nuts, nutritional yeast, wheat germ, etc. Such an oily skin diet can help you in tackling this skin condition.

Even lifestyle changes are recommended for those with oily skin. Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption for the good health of your skin. Oily skin remedies include exercises too. Regular exercise and good sleep is an indispensable part of skin care. You can adopt a combination of the above said oily skin remedies which suits you best, and tackle this problem.