Oily skin is a common problem that affects millions of people. It's nothing serious, but it could cause rashes and annoying blemishes, so know that you're not alone in wanting to reduce the oil on your skin. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this safely and naturally at home. Keep your skin clean and use natural remedies to absorb excess oil. If these methods don't help, then a visit to a dermatologist can give you the guidance you need.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Keep the Face Clean
Step 1. Use mild, fragrance-free, alcohol-free facial cleansers
Ingredients like perfumes and alcohol irritate the skin, which could further stimulate sebum production. Make sure you always use cleaners that don't contain these ingredients to avoid irritation. Look for a product that says "non-comedogenic". This means it won't clog pores and won't stimulate sebum production.
- Products labeled as "hypoallergenic" should contain few additives and are unlikely to cause irritation.
- Foaming facial cleansers are best suited in this case, as the lather frees the pores of dirt.
Step 2. Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer after washing
While it seems counterproductive, keeping your skin moisturized is just as important to keeping sebum production in check. Look for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer. Apply a thin layer to your skin immediately after washing it. This will prevent the epidermis from drying out and becoming irritated.
- Look for a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. This will help protect your skin from the sun's rays when you step out.
- If you need recommendations for finding good products to use, consult a dermatologist.
Step 3. Wash your face in the morning, in the evening and whenever you sweat
Repeat your cleansing and moisturizing routine every day. Wash your face at least twice a day, i.e. in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed. If you exercise or have a dynamic lifestyle, then wash your face when you finish exercising or after sweating a lot. This trick helps to keep the skin mattified throughout the day.
- Remember to rinse your face thoroughly so that no soap residue remains. Also, pat it dry with a towel, avoid rubbing it as this could irritate the skin.
- Wash your face as soon as possible after exercising. Leaving sweat on the skin can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Step 4. Absorb excess oil with a mattifying tissue
If you have particularly oily skin or a busy lifestyle, you can use sebum-absorbing tissues, which are available in pharmacies or perfumeries. Take one at a time and dab it on your face to absorb any residual sebum. This is a quick way to get rid of the grease throughout the day.
- Do not rub your face with the wipes. This could cause greasiness and bacteria to spread. Just gently pat the oiliest areas.
- Remember that sebum-absorbing tissues cannot replace washing your face. They are only a temporary remedy to use until you can go home and wash properly.
Step 5. Avoid oil-based make-up and lotions
As the name suggests, oil-based products increase the amount of sebum on the skin, which can clog pores and trap dirt. Look for water-based products instead. They are lighter and do not clog pores as easily.
While using water-based makeup, make sure you always remove your makeup at the end of the day. Going to sleep with makeup on can cause acne breakouts
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Use witch hazel water to dry oily areas
Witch hazel water is a natural astringent found in many acne products. Use it to make a localized treatment in areas of the body characterized by greasy skin. Pour a few drops on a cotton ball and massage it on the affected areas to fight excess sebum and inflammation.
- Witch hazel water can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, so discontinue use if it causes redness or burning. It could also cause excessive dryness if too much is used.
- If witch hazel water overdries your skin, try diluting it with water. Pour a small amount into a cup, then add the same amount of water to make a less concentrated solution.
Step 2. Moisturize your face with a colloidal oatmeal mask
Oats help fight inflammation and dryness, not to mention that it absorbs excess sebum from the skin. Get colloidal oats at a drugstore or herbalist's shop. Mix 1/2 cup (65 g) with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water until it forms a paste, then massage it into your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
- You could also add other ingredients to the mask; for example, honey could help blend the ingredients and hydrate the face better.
- Some products give their own guidelines for making an oatmeal mask. Follow the instructions on the packaging of whatever product you use.
- Colloidal oats are ground very finely. If you can't find it, you can make it at home by grinding oats with a food processor.
Step 3. Make a honey face mask to reduce sebum
Honey also has naturally moisturizing properties that can help make skin healthier and regulate sebum production. It is also safe to apply directly to the skin. Pour some honey into a bowl and massage it into your face or areas where you want to remove excess oil. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Look for natural honey with no added chemicals or preservatives. These other ingredients could irritate the skin.
- It may be easier for you to make the mask just before you shower, so you can rinse it off more easily.
- If you have long hair, you should pick it up to prevent it from becoming sticky with honey.
- Honey can also be incorporated into the oat mask to make a complete treatment.
Step 4. Eliminate foods that raise blood sugar
While not strictly a skin treatment, changing your diet can affect skin health. Foods characterized by a high glycemic index (which increase the concentration of glucose in the blood) are associated with a greater appearance of acne breakouts and oiliness. Eliminate them to help reduce the sebum on the skin.
- Some foods with a high glycemic index are white bread, refined rice or pasta, breakfast cereals, potatoes, squash, and melon.
- Most sweets and sugar-containing foods also have a high glycemic index.
Method 3 of 3: See a Doctor
Step 1. See a dermatologist if you are concerned that you have excessively oily skin
It is healthy and normal to have oil on the skin. However, the production of sebum is different for each individual and the skin can become quite oily. If you think you have excess sebum, consult a dermatologist. A specialist will be able to examine your skin and help you determine the cause of the problem.
- Once you have determined which factors are causing excessive sebum production, you can make adjustments to your skincare habits or diet to improve the situation.
- A dermatologist will help you develop a targeted treatment to control sebum production.
Step 2. See a dermatologist if you have acne or blackheads
You may be able to treat acne or blackheads using over-the-counter products. However, if excess sebum is the cause of severe acne or a large amount of blackheads, it is best to see a dermatologist. It can help you cleanse your skin without running the risk of scarring.
A dermatologist can help you treat acne both topically and by taking oral medications. It will also be able to identify the underlying cause of the disorder, so that you have fewer impurities in the future
Step 3. Ask your dermatologist to give you information about other possible treatments in case nothing works
If you've tried everything to reduce excess sebum, but nothing seems to help, a dermatologist will be able to recommend other treatments. Talk to a specialist to find out what options might be right for you. For example, a dermatologist might prescribe the following medicines:
- Retinoids;
- Spironolactone;
- Hormonal contraceptives;
- Botox;
- Photodynamic therapy;
- Laser treatments.
