How to Get Rid of Oily Face: 16 Best Remedies

Do you constantly struggle with a shiny, greasy complexion? Does your face feel like an oil slick by noon? Oily skin can be frustrating to deal with and can even lead to acne breakouts. But fear not; there are steps you can take to combat the excess oil and achieve a more balanced complexion.

In this article, we’ll explore the tips and tricks for getting rid of oily skin. Whether dealing with occasional oiliness or a chronic case of greasy skin, read on to discover the secrets to a clear, healthy, and radiant complexion.

get rid of oily skin
get rid of oily skin

Common Causes of Oily Face

Having oily skin on your face is a common issue that affects many people. The causes of an oily face can vary from person to person, but some of the most common reasons are:

  • Genetics: Oily skin can be hereditary, and if your parents have oily skin, you may be more likely to have it as well.
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes can cause an increase in oil production, which is why teenagers going through puberty often experience oily skin.
  • Overactive sebaceous glands: The sebaceous glands in the skin produce sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and protect the skin. If the glands become overactive, they can have too much sebum, leading to an oily face.
  • Using the wrong skincare products: Skincare products that are too heavy or contain harsh ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce more oil to compensate.
  • Environmental factors: Humid weather and pollution can increase oil production on the face.
  • Diet: A diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats can contribute to oily skin.
  • Stress: Stress can lead to hormonal changes that can cause an increase in oil production.
  • Medications: Some medications can cause oily skin as a side effect.

11 Natural Remedies for Oily Face

Check out these simple solutions to get rid of an oily face naturally.

1. Honey

Honey can help remove excess sebum on the skin by clearing the pores. It also contains moisturizing properties that can slow down the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This remedy is helpful for acne-prone skin due to its antiseptic properties.

  • To use honey, apply a thin layer of it over the skin.
  • Leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing your face.
  • Follow this treatment twice daily for best results.

Another option is to mix honey with a small number of ground almonds. Apply this paste to your skin and massage gently. This process will remove dead skin cells and excess oil. Wipe your skin with a damp, warm cloth. Repeat this process once a week.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antimicrobial properties that can help in treating acne-prone skin. It absorbs excess sebum, leaving it moisturized without being oily. This herb is known for soothing various skin conditions, such as sunburn, eczema, and psoriasis.

  • Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf in half and scoop out its gel.
  • Apply this gel to your face and let it dry.
  • Rinse your face with water.
  • Follow this treatment two to three times daily.

You can also put an aloe vera leaf in a pot of water and bring this to a boil for a couple of minutes. Grind this leaf and add enough honey to make a paste. Apply this to your skin and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Rinse it off with cold water. Do this natural treatment once a week to notice improvements.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best treatments for oily skin as it unclogs the pores, absorbs excess oil from the skin, and helps remove dead skin cells.

The saponins in oatmeal work as a natural cleansing agent and aid in removing accumulated oil from the skin’s surface. Here’s how to get rid of an oily face with oatmeal.

  • Make an oatmeal scrub by mixing ½ cup dry oatmeal and some water. Let it soak for five minutes, and apply this mixture to your skin. Gently massage your face and neck for 5 to 8 minutes to improve circulation. Let it sit for another 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Follow this treatment 2 to 3 times a day.
  • Another option is to grind two tablespoons of dry oatmeal. Add some water to it to form a paste. Add one tablespoon of honey and mix it well. Apply this mask to your face and neck evenly. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with water. Follow this treatment a few times a week.
  • You can also grind three tablespoons of dry oatmeal and add one tablespoon of water and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply this thick paste to your skin and let it dry. Rinse it off with water.

4. Egg White

Egg whites are rich in vitamin A that can tighten up and tone oily skin. It also helps remove excess oil from the face, drying out pimples and other skin blemishes. Follow any of these two methods on how to get rid of an oily face using egg whites:

  • Whip an egg white until foamy or stiff.
  • Spread a layer of it over your face and let it dry.
  • Rinse it off with water.

Alternatively, you can mix whipped egg white with ½ juice of the lemon. Stir it well and apply a layer of this mixture on your skin. Let it dry for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

5. Apple

Apples have mild astringent, antiseptic, and soothing properties, and they work as an excellent exfoliating agent, making them an effective natural remedy for acne-prone oily skin. The malic acid in apples absorbs excess oil from the layers of the skin and exfoliates accumulated dead skin cells.

  • In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of mashed apple, one slightly whipped egg white, ½ cup of cooked oatmeal, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix all ingredients well to make a paste. Apply the mixture to your skin and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the area with cool water and dry thoroughly. Follow this treatment daily for the best results.
  • Alternatively, you can de-seed and mash a fresh apple. Mix it with four tablespoons of honey and apply this to your skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
  • Another option is to grate one-half apple and allow the apple shreds to rest on your skin. Let them sit for 15 minutes before washing them off with tepid water.

6. Cucumbers

Cucumber is well known for its cooling, soothing, and astringent properties, which are beneficial in reducing or controlling natural oil production. It also has vitamins A and E, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals to nourish the skin.

  • Take a fresh cucumber and cut it into thick slices.
  • Rub cucumber slices on your skin and leave them on overnight.
  • In the morning, rinse your face with warm water.
  • Follow this treatment every night before going to bed.

You can also mix ½ teaspoon of cucumber juice with ½ teaspoon of lime juice. Apply this to your face. Let it dry before rinsing it off with warm water. This treatment is also helpful in alleviating sunburn and treating freckles.

7. Tomatoes

The vitamin C and natural acid content in tomatoes helps remove excess oil and impurities and tighten pores. They are also great for the skin due to their astringent, cooling, and clarifying properties.

  • Put one or two tomatoes in a blender and extract their juice.
  • Use a cotton ball to apply tomato juice to the skin. You can mix it with one tablespoon of honey for extra skin benefits.
  • Massage your face gently for a few minutes to improve circulation.
  • Let it dry completely before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Another option is to cut a tomato in half and gently rub the slices on your skin. Let the juice sit for about 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Pat dry and apply an oil-free moisturizer.

8. Milk

Milk is an excellent facial cleanser that can make your skin smooth and supple. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate the skin while balancing its pH. Here’s how to get rid of an oily face with milk.

  • Add two tablespoons of milk and two or three drops of lavender or sandalwood oil in a small bowl.
  • Apply this to your skin using a clean cotton ball.
  • Give your skin a massage to enhance blood circulation. Leave the mixture on overnight.
  • In the morning, rinse your face with cold water.
  • Repeat this treatment every day for the best results.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt helps moisturize the skin and prevents the overproduction of oil. The lactic acid and alpha hydroxyl acid in yogurt work as a natural exfoliant and assist in cleansing away skin impurities and unclogging pores.

  • Add two tablespoons of plain yogurt to a small bowl and whisk using a fork. Apply this evenly over your neck and face. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Follow this treatment daily.
  • Another option is to mix two tablespoons of plain yogurt and one tablespoon of crushed turmeric root or powder. Apply this evenly on your skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Rinse again with a mild cleanser.
  • You can also mix two tablespoons of yogurt with one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mask to your face and neck. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

10. Besan or Gram Flour

Besan or gram flour contains natural alkalizing properties that help maintain the skin’s natural pH. This controls oil production by sebaceous glands. Gram flour is an excellent absorbent that removes excess oil and unclogs pores. It acts as a natural cleanser, eliminating impurities, dead skin cells, and accumulated dirt from the skin.

  • Add two tablespoons of gram flour and some water in a small bowl to make a thick paste. Spread a layer of this paste all over your skin. Allow it to dry on its own before rinsing it with lukewarm water. Follow this treatment daily for the best results.
  • Another option is to combine two tablespoons of gram flour, one tablespoon of water, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply this all over your face and skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off with water. Repeat this treatment three times a week.
  • Mix two tablespoons of gram flour with one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add enough water to form a paste. Apply this to your skin and let it dry before rinsing off with water. Follow this treatment three times a week.

11. Strawberry

Strawberry is one of the best fruits you can use to scrub your skin. It is high in vitamin C, and its seeds can eliminate excess oil and dead skin cells. This fruit also helps brighten up the skin tone and slows down the appearance of signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

  • In a small bowl, mash some strawberries to make a paste.
  • Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice and mix it well.
  • Apply this all over your face and neck while scrubbing gently for a few minutes.
  • Let it dry completely before rinsing it off with water. Pat dry.

You can also use honey rather than lemon juice if you have sensitive skin.

Medical Treatment for Oily Face

Some of the most common medical treatments for oily skin include:

  • Topical retinoids: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives commonly used to treat acne. They work by unclogging pores and reducing oil production. Some examples of topical retinoids include tretinoin and adapalene.
  • Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that can help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It can also help to reduce oil production.
  • Oral medications: In severe cases of oily skin, oral medications such as oral contraceptives or spironolactone may be prescribed. These medications work by regulating hormone levels, which can help to reduce oil production.
  • Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a solution to remove the top layer of skin, which can help to unclog pores and reduce oil production.
  • Light therapy: Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce oil production.

How to Prevent Oily Face?

Preventing an oily face can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to help manage the issue:

  1. Choose the right skincare products: Look for gentle, oil-free products that won’t clog your pores or strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid products that contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients, as these can dry out your skin and cause it to produce even more oil.
  2. Cleanse your face twice a day: Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser can help to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat from your skin. Be careful not to over-wash, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to produce more oil.
  3. Use a toner: Toning your skin after cleansing can help to remove any leftover impurities and reduce oil production. Look for toners that contain ingredients like witch hazel or salicylic acid.
  4. Moisturize: Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to moisturize to help keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Look for oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
  5. Use blotting papers: Blotting papers can help to absorb excess oil throughout the day without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
  6. Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer oils and bacteria from your hands to your face, contributing to breakouts and oily skin.
  7. Watch your diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your skin healthy and balanced. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, which can contribute to oily skin.

By incorporating these steps into your daily routine, you can help prevent an oily face and keep your skin healthy and balanced.

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