Having oily skin can be likened to a double-edged sword.
While it helps in delaying the formation of wrinkles, keeping the skin well-hydrated, and preventing dry skin, it can also lead to the emergence of unwanted blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne if not well taken care of.
Thankfully, there are ways to manage oily skin at home using easily accessible ingredients around us. These homemade remedies are natural, gentle on the skin, affordable, and yield quicker results.
Here, we will discuss ten homemade remedies that can help reduce excess oil secretion in the skin and improve its hydration.
1. Clay Masks
Clay masks are a highly recommended home remedy for oily skin because they are effective in reducing oil production while exfoliating the skin.
Clay masks work by absorbing excess oil and unclogging pores from impurities and bacteria, leaving the skin smooth, glowing, and refreshed.
How to Use: Mix one tablespoon of Bentonite clay with one to two tablespoons of water to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste generously on your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, until it dries.
Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove the mask and pat dry. Follow up with a light moisturizer.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, being acidic in nature, is an excellent natural astringent that helps to control oil production while brightening the skin and reducing blemishes.
How to Use: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and apply it directly onto your face using a cotton ball or pad. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Do this once a day, preferably at bedtime.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, which help to regulate the skin’s pH balance, kill bacteria, and absorb excess oil effectively.
How to Use: Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of water in a bowl and apply it to your face using a cotton pad. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Use this remedy twice a day, preferably before your skincare routine.
4. Egg White Mask
Egg whites have natural astringent properties that help to tighten pores and reduce excess oil production on the skin. It also contains vitamins and proteins that nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking healthy and rejuvenated.
How to Use: Whisk one egg white in a bowl and apply it directly onto your face using a brush or fingers. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy twice a week.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a soothing remedy for oily skin, mainly because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also moisturizes and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
How to Use: Cut an aloe vera leaf, extract the gel and apply it onto the face, massaging it in gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Do this daily.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce oil secretion while also brightening and tightening the skin.
How to Use: Cut a tomato into thin slices and rub it onto your face in a circular motion. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
Alternatively, mix tomato juice with honey to form a mask, apply it onto your face, and wash it off after 10 minutes. Use this remedy once a day.
7. Honey
Honey is an excellent natural humectant that helps to nourish, moisturize, and soothe oily skin without clogging its pores while also preventing breakouts and infections.
How to Use: Apply raw honey onto your face using your fingers and let it sit for ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Use this remedy once a day.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that helps to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the formation of blemishes and acne. It also helps to reduce sebum production while promoting the growth of new healthy cells.
How to Use: Mix three drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil of your choice, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Apply it onto your face, focusing on the oily areas, and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use this remedy once a week.
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain vitamins and minerals that help to hydrate, soothe, and cool the skin while also reducing oil secretion.
How to Use: Cut a cucumber into thin slices and place them onto your face, leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
Alternatively, blend cucumber and honey to form a mask, which you can apply onto your face, leaving it on for 15 minutes, then wash it off using cool water. Use this remedy once a day.
10. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth, also known as Multani Mitti, is a natural absorbent that helps to suck out oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized.
How to Use: Mix one tablespoon of Fuller’s earth with one tablespoon of rosewater to form a paste. Apply the paste onto your face and leave it on until it dries. Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Use this remedy once a week.