Effective Home Remedies for Oily Skin: Tips & Treatments

Many people have oily skin, and this is typically caused by the sebaceous glands excreting too much sebum. Oily skin is often blamed on genetics, but you can also have it due to hormonal changes and stress. Sebum is a waxy substance that protects the skin, but too much of it can cause the oily appearance and acne. Hence, you need to make sure that your skin is properly cleansed and oil production is contained or minimised.

Here are some tips and home remedies for oily skin:

Proper Washing Tips

• Use warm water - Warm water helps to open the pores hence extracts dirt and excess oil from the face. It can dissolve oil effectively. For better results, you can rinse off the soap with cold water, that helps close your pores thus preventing your face from sweating.
• Pick the right cleanser - Keep away from soap products that contain a lot of moisturisers. Find products that are especially designed for oily skin. They are often properly labelled for easy identification, so be sure to read the labels of facial cleaners before you buy. If you have acne, choose an antibacterial soap or facial cleanser that contains aplha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, or citric acid because they help remove dead skin cells and minimise oil in the pores to prevent infection.

Use the appropriate toner

• Witch hazel extract-

After washing your face, moisten a cotton pad with distilled witch hazel, and dab it on your face. Focus areas where you usually experience oil secretions. Witch hazel has tannins, which provide an astringent effect to tighten the pores as it dries. Use this as toner twice a day for two or three weeks, and then reduce the usage to once a day.

• Alternatives to witch hazel-

Peppermint, sage, and yarrow have astringent properties, too. Make a homemade toner by putting a tablespoon of the herb of your choice in a cup before filling it to the top with boiling water, then steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and cool it down before dabbing it on your face. Use a squeeze bottle to store leftovers, which can stay fresh for at least three days, as long as you store it at room temperature. You may keep it in the fridge to make it last for five days. It will feel cool on the face that way, too.

Lavender and neroli can serve as both a skin cleanser and a toner. Pour lavender floral water in a sprayer and add a drop of neroli essential oil, which is typically harvested from orange blossoms. You can spray it on your face several times a day.

Hyssop is a good herbal toner that may enhance your complexion. To use, add a tablespoon of it to a cup of water, boil for 10 minutes, and strain. Let it cool. Apply the hyssop toner with a cotton ball to your skin after cleansing.

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