Breakouts are caused when the sebaceous gland in the hair follicle produces too much oil and clogs the pore. It is estimated that 60 million Americans have acne, making it one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, according to the Acne Resource Center. For mildly oily skin, there are home remedies you can try before using a potentially irritating medication.
Wash Skin
The best way to keep oil off skin is by washing at least twice a day with gentle soap and water. A 2007 article by the Urban Life Research Institute in Tokyo found that people who took a shower in the morning and washed their skin with soap and water kept sebum at bay for up to four hours following their shower. People who did not wash their skin had a higher level of oil production throughout the day.
Facial Scrub
A homemade facial scrub works by exfoliating dead skin cells. Combine 1 Tbsp of dried oats (such as unflavored oatmeal) with 2 Tbsp of honey. Stir it into a paste and massage the paste onto moist skin. Remove the paste with a hot washcloth. If the mixture is over drying, add aloe vera.
Baking Soda Cleanser and Exfoliant
Baking soda, according to the cosmetic chemists at the website Beauty Brains, is categorized as a physical exfoliant. Made up of a fine, hard powder, baking soda is effective at sloughing off dead skin cells without causing irritation. Baking soda is acid neutral, meaning that it can neutralize other substances it comes into contact with. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your facial cleanser and stir. Massage it onto your skin and let it sit until it dries, and the remove it with warm water. Repeat two or three times a week.
Moisturizer
Keep your face moisturized with a water-based moisturizer. Soap, scrubs and heat will help keep your complexion clear, but can dry it at the same time. Apply an oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion, preferably one with sunscreen, in the morning.
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