Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excess oil. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, genes and hormones play the most important role in an individual's susceptibility to oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, diet contributes very little, if at all. To combat the problem, keep the skin clean, use astringent pads to remove excess oil and use only water-based cosmetics. If you still battle with oiliness, several natural home remedies may help regulate the sebaceous glands and prevent excess oil production.
Herbal Face Wash
An herbal face wash made with astringent herbs helps remove excess oil and dirt from oily skin, according to Bill Gottlieb in his book "Alternative Cures." Make a strong herbal tea by steeping 1 tbsp. of dried herbs in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and allow the tea to cool completely before using as a face wash. Apply after using a gentle cleanser to help remove residue from the pores or use the tea as a primary face wash. Follow with a gentle moisturizer for the best results. Gottlieb recommends using astringent herbs such as yarrow, peppermint or sage for oily skin.
Facial Steam
Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," recommends performing an herbal facial steam two or three times a week to unclog pores and remove excess oil from oily skin. Simmer 2 to 4 tbsp. of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water in a large pot until the water begins to steam. Remove the pot from the heat, place on a steady surface, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for at least 15 minutes. For the best results, drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and direct it toward your face. After 15 minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow the skin to air dry. Balch recommends using lemongrass, licorice root and rosebuds in your oily skin facial steam, but any astringent herbs will work.
Clay Face Mask
Facial masks made with clay effectively draw out and absorb excess oil from the skin, according to Kathi Keville in her book "Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art." Make your own clay face mask by combining 1/4 cup of powdered clay, 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel, 2 tbsp. of water and 1 tsp. of sea salt. Spread the mixture onto your face and allow it to remain for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Keville recommends rinsing off the mask before it begins to feel tight and itchy. Repeat the treatment once per week as needed to help keep oiliness under control.
Aromatherapy
Applying a mixture of essential oil and water to the skin several times per day also makes an effective natural remedy for oily skin. Adding essential oil to the skin helps regulate sebum production and normalize overactive oil glands, according to Amy Rost in her book "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How." Rost recommends using the essential oil of basil, cedarwood, orange, lemon, cypress, eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, sage, ylang-ylang or tea tree for oily skin. Combine eight to 10 drops of essential oil with 4 oz. water in a small spray bottle and spritz onto the face a few times a day, as needed.
References
- MedlinePlus: Oily Skin
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art"; Kathi Keville, Mindy Green; 1995
- "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How: Useful Practices, Recipes and Formulas for a Lifetime of Health"; Amy Rost; 2009
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