Manage Oily Skin Naturally

Oily skin can be difficult to manage, causing a greasy complexion, and dull appearance. It can also lead to further cosmetic complications when not managed, like blackheads and pimples. Those with this skin type have overactive sebaceous glands, which produce more natural oil than are required to keep skin lubricated and healthy. Sebaceous glands are found in secondary layers within the skin, and are most concentrated on the head, chest and back. The purpose of this oil is to keep the skin and hair moisturized and protected. If skin and hair doesn’t have enough sebum, it becomes overly dry and susceptible to damage. However, you can also produce too much, leading to greasy skin and hair.

When treating oily skin and any resulting acne, many dermatologists and other professionals turn to medications and harsh cleansers. For instance, antibiotics are commonly used to control inflammatory acne. These come with a number of side effects, and tend to lose their potency after several months. Accutane is a strong medication, usually reserved for the worst cases of cystic acne. It acts by essentially turning off the sebaceous glands, and stopping most oil production. It is highly regulated, and can come with many serious side effects. Harsh chemical cleansers may also be suggested in the case of oily skin. These can irritate skin, causing burning, peeling, and drying of the skin.

If you’re looking for a more natural way to treat oily acne-prone skin, here are some tips:

  • Cleansing: It’s typically recommended that you wash oily skin once or twice a day. Instead of opting for a harsh chemical cleanser, try to find a gentle cleanser with natural ingredients. You can also experiment with your own home-made face washes. Try incorporating castile soap, lemon juice, and essential oils.
  • Toning: Toners are sometimes used after cleansers to remove any traces of the face wash, and leftover dirt and oil. If you’re looking for a good natural toner, consider using diluted apple cider vinegar. It can cut through oil well, and produces the desired toning effects.
  • Exfoliation: This process encourages the shedding of the upper layer of skin, which allows excess oil to flow more freely and prevent clogging of pores. There are a number of ways to exfoliate your skin. If you want to avoid irritating chemicals, such as retinoids, try manual exfoliation. Mix a small amount of baking soda and water together, and rub all over your face to remove dead skin cells.
  • Moisturization: Although you may not feel that moisturizing is necessary when you have oily skin, it is often beneficial. If your skin feels too dry or tight, try using a simple aloe vera gel to moisturize. Avoid creamy moisturizers, or anything with mineral oil. These are liable to clog pores, and prevent sebum from flowing naturally.
  • Steaming: This procedure can help to open pores, and allow any additional oil trapped within to evacuate. You can try doing this once a week for a complete cleansing process. Simply bring some water to a boil, then remove it from the heat and place is on a heat-proof surface. Position your face over the steam, at a comfortable distance, for about ten minutes.