Just because you suffer from oily skin doesn’t mean that you have to rub potentially harmful chemicals all over your face to see results. In fact, there are plenty of all natural, completely safe home remedies designed to help you overcome oily skin issues. In the modern day and age, this remedies are seeing an increase in popularity as more people become aware of the damaging effects some chemicals can have on certain people. Why take the chance that you could have a reaction to one of those thousands of artificial ingredients? Check out our top five list of natural home remedies for oily skin and find something safe and cost-efficient that works for you.
Tips & Tricks For Dealing With Oily Skin
Before we dive into the actual remedies, here are just a few tips on dealing with your oily skin in general to get you started.
- When you feel your face getting oily during the day, you can use blotting papers (if you’re wearing makeup) or cool water (if you are not wearing makeup).
- Those with oily skin should avoid slippery lip glosses, as they can easily slid off your lips and onto the area around your mouth, causing extra oiliness and blemishes.
- You should always stick to your routine, even if you do not see immediate results. Results may take up to one or two weeks.
- Never leave makeup on your face, and try to avoid wearing makeup on a daily basis unless it is specifically designed for oily skin types.
- Try to pull your hair back from your face when possible, and never touch your face unless necessary. The oils from your hair and hands can transfer to your face, exacerbating your problem.
- Wash your pillow cases every other day. While you sleep, the oils from your face transfer to your pillow case, so you are literally sleeping on tiny oils and dead skin cells.
- Drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, and eat a well balanced, healthy diet. The healthier you are on the inside, the healthier your skin will look in return.
Tips On Using Natural Home Remedies
On a last note prior to sharing our remedies, we’d like to offer you a few tips on using them. These tips may help you see quicker results, alleviate any irritation caused by harsh ingredients (such as acidic foods), and address other questions you may have.
- If you find that a remedy causes you some small irritation, remember that you can always dilute it with a small amount of water. If it is a recipe which already calls for water, simply add extra. For example, using one part acidic ingredient to three parts water instead of two.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match remedies or experiment a bit on your own.
- Bulk mixtures can be stored in the fridge for anywhere from one week to several months, depending on the ingredients contained within the mixture. If you are unsure, make sure to check how long the ingredients are good for.
That’s it! Now, let’s get on with the remedies! We hope you find something on our list that works wonders for you, and without further ado- here they are!
Number 1
Witch Hazel
Why It Works
Witch hazel can make a really awesome toner for oily skin. It contains tannins, which have a natural astringent effect. This means that your pores will tighten up as they dry, appearing smaller and allowing less dirt and grime deep down.
How To Use It
Your first option is to soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it directly to your face…all over. You can leave it on permanently, or rinse off after an hour or so with some cool water. You can apply witch hazel in this way twice a day for two to three weeks, depending on how severe your oily skin and/or blemishes are. After two to three weeks, continue applying the witch hazel, but switch to only once a day instead.
Your second option is to make a facial mask. Combine two teaspoons of oats which have been ground up and sifted to a bit of witch hazel. This will form a paste which you can then rub all over your face. Rinse off with some cool water. This not only helps with the general oiliness of your skin, but also cleanses and exfoliates your skin, as well as shrinks the size of your pores.
Number 2
Buttermilk
Why It Works
Buttermilk contains active cultures, which in turn contain acids that can help to not only clean away dirt, but also tighten up your pores. While some people may turn their noses up at the idea of using this pungent smelling milk on their face, the fact remains that it is highly effective. Obviously, anyone who is allergic to milk (whey protein, or casein), or is lactose intolerance, will want to steer clear of this remedy. Despite the fact that many people can come into contact with items they cannot ingest in terms of food allergies, it is best not to take your chances.
How To Use It
The most common way to use buttermilk is to simply take a small amount and rub it all over your face. You can do this with your fingers or a cotton ball. Allow the buttermilk to sit for five to fifteen minutes, then rinse away with cool water.
Your second option is to use buttermilk as part of a mask. Pair one to two tablespoons of ground up, sifted oats with two to three tablespoons of buttermilk and any of numerous other ingredients. You may choose to add avocado, mango, or strawberries. Whichever you choose, mash it up into a pulp and add up to half a cup of this mixture to the buttermilk and oats. Mix well, and apply to the face. Allow it to sit for up to half an hour, and rinse off with cool water.
Number 3
Egg Whites
Why It Works
Eggs contain a ton of nutrients, and in fact, they can be used to solve or help alleviate nearly all of your skin issues. In the same way that egg whites firm the skin and absorb oils, egg yolks can help moisturize dry skin. This is perhaps one of the cheapest, most effective remedies on this entire list, especially considering that nearly everyone keeps eggs in their fridge.
How To Use It
Option one is to simply take the white of an egg and apply it all over your face. Allow it to sit until dry. You will feel your face seem to tighten up. Once dry, rinse the egg off with warm water, splash with cold water to close pores, and pat dry.
Option two is to mix the follow ingredients into a paste: one egg white, one teaspoon of flour, and one teaspoon of honey. If necessary, you can add another teaspoon of flour to create a thicker consistency. Apply this to your face and allow to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Wash off with warm water, and pat dry.
Number 4
Alcohol
Why It Works
Alcohol is included on this list because it is a quick fix remedy, meaning that you can use it in case of an emergency for immediate results. The results aren’t always lasting, but rubbing alcohol can cut through oils, removing shine immediately. Yes, we mean rubbing alcohol- not the alcohol you drink. Just be forewarned that alcohol can be rather harsh and mildly irritating to those with sensitive skin types.
How To Use It
This one is incredibly easy. Simply soak a cotton ball in alcohol and rub it on your face. Voila! No more dreaded shine! There is no need to wash off. If you find that alcohol irritates your skin, you can always do a quick splash of cool water and pat it dry to help soothe any irritation you might have.
Number 5
Lemon, Lime, & Cucumber
Why It Works
Lemon and lime both act as astringents, as they are very high in acidity. Cucumber is hydrating in a very natural way, without any unnecessary chemicals or oils. This helps because while you don’t want to be oily, you certainly don’t want your skin to become all dried out either. Between these three ingredients you will also get a good dose of necessary nutrients that helps to keep your skin healthy and full of youth.
How To Use It
To use as a toner, mix half a teaspoon of each lemon juice, lime juice, and cucumber juice together. Apply directly to your face, and leave on for half an hour. Rinse off with cool water.
You can also use these three ingredients to make a potent mask. Take half a cucumber and mash it into a pulp. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of lime juice. Mix well, and apply the mixture to your face. Allow it to set for half an hour or so, and then rinse off with cool water.
We hope you enjoyed our top five home remedies, and that you found something on our list to suit your problems and needs. If you have any questions about what we’ve said here today, or if you would like to share a natural remedy for oily skin of your own, please feel free to do so in the comments below. We always look forward to hearing from our readers.
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