It’s no secret that more and more people suffer from oily skin than ever before, and if you’re one of them, you may have already figured out that store-bought products for controlling oil are overpriced and often don’t work anyway. Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies that can help you keep your face free of excess oil and keep it looking great all day long. Here are the top six home treatments for oily skin that actually work.
The causes of oily skin
Excessive oil production, a naturally oily skin type, or the use of heavy moisturizers can all lead to an overproduction of sebum and cause acne. In addition, some people are just genetically more prone to have oily skin. The main way to reduce the amount of oil on your skin is by using a gentle face wash with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. Look out for ingredients like tea tree extract, witch hazel extract, and essential oils in your products as these can also help control excess oil production.
The benefits of treating oily skin
While oily skin is usually seen as a skin problem, it can actually be beneficial in some situations. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oil produced by the body to keep the skin moisturized. An excess of sebum causes the pores to become clogged and create acne and other breakouts. As a result, people who have naturally oily skin are less likely to develop wrinkles later on in life. However, if you do suffer from excess oil production or experience frequent breakouts, there are some remedies for treating your condition without going under the knife or spending tons of money on anti-acne treatments like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
The top six home treatments for oily skin
- Starting off with a good skin care regimen is the key to success when it comes to treating oily skin. Seek out products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic.
- Use blotting papers to absorb excess oil throughout the day, and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
- When you do touch your face, use a gentle makeup remover or cleanser with salicylic acid to remove any excess oils from your fingers before you touch your skin again.
How to know if a treatment is working
- Use a gentle cleanser.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a scrub or a chemical exfoliant.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, not lots of coffee or tea
- Don’t touch your face as much.
When to see a dermatologist
- A change in color or thickness of your skin.
- Sores, bumps, or other sores on your skin.
- Any new types of rashes?
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