Does your makeup always seem to slide off a couple of hours after applying it? Does your face become oily and greasy a few minutes after washing it?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you are aware of the daily issues faced by people with oily skin. Sometimes oily skin is nothing short of a nightmare.
Oily skin is a result of excess sebum produced by sebaceous glands located under the surface of the skin. Though this sebum helps to moisturize the skin and keep it healthy, excess amounts of it can engender enlarged pores, a shiny and greasy look, and generally unhealthy skin.
Oily skin can also result in the development of acne that makes people extremely concerned about their appearance. Believe me when I say I get it! I have had raging battles with my oily skin over most of my growing up years. Managing oily skin can be a frustrating experience.
How To Get Rid Of Oily Skin On Face?
There are thousands of oily skin products available in the market. Many of them are good too. But there is no escaping the fact that no product comes without being laden with chemical preservatives.
It takes a while to arrive at the most suitable product that meets your requirements, and then, let’s face it – most of them are fairly expensive too. I don’t know about you, but the thought of chemicals puts me off from buying any beauty product, no matter how reputed it is.
This is why, I find home remedies to address my skincare needs, always an enticing prospect.
Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies to get rid of oily skin naturally, plenty of ways to tame that monster with only a moderate effort.
There are a few naturally occurring, and easily accessible substances that can easily clean up all the muck from the skin and help unclog your skin pores. These substances are effective on any kind of oily skin too. Most products for oily skin available in the market are also derived by keeping these substances as the main ingredients.
If only one can understand these substances, take cognizance of their ready accessibility, and efficacy in dealing with oily skin, there are really endless ways of developing homemade solutions to your oily skin care needs.
That way, not only would you be able to do away with those expensive chemical-laden beauty creams, but you would also be aware of what exactly you are putting on your skin. Wouldn’t that make you more confident?
Just think, just because these products are easily available in the market, we buy them impulsively without giving due consideration to the issue.
These beauty products have flooded the market only in the past 7 or 8 decades. Before that, for hundreds of generations, people relied only on the understanding of these naturally occurring substances to remedy their oily skin issues. How do you think the queens and high-ladies of yore tended to their skin? With the help of beauty creams?
In this post, we will see what natural ingredients are good for oily skin. I will recommend 20 effective home remedies for oily skin which are affordable, easy to use, available in your kitchen, and above all, effective.
So, if you are also someone wondering how to get rid of oily skin naturally, read on.
There is no need to visit a dermatologist for treating oily skin. The solution is right there in your kitchen. Here’s a list of some home remedies for oily skin in summer.
A word of caution – always perform a patch test to make sure your skin is not allergic to any ingredient.
1. Honey
Honey has been part of the skin regimen for oily skin since ancient times. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make it one of the best oily skin remedies. It is also a natural humectant, so it removes excess oil from the face while still keeping it moist.
Honey regulates the pH balance of your skin and prevents wrinkles, giving you younger-looking skin. It also helps in clearing our pores.
Thanks to its innumerable benefits, honey-based home remedies can be the answer to many of your oily skin problems.
Here’s a simple way to use honey for oily skin –
- Just spread a thin layer of raw honey all over the face.
- Let it dry for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can come in handy for a variety of skin and beauty needs.
Due to its absorbent properties, it can soak up excess oil and help in treating acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in getting rid of dead skin cells.
Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are known to be natural cleansers. They help in removing the dirt and oil that clogs the pores and help exfoliate the skin.
Oatmeal is also very moisturizing. It tricks the skin into believing that it’s already producing oil, hence controlling the excess sebum production. An oatmeal-based home remedy will reduce irritation and redness and soothe inflamed skin.
Let’s see how we can use oatmeal for oily skin –
- Ground 1 cup of oatmeal and mix with hot water to form a paste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey into the paste.
- Apply the mixture all over your face and massage for 3 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
- Alternatively, apply the paste on your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
3. Egg Whites
Egg white works amazing for oily skin. The main nutritional component of egg white is protein. Protein helps in tightening the skin and shrinking large pores. The consistency of egg whites also helps in binding all ingredients together while preparing a homemade mask.
Egg whites can help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin. They are high in collagen and Vitamin A, due to which a remedy containing egg whites will help you get rid of problems like acne, large pores, and rashes.
Let’s see how we can use egg white for oily skin –
- Combine 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon lemon to form a pack.
- Apply this pack all over your face and leave it on till it dries.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
4. Almonds
Almonds contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Since ancient times, women have relied on almonds for revitalizing their skin. They help in absorbing excess oil and impurities.
The Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, who was well known for her beautiful skin, hair and body, is believed to have included almonds in her diet and skincare regime.
Almonds are a rich source of vitamin-E, which nourishes and softens the skin. Applying almond oil or almond milk is also beneficial as it protects the skin from sun damage.
Let’s see how to use almond for oily skin –
- Grind some almonds to form a powder.
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey to form a thick paste.
- Massage all over your face in circular motions.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
- Alternatively, grind the almonds and form a paste by adding honey, then apply it as a face mask. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Pat dry.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known to soothe burns and other skin conditions. It is also a great remedy for oily skin and is used in a lot of glowing skin home remedies for oily skin.
Antioxidants present in Aloe Vera help in nourishing the skin. Hormones auxins and gibberellins present in Aloe Vera have anti-inflammatory properties that help in acne treatment for oily skin.
Aloe Vera has natural astringent properties to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin. It keeps the skin moisturized, without making it oily.
Let’s see a simple way to use Aloe Vera for oily skin –
- Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel over your face at night.
- Wash it off with warm water in the morning.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for oily skin. They have cooling and astringent properties, which help in soothing the skin and preventing any inflammation on the skin. They are a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin and heal acne.
Tomatoes also contain Vitamin A, which is needed for healthy skin. Tomatoes help in maintaining the pH levels of the skin.
Salicylic acid present in tomatoes is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin. The acids present in tomatoes also help to absorb excess oil and unclog pores. There are also many antioxidants in tomatoes.
Let’s see a simple way to use tomatoes for oily skin –
- Combine 1 tablespoon sugar with the pulp of 1 tomato.
- Massage all over your face in circular motions.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
- Alternatively, you can also directly massage your face with tomato slices.
7. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s Earth is derived from clay, and has long been used in DIY recipes for skin brightening and controlling oily skin. It is a rich source of natural minerals like zinc, silica, magnesium, and iron. If you are an Indian, you would be familiar with the all-pervading ‘multani mitti’, that formed a staple of the skincare regimen of housewives across the nation before artificial creams took over.
The absorbent properties of Fuller’s Earth help to control excess oil. While doing so, it doesn’t make the skin dry, instead, it keeps the moisture intact. It lightens up your skin tone and helps in lightening blemishes and dark spots. It tightens the skin as well.
Let’s see how to use fuller earth for oily skin –
- Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth with water.
- Apply the paste on your face and leave it on till it dries completely.
- Wash it off with plain water and pat dry.
8. Coffee
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and stimulates the synthesis of elastin and collagen, thereby helping in increasing the firmness of the skin. The antioxidants present in coffee help fight the free radicals that damage the skin.
Applying coffee directly to the face may help reduce the appearance of sunspots, redness, and fine lines.
Anti-inflammatory properties of coffee help in reducing hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Coffee also has antibacterial properties that help to combat acne. Both the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coffee can be attributed to the presence of chlorogenic acid.
Let’s see how to use coffee for oily skin –
- Form a thick paste by mixing equal proportions of coffee and honey.
- Massage all over your face like a scrub.
- Wash it off with warm water.
9. Cucumber
Cucumbers don’t just make for a good salad; they are also a good oily skin remedy. They are astringent, hydrating, and helpful in tightening your pores.
Cucumbers contain about 90% water, which helps in keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized, without making it oily.
The astringent properties of cucumber help in removing excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Cucumbers are a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps in reducing oil secretion and skin brightening. They are also used to calm the skin, reduce freckles and treat inflammation.
Let’s see how to make a simple cucumber face mask for oily skin –
- Make a cooling cucumber face mask by mixing 1 egg white with cucumber paste.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into the mask.
- Apply all over your face and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
10. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another excellent remedy for oily skin. It has oil-absorbing properties and regulates the level of fats your skin produces every day. It contains Vitamin A, which helps in color correcting dark spots. Iron and calcium present in cornstarch help to renew skin cells.
Cornstarch’s fine texture is perfect for gentle exfoliating. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used as a DIY soother for skin irritation and skin allergies.
Cornstarch can also be used as a setting powder for people with oily skin. It soaks up excess oil and helps the makeup to last longer.
Let’s see how to make a simple paste using cornstarch for oily skin –
- Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water to form a paste.
- Apply this paste all over your face and leave it on till it dries.
- Wash it off with warm water.
11. Banana
There are many powerful ingredients present in this fruit, which make it an excellent ingredient for oily skin. Potassium present in bananas helps in hydrating and moisturizing dehydrated skin.
B-vitamins present in bananas helps in fighting against free radicals that cause skin damage. Vitamin A helps to fade acne scars and dark spots. Zinc helps in fighting acne-causing germs. Vitamin C helps to control oil production and helps in the production of collagen.
Lectin helps to destroy bacteria that cause acne and pimples. Amino acids present in bananas keep the skin nourished and help in maintaining skin elasticity and strength.
Let’s see how to prepare a simple homemade banana face mask for oily skin –
- Put a banana and add a tablespoon of honey into a blender.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into the blender.
- Blend the ingredients to form a paste.
- Apply the paste all over your face and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to treat oily skin. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is an alkaline substance, that helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It can help soothe inflammation and mild pain caused by acne breakouts.
Baking soda gently exfoliates the skin, removing the layer of dead skin cells.
The mild exfoliating property of baking soda makes it a wonder ingredient to help banish acne and breakouts. Its bleaching properties help in fading away dark spots and blemishes.
Its astringent properties help to close the pores and prevent them from clogging with dirt and other impurities that cause acne.
Let’s see a simple usage of baking powder for oily skin –
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2-3 tablespoons of water to form a paste.
- Apply this mask on your face and leave it on till it dries.
- Wash it off with plain water and pat dry.
13. Orange Peel
Orange peel is an effective treatment for oily and greasy skin. It has a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than the orange itself. The astringent property of orange peel helps to remove excess oil. Orange peel also cleanses and opens clogged pores.
Being a citrus fruit, it lightens dark spots and helps to bring a natural glow to the skin. The granular orange peel powder fights pimples, acne, and blackheads. It contains antioxidants that slow down wrinkles and aging. It helps reduce inflammation and works as a natural cleanser.
Let’s see how to prepare a simple face pack for oily skin at home using orange peel powder.
- Dry orange peels for a few days and then grind it to form a powder.
- Mix this orange peel powder with water or yogurt to form a pack.
- Apply this pack over your face and leave it on till it dries.
- Wash it off with plain water and pat dry.
14. Jojoba Oil
Using oil to cure oily skin sounds counterproductive, but jojoba oil has been used to cure oily and acne-prone skin for a long time. It is moisturizing and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that fight bacteria and fungi.
Jojoba oil is a good source of Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. This means that jojoba oil helps your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins.
Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum that is naturally produced by your body. This sends a signal to the sweat follicles that your skin doesn’t need extra sebum for hydration and helps in controlling sebum production.
Jojoba oil has soothing anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat acne.
Let’s see how you can use jojoba oil for treating oily skin –
- Wash your hands properly.
- Using your fingertips, apply some jojoba Oil all over your face.
- Let it sit for 30 min and wash it off with plain water.
15. Apple
This beneficial fruit is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and copper, all of which are skin-friendly nutrients. Vitamin C present in apples helps to control sebum production and restore the collagen content of the skin.
The copper content in apples helps to control melanin production in the skin. Vitamin A facilitates the growth of new cells. Vitamin E present in apples helps to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
Apples help to get rid of acne and dark spots. High water content in apples helps to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. It contains polyphenols (antioxidants) that help protect against ultraviolet radiation of the sun, thus helping to preserve the youthful appearance of skin.
Let’s see how you can use apples for oily skin. The first method is, of course, you take one, and eat it. It is, not only good for skin but otherwise good for health in general too. Another way to use it externally for skin is as follows:
- Grate an apple and apply its shreds on your face.
- Leave it on till it dries.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
16. Mango Pulp
Mango pulp is used as a natural skincare ingredient in many DIY recipes for oily skin. Mangoes are packed with cleansing, astringent properties, which makes them a wonderful ingredient to include in recipes to prevent acne.
Mango pulp leaves your skin clean and healthy by clearing any bacteria present on the surface of the skin.
Mangiferin, found in the seeds, skin, and kernels of the mango is an excellent antioxidant. It helps to ease the inflammation caused by acne and other skin problems. Vitamin A and C present in mangoes produce collagen that builds the body’s connective tissue.
The pulp of mango rejuvenates and moisturizes your skin. The AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) present in mango help in removing dead skin cells and exposing clean and fresh skin underneath.
Mango pulp can also reduce dark spots and patchy skin tone, giving the skin a natural glow.
Let’s see a simple way to use mango pulp for oily skin –
- Give your face a good massage with mango pulp.
- Leave it on for some time and let it dry.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
17. Milk
Milk works like a charm for people with oily skin, provided you use it with care. Always make sure that you wash your face with warm water after using milk if you have oily skin. Check to make sure if you are allergic to milk. If you are allergic to milk, avoid using milk products on your face.
Raw milk moisturizes the skin from deep within. It is rich in B-vitamins, alpha hydroxy acids, calcium, and other antioxidants.
If you have acne-prone skin, milk helps to gently exfoliate your skin and gradually get rid of acne, due to the presence of lactic acid. Lactic acid also fights off microbes responsible for acne.
Milk soothes skin inflammatory conditions like eczema. For people with oily skin, it helps to draw out excess sebum from skin pores and tighten skin pores.
Let’s see a simple way to use milk for oily skin –
- Apply some milk all over your face and let it dry.
- Wash it off with plain water.
18. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has many skin benefits for the skin. It is rich in acetic, citric, malic and amino acid and also contains a host of vitamins, enzymes, and mineral salts, all of which are beneficial for your skin.
Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar helps to keep your skin pores free of bacteria, dirt, and dust, thereby helping in getting rid of stubborn acne and pimples.
Apple cider vinegar soothes your skin and keeps it soft and moisturized. Alpha hydroxy acids present in apple cider vinegar help to remove dead skin cells, and expose fresh and healthy skin.
Let’s see how you can use apple cider vinegar in your oily skin care routine –
- Using a cotton ball, apply some apple cider vinegar to your face at night.
- Wash it off with water in the morning.
- If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute this vinegar with a cup of water before using it.
- You can also store this mixture in ice cubes and apply it to your skin for a refreshing feel.
19. Turmeric
Turmeric has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which helps to clear the skin of bacteria that cause acne and breakouts. Its’ anti-inflammatory properties calm the skin.
Turmeric helps to remove excess oil from the skin, which is why people with oily skin should use turmeric in their DIY recipes regularly. It acts as a great exfoliator and imparts a healthy glow to the skin.
Curcumin, the active ingredient present in turmeric, combats the tyrosinase enzyme that is responsible for creating dark spots from hyperpigmentation.
You get a variety of turmeric in the market, but it’s the wild turmeric (Kasturi Manjal) that is ideal for the skin.
Let’s see how we can incorporate turmeric in our daily skincare routine for oily skin –
- Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of honey to sufficiently warm water in a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients to form a paste.
- Do not use too much or too little water. The water should just be enough to form a paste that sticks to your face and doesn’t drip.
- Wash it off with warm water after it dries.
20. Papaya
This power fruit packs quite a punch when it comes to fighting oily skin. As a bonus, it also gets rid of uneven skin tone, dark spots, and general dullness of the skin.
Papaya is an excellent exfoliator and helps to get rid of any dead skin cells. Papaya protects the skin from harmful free radicals. Due to the presence of flavonoids, it has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to get rid of acne and any other bacterial and fungal infections.
Papayas help to increase the collagen production in the skin, making it appear soft and supple. They are rich in an enzyme called papain that helps in soothing irritated skin.
Let’s see how we can prepare a simple papaya face pack for oily skin at home –
- Mix some papaya pulp with a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice to form a pack.
- Apply this pack all over your face.
- Wash it off with warm water after it dries.
Final Thoughts On Home Remedies For Oily Skin
In a nutshell, instead of spending thousands on cosmetic products, you can always try some home remedies for oily skin and pimples, which are not only cost-effective but have zero risks of damaging your skin as well. You also end up doing away with harsh chemicals that any beauty product inevitably contains.
If you are wondering how to get rid of oily skin permanently at home, all the above ingredients are tried and tested and will not harm your skin in any way. Be encouraged to mix and match some of them, and the possibilities are limitless.
Who knows, you might discover hidden skincare secrets! But those of you with sensitive skin should be very careful to make sure there are no adverse effects on your skin. Do not the patch test!