Oily skin is one of the most common skin complaints and can be tough to deal with. No one wants to look as though they have deliberately dunked their face in a deep fat fryer, and if you do suffer from oily skin it can be frustrating when the ‘tried and tested’ products don’t seem to have much of an effect.
Oil build up doesn’t just leave you feeling shinier than a Christmas bauble. It also has other adverse effects on your skin. The accumulation of excess oil builds up and can lead to other unsightly beasts such as whiteheads and blackheads, pimples, enlarged pores and sore, irritated skin.
There are a number of factors that can cause oily skin, poor dietary choices, emotional stress, hormone changes and even genetics (thanks, mum) can lead to oil build up.
Luckily, there are lots of solutions out there to help you combat oily skin and can change your complexion into a smooth, even toned, and pimple free one. And there’s no need to reach in your wallet for these oily skin treatments – you already have most of them lying around at home.
So without further ado, here are some of our favorite home remedies for oily skin!
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #1. Potatoes
Ahhh the humble potato! Who knew it wasn’t just good for making french fries? Potatoes are in fact packed with skin boosting vitamin C, they contain acne fighting properties, help your skin hold moisture, and are an alkaline food which means they can help eliminate pimple causing bacteria from the skin. Plus, they make one of the most affordable natural remedies for oily skin – ever.
Its snazzy cousin, the sweet potato, is a fantastic natural source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and is jam packed with antioxidants which fight against free radicals and nourish your skin.
Simply grate one, mix with creamy, hydrating yogurt for better texture and apply to your face. Your skin will feel cooler, plumper and oil-free yet hydrated once you’re done. Seriously – this little tuber is a miracle for oily skin.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #2. Oats
If you are having oatmeal for breakfast – why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone? This nutritious food is not only is low fat and releases energy slowly, it’s also one of the best remedies for oily skin. These oats suck up oil like nothing else. Plus, the gentle texture of oats are actually a great exfoliator so you can use these mixed with a little water as a natural face scrub.
If you want to take it further however why not create a little treat for your skin in the form of an oatmeal face mask? Mix with rosewater, lemon juice, milk or curd and you can soothe, cleanse and rejuvenate your skin, helping to reduce oiliness and leave you looking great.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #3. Rice Powder
Rice powder is full of natural anti-aging and oil-absorbing properties, and has actually been used in Asia for this purpose for many centuries. A rice powder face mask will absorb excess oil, and give your skin a boost leaving it feeling fresh and healthy with a lovely, natural glow.
You can also dust it on your skin to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #4. Clay
Clay is actually one of the oldest skin secrets known to man. In fact Cleopatra was known to be a big fan, and if it’s good enough for Cleo, it’s good enough for us!
Clay is fantastic at absorbing various pigments from plants and minerals which help to nourish the skin. Now we commonly see clay as an ingredient in face masks used to give our skin a good old deep clean and to tighten the pores.
Clay works to remove toxins from the skin, the build up of which can cause an oily complexion. It also helps to increase circulation and absorb excess oil while softening, hydrating and soothing the skin too. Even if you have seriously greasy skin, clay will work for you. Find out the best clay masks for oily skin!
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #5. Charcoal
Believe it or not, charcoal has many uses other than outdoor cooking or helping you recover from food poisoning.
Activated charcoal is extremely porous, and when applied to the skin it has a rather magical ability to get right into your pores to absorb all the dirt, oil, and grime clogging them up, making it one of the best oily skin remedies you can get your hands on.
Of course, this not only zaps oiliness, but also has the side effect of reducing unsightly bumps and blackheads. Anyone suffering from oily skin and breakouts should give this little wonder-ingredient a try.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #6. Milk of Magnesia
Ummm hang on a minute, isn’t milk of magnesia used to treat upset tummies? In short, the answer is yes, however milk of magnesia has some other amazing benefits too.
Milk of magnesia is actually brilliant at combating oily skin. Use it liberally after washing and drying your face and it can help prevent blemishes and other skin irritations before they even start!
Lots of women have realized that it also makes a great primer, so why not try dabbing some milk of magnesia on your skin before applying makeup (you’ll have to rub it off first once it dries)? It gives your makeup real staying power as well as a flawless, smooth, shine-free complexion.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #7. Aloe vera
The powers of aloe vera know no bounds. This amazing plant has loads of fantastic skincare benefits and is one of the best natural ingredients when it comes to treating acne-prone oily skin.
Many skincare products contain aloe vera, but if you want to go totally natural you can simply cut a leaf from the plant in half and apply the gel directly to your skin. Once dried, wash your face and repeat the process 2-3 times a day. You should see a reduction in oil production and a clearer, brighter complexion in no time.
Home Remedies for Oily Skin #8. Manuka Honey
It may seem a bit, well, weird to smear sticky and rather expensive Manuka honey all over your face, but it is in fact a brilliant fix for oily skin. Plus, it’s also got natural moisturizing properties which reduce excess oil, clear out pores and even works to prevent wrinkles too!
These common items all work wonders when it comes to soaking up excess oil on your skin, so if you are fed up with having a shiny complexion and want to try something new, why not give them a go?
