Remedies for oily skin

Oily skin is a common skin type, and for some it poses a significant problem. This type of skin is characterized by a shiny, almost greasy look, and it is more prone to acne than other skin types. There is a wide variety of natural and inexpensive remedies for oily skin, made of widely available ingredients.

About oily skin

Oily skin is a result of overactive sebaceous glands. These glands, located in the skin, secrete sebum, which is an oily material that lubricates and protects the skin. It also lubricates the hair, making it soft and subtle.

Overactive sebaceous glands can be caused by a number of factors, mainly by hormones. Teenagers are more prone to oily skin and consequently to acne because their hormones are changing. Oily skin can also be caused by hormone replacement therapy, use of birth control pills, stress, too much makeup, humid and hot weather.

Oily skin has a shiny, dull and even untidy appearance. Dust and dirt stick to the sebum and the pores are often clogged, which is why oily skin is more likely to suffer from acne.

One good thing about oily skin is that the extra sebum locks in the moisture so this type of skin develops fewer wrinkles.

Oily skin remedies and tips

One of the most important things is solving the problem with oil skin is to be careful not to wash it too much. It may seem logical that this skin type should be washed more often and with harsher soaps, but it is not true. In fact, too much washing strips away the sebum and the glands work extra hard to compensate for the loss, which results in even more sebum.

Products used for cleaning the skin, like soap, liquid cleansers, milks and lotions should be suitable for oily skin only. The skin should be cleaned daily, preferably in the morning and in the evening, and it is very important to always remove makeup before going to bed.

Lifestyle and habits are also very important. Smoking and alcohol consumption aggravate the problem, and so does the stress. Exercise is recommended for al skin types, including oily skin. The diet should consist more of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and less of fats and processed sugars.

As for the remedies, there are quite a few natural ingredients that can be used alone or in combination with others to make beneficial facial masks and lotions. Cucumbers are one of those, especially if mixed with lemon juice. Tomatoes work well too.

Egg mask is one of the most popular remedies for oily skin, especially with acne. Mud packs and clay masks also do wonders for oily skin, because they remove only the excess sebum and not all of it, so they leave the skin clean and moisturized at the same time.

Finally, it is vital to drink plenty of water. The recommended amount is between eight and 10 glasses a day.