How to Get Rid of Oily Skin
Remedies for Managing and Reducing Oily Skin
Oily skin can be a nuisance, to say the least. It is frustrating to manage. Unfortunately, it is often associated with feelings of insecurity and embarrassment.
Having a gorgeous summer glow is appealing. But too much shine, and a greasy face are not desired. That is why discovering ways to get rid of oily skin is so helpful, not only to renew a healthy skin complexion, but also to regain confidence and boost self-esteem.
It is not uncommon to have oily skin. In fact, almost everyone will face a battle with oily skin at some point in their lives. This is due to both physiological factors such as hormone changes, and external factors such as seasons of high stress.
So before diving into a thorough discussion of the various remedies for how to get rid of oily skin, it is important to understand how the skin produces and uses skin oil. Below is a brief overview of the causes of oily skin.
Why is Some Skin Overly Oily?
Skin is broken down into four categories. They are dry, normal, combination, and oily. Skin appearance and the tactile perception of the skin, meaning the way skin feels to the touch are what determine a person's skin type. Both are commonly measured on the face and neck because of the high concentration of sebaceous glands on the face.
Sebaceous glands are tiny glands responsible for producing oil. This oil is called sebum. Sebum is important as it helps prevent water loss and keeps the skin organ from drying out.
Sebaceous glands are found all throughout the body. They are highly concentrated in certain regions including the face, neck, chest, and scalp.
People who are prone to oily skin have an overproduction of sebum. Others with the opposite battle (having dry skin) have too little production of sebum. Combination skin is the result of having overproduction of sebum in certain regions such as the forehead, nose, chin, and sometimes neck, while cheeks may remain normal.
Sebum production varies from person to person, and even varies depending on internal and external life circumstances. For example, hormones play a large role in sebum production.
More sebum is produced in the newborn stage of life, and in the adolescent years because of puberty. With age, sebum production declines, making elders more susceptible to dry skin. Other factors that may cause an increase in sebum production are:
- Genetics plays a significant role in the amount of sebum production. Of course, this is something that is not in our ability to control or change.
- Climate does impact sebum production. People who live in hotter and more humid climates tend to have an increase in sebum.
- Like climate, seasons and weather impact sebum production. People naturally produce more oil in the summers than in the winters.
- Stress can also influence sebum production, with high stress causing higher levels of sebum.
Does Oily Skin Cause Acne?
Any discussion regarding oily skin cannot be without at least a brief discussion of acne. That is because studies have consistently shown a direct causal relationship between excess skin oil and acne. In short, too much sebum can both enlarge the pores and mix with debris including dead skin cells. This, in turn, clogs pores, creating blackheads.
How to Treat Acne and Oily Skin
Sometimes, the attempt to combat acne-related skin problems can lead to skin dryness. People with acne commonly make an effort to dry out their skin. After all, this does make sense if excess sebum and clogged pores are causing acne.
However, as already mentioned above, excessively dry skin can lead to other unwanted skin conditions, such as skin inflammation, redness, cracking, etc.
That is why when considering skin care products to help manage oily skin, it is important to consider any products that can also simultaneously help manage acne.
For the remainder of this article, you will find a brief overview of some daily routines to add to your skin care regimen. These simple steps will certainly help you in your efforts to minimize and manage the amount of oil your skin produces.
More detailed tips and tricks along with some general remedies for reducing and managing skin oil production will follow. Lastly, an article on how to get rid of oily skin cannot go without specific recommendations for some of the best products for both oily skin and acne.
How to Get Rid of Oily Skin: A Brief Overview
Following a daily skin care regimen is no doubt going to be beneficial for anyone with any skin type. However, it is especially important for those with oily-prone skin to follow a consistent skincare routine. It is necessary to balance out skin oils and reduce any risks of acne.
Taking care of your skin does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. It should, on the other hand, be consistent. It may require just a few quick minutes in the morning and another few minutes in the evening.
Check out this overview of a simple skincare routine below.
Wash off all Your Makeup:
Washing your face twice is only necessary in the evenings. Sleeping with makeup on can cause pores to clog and acne to develop. Starting your routine with makeup-removing wipes or a cleanser that removes makeup will prepare your face for the rest of your nightly skincare routine.
Wash Your Face:
Most people with excess skin oil already do this. In fact, many people who battle with oily skin wash a few times too many during the day.
Really, washing once in the morning, and then once in the evening before sleeping is all that is necessary. If you exercise and produce a lot of sweat, it is okay to add a third wash afterward. Use a gentle foaming cleanser and warm water. The Lioverite Balance Control Foam Cleanser is perfect for removing excess oil and balancing out skin oil production.
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Apply a Toner:
Toner wipes away leftover dirt and unwanted particles that may have been missed when washing your face. It also hydrates the skin, preparing it for additional products you apply so that they are more easily absorbed into the skin.
Moisturize Your Skin:
Moisturizing the skin is possibly the single most important thing you can do to combat oily skin. It’s important for maintaining proper levels of skin hydration. The sebaceous glands will produce more sebum to compensate when the skin in not properly hydrated.
Even though it seems counterintuitive to moisturize, it is the best thing if you want to reduce your sebum production. This moisturizing lotion by Lioverite is perfect for eliminating excess skin oil. It locks in hydration and reduces the appearance of pores.
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Apply a Serum:
Depending on what you are using, serum can be either part of your evening skincare routine or your morning routine. Serum is an extra step you can take if you battle with any skin problems such as acne, or dull or uneven complexion. For example, a retinol serum will help to clear up acne and exfoliate your skin. A Vitamin C serum will help even out and brighten up your skin complexion.
Exfoliate Your Skin:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliating your skin is recommended 2-3 times a week. It does not need to be a nightly task. There are two types of exfoliations: mechanical and chemical.
Brushing, using an exfoliating sponge, or a scrub containing microbeads or granules are forms of mechanical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation uses alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Whichever method you choose, be gentle on your skin, and remember to moisturize afterwards.
Mask Your Face and Neck:
Wearing a facial mask a couple of times each week helps to absorb oils from the skin and reduce the amount of skin oil.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Oily Skin
Healthy Lifestyle Diet Choices
Hormones do have a role to play in the production of sebum. It is becoming more common knowledge that diet affects our hormone levels. So, we cannot ignore the role diet plays in our skin health.
A diet rich in low glycemic foods such as colorful vegetables, fruits, legumes and lentils, whole grains, and oats will keep hormones at bay. On the other hand, processed foods, fried foods, and products made from cow’s milk will cause a spike in our hormones.
Reduce Stress Levels
Likewise, stress triggers a release of hormones too, including cortisol, which helps produce sebum. If work and other external factors are creating stress that you cannot control, try adopting some stress-reducing habits that are within your ability to control.
Suggestions include exercising, drinking more water, setting yourself up for a successful night’s sleep, doing yoga for ten to fifteen minutes daily, and cutting out consumption of nicotine and alcohol.
Natural Home Remedies for Managing Excess Skin Oil
As mentioned above, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and masking should be part of a regular and consistent routine to eliminate excess skin oil production.
Some natural remedies used in cleansers, exfoliators, moisturizers, and masks are listed below. When searching for ingredients for that just right product, the following natural products are going to be a huge bonus.
Honey:
Honey is an antioxidant and natural humectant, meaning it draws water from the skin, keeping it hydrated and eliminating excess dryness.
To treat blackheads, try this Nature Spa Blackhead Treatment Soap containing honey and 15 other natural extracts.
Green Tea Extract:
Green Tea Extract contains polyphenols and antioxidants that can reduce sebum secretion and treat acne when applied topically.
Check out this Kyoto Komachi Matcha Face Pack with green tea extract. It is perfect for drawing out excess oils and exfoliating to get even the most stubborn dead skin cells.
Green Clay:
Loaded with iron oxides and trace minerals that are highly beneficial for the skin. Green clay is highly effective in absorbing and removing excess oils and impurities from the skin. It is also an exfoliator and can stimulate circulation.
Parsley:
Believe it or not, parsley is full of vitamins and minerals working to manage the production of skin oil. If you are searching for a facial mask, look for one that contains parsley powder.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is possibly the most well-known natural exfoliator. It absorbs skin oil well. Oatmeal is commonly used in powder form in masks and moisturizers.
Almonds:
Like oatmeal, almonds are a natural exfoliator and absorb excess skin oils. When ground in its powder form and mixed with honey in a mask or facial cleanser, it both exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
Jojoba Oil:
A 2012 study shows that when combined with green clay in a mask, jojoba oil was able to treat mild forms of acne. Jojoba oil confused the sebaceous glands by mimicking sebum. So, the sebaceous glands stop producing as much.
Centella Asiatica Extract:
A is a rich array of natural substances including flavonoids, amino acids, and other free radicals. Centella Asiatica Extract contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that hydrate and reduce skin sensitivity.
This Cica Method Booster Serum is a great addition if you have excessively oily but sensitive skin.
Over the Counter Remedies to Get Rid of Oily Skin
In addition to looking for natural ingredients, here are some other ingredients that help target excess skin oils.
Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid is a gentle, chemical-based exfoliator. It is used to remove dead skin cells and excess skin oil. Opt for natural Willow Bark Extract which is the natural form of Salicylic Acid and is less likely to cause skin reactions.
Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. It is commonly used in moisturizers and helps reduce the production of skin oil.
Retinoids: Retinoids are forms of Vitamin A that are also used to reduce skin oil production and even pore size. There are many varieties of retinoids. Retinol is a mild form that can treat acne. Retin A or Tretinoin is one of the stronger forms and requires a prescription.
Other Products to Help Treat Oily Skin
Blotting Papers: Using blotting papers throughout the day as needed helps reduce the surface oils on the skin. The result is a clean, matte appearance.
Sonic Cleansing Brushes: Sonic brushes work to massage the skin while cleansing so that any deeper residue (including excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris) surfaces. They leave skin feeling much cleaner, and fresher than using your hands or wipes.
After this thorough discussion of oily skin, and how to get rid of it, the biggest takeaway is to discover for yourself those just right products to combat your oily skin. Then make your skincare a priority every morning and night.
In short, be consistent with the right products, and you will see results.
