Oily skin has been the bane of many, and rightly so. When the skin is oily, it can lead to a number of skin issues, including acne, pimples and clogged pores. However, there are a number of ways to combat and prevent oily skin – and they don’t cause a bomb.
Causes of Oily Skin
There are several factors that lead to oily skin. Genetics, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can be major contributing factors that can cause oily skin. Usually, when one has oily skin it means that they have overly active sebaceous glands. Found beneath the skin, these glands produce sebum, which works to keep the skin moisturised, it also keeps the skin healthy. However, when this gland is overactive and starts overproducing sebum, that’s when the real problem starts. There are several ways to combat oily skin with basic and inexpensive practices and ingredients that you can find in the kitchen.
Natural Ways to Combat Oily Skin
Washing Your Face
Washing your face with warm water and a cleanser that is pH-balanced is one way to eliminate excess oil on the skin. It’s important that you avoid overwashing your face or using harsh cleansers and soaps on the skin. These types of cleansers will essentially strip your skin of any oil, potentially leaving it dry and flaky, and in some instances, the glands might work overtime to replenish lost sebum (an oily, waxy substance that is produced by the body’s sebaceous glands). Anti-acne products that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used on the skin to combat oily skin.
Honey
Honey has the ability to hydrate the skin and at the same time works to reduce the secretion of oil in the skin naturally. The ingredient also acts as a natural emollient, which basically means it can soften rough, dry and flaky skin. Additionally, honey contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties that go a long way in keeping the skin healthy and clear. The antibacterial compounds found in honey combat acne and keep them at bay, while the antioxidants play a large role in fighting the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. It’s important to remember that an imbalance or accumulation of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress increases the risk of chronic diseases.
Oatmeal
Going beyond than being just a part of a healthy breakfast to kick start your day, oatmeal also functions as a potent ultraviolet absorber. This means that it can negate and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun can have extremely detrimental effects on the skin. It can lead to sun damage, which will go on to cause wrinkles, dark spots and blemishes from forming on the skin. Oatmeal contains cleansing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. The combination of these effects works together to keep the skin soft, supple, and youthful-looking. Additionally, oatmeal is strong enough to control the skin’s sebum production. This, in turn, prevents acne which is caused when dead skin cells and oil clog the pores.
Lemons
Rich in citric acid, lemon works to diminish the facial dots and has the ability to regulate and control excessive sebum production in the skin. Due to its highly antimicrobial properties, this citrus fruit is potent enough to remove acne-causing bacteria on the skin. As an added benefit, lemon contains skin lightening properties that treat discolourations, dark spots and other sun damage related issues. Lemons can also be used to treat blackheads and even works as a lip exfoliator.
Green Tea
Green tea is anything but modest when it comes to the beneficial properties it contains for the skin and our overall health. It is touted to be one of the healthiest beverages in the world, and its no wonder why. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, green tea has potent effects on the skin, brain and health. Besides improving brain function and increasing fat burning, green tea has the ability to reduce and manage the sebum production in the skin. This helps to keep acne at bay and works well to treat it as well. The high polyphenols that are found in green tea work to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer in the body.
Tomatoes
The astringent properties found in tomatoes go a long way to control and reduce the excessive sebum production in the skin. Tomatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, this not only nourishes the skin but also works to give skin its natural glow. Technically a fruit, tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which works to fight free radicals in the body. Additionally, this antioxidant agent alleviates skin problems that are related to ageing and sun damage, such as age spots, dark spots, discolourations etc. Apart from that, tomatoes reduce blackhead and whiteheads in the skin and can effectively shrink pores and tighten the skin; this, in turn, keeps the skin free of pimples and acne.