Oily skin is one of the most talked about skin concerns which is characterized by overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by your skin, responsible for overall skin health of your skin however, if produced more than necessary, it may lead to clogged pores, formation of acne and a shiny complexion. Therefore, below are mentioned most effective ways which can help you reduce sebum production and eventually get rid of oily skin.
Firstly, Let’s Understand What Sebum Is
In simplest words, sebum is an oily substance which is produced by the sebaceous gland present in our dermis, a middle layer of our skin. Regardless of how much people hate its presence, our body needs it. It’s Important because it plays crucial role in keeping the skin moisturized and protecting it from environmental factors while promoting overall health of our skin.
However, it becomes a problem when your sebaceous glands start to produce more sebum than necessary resulting in oily skin, clogged pores, black and whiteheads and many more related conditions.
Getting rid of sebum to get rid of oily skin is not what we are aiming for instead, our focus is to maintain a healthy amount of sebum production in our skin leading to a healthier skin.
Proven Ways To Get Rid Of Oily Skin
Below, I’ve discussed 5 proven ways to get rid of oily skin. Read on to better understand how each can help you achieve the same.
Use Cosmeceutical Ingredients
There are various active ingredients out there which can help you maintain oiliness on your face and can even limit the production of sebum. Few such examples are shared below.
1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is an oil soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which allows it to penetrate your skin and reach the deep into pores where it exfoliate the inner walls of the pores while removing excess sebum and dead cells which further prevent the formation of acne associated with oily skin.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide works by inhibiting the growth of P. acne, a bacteria responsible for acne. furthermore, it introduces oxygen into the pores, which creates an inhabitable environment for P. acne as they grow in an anaerobic environment, an oxygen free environment. Apart from that, it dries our skin, ultimately helping us get a more clear and oil free skin.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, act on improving the function of skin barrier which can regulate skin’s natural oil production and protect our skin while maintaining its strength. It helps to balance the oil levels in our skin which further help us get a more clearer and oil free skin.
Manage Hormonal Imbalance
There are many approaches that you can take in order to manage your hormones from available OTC to prescription drugs such as oral contraceptives and anti-androgens however, we are going to focus on some natural tips which can help you manage your hormones better.
4. Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are the types of drugs which help prevent pregnancy. These contraceptives contain synthetic form of hormones such as estrogen and progestin which inhibit the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, therefore preventing ovaries from releasing egg. (ovulation).
Use of these contraceptives can help you hormonal imbalance and get rid of oily skin however, this option is not for everyone therefore, Consult Your Doctor First!
5. Anti-Androgens
Androgens are the male hormones like testosterone which are responsible male reproductive function and also sexual characteristics in men, including facial and body hair growth and voice change etc.
Ant-androgens on the other hand are the drugs which blocks the production of androgens which can further help in hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne and therefore oily skin. However, this treatment option is not for everyone, Consult Your Doctor First!
6. Manage Stress
Stress could become one the reasons of oily skin if not managed timely. It can trigger adrenal glands to produce androgens, which can increase the production of sebum ultimately leading to oily skin or acne.
You can naturally manage your stress by involving in various stress reliving activates such as working out, beauty sleep, playing with kids, spending time with your loved ones etc.
7. Stick To A Personalized Skincare Routine
Personal care routine is really important and the best personalized skin are routine can only be created by you simply by understanding your skin better. Start by understanding your skin type and observe what works for your skin and what don’t. Briefly I’ve talked about it here but you are interested you can check out the detailed recently published articles such as How To Remove Tan From Face Naturally?, How To Get Clear Skin Without Skin Care Products?, Skin & Skin Types: A Comprehensive Study Backed By Science and Acne Vulgaris: Types, Causes & Treatment. Everything You Need To Know. etc.
Briefly, you can follow these 9 Step Routine which is the crux of any skin care routine that you’ll come across.
- Cleanse Your Skin to Remove Impurities
- Exfoliate Your Skin To Remove Dead Cells
- Use Toner to Balance the pH of the skin
- Use Essence to Improve Moisture Retention and Skin Elasticity
- Apply Serums to Target Specific Skin Concerns
- Use A Sheet Mask for Calming Benefits
- Use an Eye Cream to Address Puffiness, Dark Circles, and Fine Lines
- Use Moisturizers for Skin Hydration
- Apply Sunscreen to Fight Against UV Rays
Quick Home Remedies For Instantly Getting Rid Of Oily Skin
These quick home remedies explained below are effective, natural and more importantly can be easily done at home. Read on to learn about each.
8. Apply Lemon and Honey Mask
Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and also a natural astringent that helps tighten pores and reduce oil production. It contains citric acid which helps exfoliate the skin while removing dead skin cells.
- Mix lemon juice and hone in a bowl.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanse and let it dry naturally.
- Apply the mixture evenly on your face.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
9. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar can help balance the pH of your skin which can further help controlling the excess sebum production. It contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties which can exfoliate your skin and prevent pores from being clogged.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry naturally.
- Soak a cotton ball in the diluted vinegar solution.
- Apply the soaked cotton ball on oily areas.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
10. Apply Bentonite Clay Mask
Clay mask specifically made with Bentonite Clay or Kaoline Clay are really good at absorbing excess oil and impurities from your skin. These masks helps tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of open pores and making your skin appear clean.
- Make a smooth paste by mixing clay with rose water.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it dry naturally.
- Apply the clay mask evenly to your face.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes or until the mask dries completely.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Conclusion
Preventing oily skin is almost impossible, therefore managing the level of oil on your skin should be your priority which can done by incorporating above mentioned tips and advices to your skincare routine and by consciously investing time to learn about your skin and then take care of it. Remember, that the goal is not to get rid of sebum completely, all you have to do is balance it so that your skin in its most healthiest state possbile.
