Oily Skin can be more than just a hassle. The greasy feel, the runny makeup, and the almost constant acne can affect your confidence. So, how do you get rid of oily skin on your face? Well, you can’t get rid of it completely. This is because the main causes are genetics, hormones, and the environment. But this doesn’t mean you can’t treat your oily skin and balance out the sebum production. There are a number of conventional and DIY methods to choose from. Try them out, pick your favorites, and you’re on your way to gorgeous, healthy skin.

Conventional Methods

#1 – Cleansers:

One of the best ways available for people with oily skin to deal with this issue is to use a gentle facial cleanser. Wash your face every morning and again at night, but don’t overwash. This could dry out your skin, causing your glands to kick into overdrive. If a regular cleanser isn’t working for you, there are stronger ones you can try. Look for salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid. These ingredients are meant to treat acne but are also great for combating oily skin.

#2 – Toners:

Using a toner is a great way to treat oily skin, but you have to be careful with them. People with excess oil should stay away from astringent toners. These can cause irritation which leads to sensitive skin. Your oil production will then increase to deal with the dryness these toners cause. If you do use a toner, try a gentle one. Use it only a couple times a week and only on the areas that need it the most.

#3 – Moisturizers:

Those with overactive sebaceous glands usually avoid moisturizers at all costs. This is the wrong decision. Adding moisturizer to your oily face can actually reduce the oil produced. This is because these products protect your skin from dirt, bacteria, and harmful UV rays. They also lock in your skin’s moisture. If your skin is already hydrated, your face won’t feel the need to produce as much oil. Be sure to look for hyaluronic acid or glycerin in the ingredients list. Avoid heavy ones like shea butter.

#4 – Medicated Pads:

Medicated pads are great for use when you’re away from home and your face feels a bit oily. They usually contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or another ingredient for combating oil. All you do is pull one out, pat your face to remove the oil and toss the pad in the garbage. You can use them whenever you feel your face is a bit greasy. But the same rules apply as with other medicated products. Don’t overuse them, or you could dry out your skin, causing an increase in oil production.

#5 – Blotting Papers:

Blotting papers are similar to the medicated pads, only without the medication. They are easy to use as well, making them a great addition to your routine. All you need to do is apply the blotting paper to your oily face in the areas it needs it most. Press it down to allow it to absorb the oil, usually for about 20 seconds. Then remove it and throw the sheet away.

#6 – Oil-free Sunscreen:

Applying a thick sunscreen to your oily face is probably unthinkable. But your skin needs to be protected, no matter what skin type you have. Thankfully, there are a variety of sunscreens to choose from. Gels are great because they apply thinner and likely won’t clog your pores as easily as a thicker cream. There are also new oil-free sunscreens. These offer great protection without causing greasy skin on your face.

#7 – Makeup:

Those with oily skin usually have large pores that can take in the extra dirt, oil, and bacteria that cause acne. That’s why choosing heavy foundations can make your skin suffer. They will clog your pores, increasing the number of pimples you have. Then you’ll need more makeup to cover them up. It’s a vicious cycle that can be remedied with a simple change in makeup products. Try out oil-control or mattifying foundations. You can also use a powder on its own if there are only small blemishes you with to cover up.

#8 – Face Masks:

Masks are great for oily skin on your face because they can cleanse your pores and remove excess oil. But they have the downside of drying out your face if used every day. That’s why it’s best to use these masks sporadically, such as for a big event. There are many different masks for sale, all with a variety of ingredients. Apply them to the problem areas, like an oily T-zone or chin. Then leave it for a few minutes to clear out the dirt and oil and rinse your face clean.

# 9 – Clays:

Though technically in the mask category, clays deserve to be on their own. There are a few different types to choose from, each with their own benefits. Bentonite attracts toxins and can treat fungal and bacterial infections. Fuller’s earth deals with hyperpigmentation, Red Kaolin reduces acne and detoxifies your skin. French Green clay exfoliates and tightens pores. The last one, Rhassoul, treats blackheads, whiteheads, and sebum plugs. Since they all absorb oil, they are an effective treatment for oily skin.

#10 – Change Your Diet: 

An unhealthy diet is as bad for your skin as it is for your body. There are some foods that can even cause an increase in your oil production. These include the usual culprits: refined carbohydrates, inflammatory fats, salt, sugar, and alcohol. But too much dairy can also be a hazard to those with oily skin on their face. Butter, milk, and cheese contain hormones that can lead to more oil and clogged pores. A diet full of almond milk, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is much better for your skin.

#11 – Consult a Dermatologist:

Sometimes you try every product and method out there and your oily face is still out of control. If this should happen, speak to your dermatologist. They can help you figure out the cause of your oily skin and help you decide on a better treatment for it. This may include a chemical peel or laser treatments. Your doctor can also prescribe a cream containing tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene. These ingredients can help to reduce the oil production and shrink your pores.

Home Remedies

#12 – Lemon Juice: 

Treating oily skin is just one of the benefits of using lemons on your face. They also even out your skin tone and lighten your complexion. There are a few methods for using them, too. You can rub the rind over your skin after cleansing. You can use the juice to make a face wash, an exfoliant, or a mask. Lemon juice can also be mixed with a variety of ingredients to make a lotion or toner. With so many options to choose from, you should have no trouble picking your favorite.

#13 – Aloe Vera: 

Aloe vera is an excellent product to treat oily skin and acne. It can be used on its own to moisturize your oily skin and help control the oil production. A thin layer applied every night can help reduce acne as well since it won’t clog your pores. You can also mix it with tea-tree oil to make a more effective acne treatment and moisturizer. A homemade scrub is also great for eliminating the dead skin cells and bacteria from your face. You can harvest aloe vera gel from your own plant or buy pure aloe for these methods.

#14 – Baking Soda:

Using a scrub made with baking soda is a great way to exfoliate your skin. This natural product clears out the oil, shrinks your pores, and reduces acne on your face. All you need to do is take some baking soda, add a bit of water, and mix it until it forms a paste. Then scrub it into your skin, avoiding your eyes. After about 15 seconds of this, wash it off with cold water. Keep in mind, baking soda can be a bit drying, even for oily skin, so follow it with a moisturizer.

#15 – Egg Whites: 

Egg whites contain chemical compounds that reduce the amount of oil produced. They also help retain your skin’s elasticity. This means healthy, younger-looking skin. To use egg whites on your skin, you can mix them with a variety of products to make different face masks. A simple one for oily skin uses only egg whites and lemon juice. You can also add apple, honey, or avocado, all of which have their own specific benefits. Oatmeal is also a great addition to exfoliate your skin for a healthy glow.

#16 – Yogurt: 

There are many reasons to use yogurt to control oily skin. It contains mineral zinc, which is a mild astringent, shrinking pores and reducing oil. Yogurt also contains lactic acid and alpha hydroxyl acid. Both of these work to exfoliate your skin, cleansing the pores of dirt and impurities. Yogurt is also a natural moisturizer. It can prevent the dryness that will kick your sebaceous glands into overdrive. You can use plain yogurt on your face all on its own. Leave it on for half an hour, then wash it off with warm water.

#17 – Witch Hazel:

Because witch hazel is a natural astringent, it is great for reducing oily skin. This plant also lessens inflammation, redness, and acne. Witch hazel speeds up healing as well, reducing bacteria growth that causes infection. You can apply witch hazel daily, using a decent amount on a cotton ball. Just rub it over the oily or acne-prone areas. You’ll see the dirt and oil instantly on the cotton ball. By using this product a few times a day, you’ll have smoother, softer, tighter skin that is free of oil and acne.

#18 – Jojoba Oil: 

Jojoba oil is great for getting rid of oily skin because it is the product that comes closest to matching sebum. When you use it on your face, you trick your glands into thinking it has produced enough oil, shutting them down. Your sebum production will then balance out. Another benefit of Jojoba oil is that it can clear away blemishes and heal acne. It moisturizes your skin as well. The downside is that it may take a few weeks or more to accomplish this. The sooner you start using it, the better.

#19 – Cucumbers:

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which are as good on the inside as they are on the outside. They also have cooling and astringent properties. This makes the cucumber a natural toner for cleansing the skin. These tasty veggies are great for hydration, lightening, and dealing with sunburn. But for those with oily skin, they are perfect for removing those excess oils. No special methods or mixtures are needed, either. All you need to do is rub a couple of slices over your face to get rid of extra oil and soothe your skin.

#20 – Tomatoes:

Tomatoes are one of the least known foods for treating oily skin. But their benefits and ease of use make them one of the best options. They contain antioxidants, which reduce aging and protect and moisturize your skin. Fresh tomato juice can also treat oily skin when mixed with some cucumber juice. It is safe enough to use daily. Tomatoes also contain a variety of nutrients that can treat and heal acne. This cheap food can also be used to shrink your pores, letting in less dirt and bacteria to keep blemishes at bay.

#21 – Honey:

Honey is one of the top natural treatments for oily skin for many reasons. The main one is that it can absorb the excess oils from your face. It also moisturizes your skin, reducing oil production without leaving its own behind. Antiseptic and antibacterial properties in honey treat acne and prevent it from returning. Skin infections are also reduced. You can use honey on its own to cleanse your skin. You can also add some type of exfoliant, like ground almonds or oatmeal, to make a gentle scrub.

How to Get Rid of Oily Skin Final Thoughts

Trying to figure out how to get rid of oily skin on your face may seem like a daunting task. That’s why the methods above can help you with this troublesome issue. You can choose your favorites, combining them as you see fit. Then you’ll have the clear, glowing skin you’ve always wanted, and will likely waste no time showing it off.  If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our hair care buyer’s guides.

Footnotes:

• Cosmopolitan: 7 Ways to Tackle Oily Skin for Good
• Livestrong: How to Get Rid of Oily Skin on the Face at Home
• WebMD: How to Manage Oily Skin

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