Oil skin is the result of overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands. These glands are located within the skin’s surface. Sebum is made of fats which contain oil. Too much sebum leads to oily skin, large pores and acne. Sebum production may be due to genetics, hormone change and stress.
Oily skin may be hereditary. Excess oil can also result in changes in hormone levels during puberty, menstrual cycle and during pregnancy as sebaceous glands become more active. If we have oily skin type our skin exhibit some of the following:
- Face is shiny and appears greasy later on.
- Makeup doesn’t stay on and seems to slide off.
- Blackheads, pimples and other type of acne are due to oily skin
- Pores are enlarged especially on the nose, chin and forehead.
Oily skin has benefits which helps to preserve the skin and oily skin has thicker skin and few wrinkles. Oil is a form of moisture so having oil skin keeps skin naturally moisturized and softer.
Food that makes our skin oily:
- Dairy products, fried foods, salty food, alcohol , food which contains sugar.
- Dairy products are good for health but not good for skin. The high content of hormones can damage skin .
- Foods that are fried in heavy oils like french fries, samosa and chips contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids which can worsen skin health.
- Salt is important for our taste. Too much salt may lead to dehydration in the skin.
- Alcohol impacts on skin health badly, it makes our skin dehydrated and increases oil production to compensate for water loss.
Home remedies to prevent oily skin:
- Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Honey acts as a natural remedy for preventing oil skin. Honey helps to reduce excess oil, clears pores, moisturizes without making skin oily.
How to use:
Apply a thin layer of honey over your face, let it dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse it with warm water (Raw honey is preferred).
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best for treating sunburns. Aloevera has antimicrobial properties in it. It can be also used for treating acne and pores and also helps to absorb excess oil from skin.
How to use:
Apply a thin layer of fresh Aloe Vera gel for your face 2-3 times a day or apply before bed and leave it overnight.
- Bananas:
Bananas contain high level
of nutrients like vitamin A,B,E which moisture skin without excess oil in it.
How to use:
Mash one ripe banana and add 1 tablespoon of milk and mix and apply for the face.
- Jojoba oil:
It is a natural oil extracted from plants that is mostly used in sunscreen and moisturizer. It has anti-inflammatory properties and it helps to treat several skin conditions effectively. It can be directly applied to skin or mix it with any other oil.
- Almonds:
Almonds used in face scrub are more effective in treating oil skin. It contains anti-hepatotoxicity and anti-inflammatory and helps in improving skin tone.
How to use it:
To make almond face pack scrub grind raw almonds to powder,mix almond powder with honey apply scrub to face with gentle circular motion
- Lemon juice:
Lemon juice brightens up complexion, lemon has citric acid which helps to tone skin and control oil skin.
How to use it:
Apply one tablespoon of lemon juice and add half spoon of lukewarm water to skin with cotton balls,leave for 10 minutes and rinse with water.
- Yogurt:
Dairy products like milk ,yogurt contain lactic acid which helps to absorb excess oil.
How to use it:
Apply yogurt to your face and leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
- Egg whites:
Eggs contain high amounts of vitamin A ,it can dry out blemishes as well as tighten oily skin and tone.
How to use it:
Whip one egg white and spread on the face to allow it to dry and wash with water.
- Cucumbers:
Cucumber contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A and C, magnesium and potassium which helps to keep oily skin under control.
How to use:
Take fresh thick slices of cucumber gently rub over face before bed leave overnight rinse in the morning.
* Basic skin care remedies to avoid oily skin:
- Wash your face every morning, evening and after exercise.
- Use skin care products that are free of oil and noncomedogenic.
- Don’t not sleep in makeup
- Wash your face with warm water and use gentle soap which doesn’t contain fragrance and harsh chemicals
