We know that oily skin is not necessarily the enemy, although sometimes, it can sure feel like it. Oily skin happens because the skin makes too much sebum from sebaceous glands. These glands are located under the skin’s surface. Sebum is a waxy, oily substance made of fats that protects and hydrates the skin. Sebum is vital for keeping the skin healthy.
Sebum is not all bad since it helps protect and moisturise our skin and keep our hair shiny and healthy. However, too much sebum may lead to oily skin, leading to clogged pores and acne. Genetics, hormonal changes, or even stress can increase sebum production. Oily skin and acne are challenging to manage. Understanding your oily skin is the key to managing (not eliminating) to reduce excess oil in your skin. We share everything you need to know about how to get rid of oily skin.
Wash Your Face Regularly
When you have oily skin, the urge to wash your face at every available opportunity can be intense. Washing your face can reduce the amount of oil on the skin. The first thing you need to do is wash your face using a gentle soap that suits your skin type and warm water. Avoids soaps with fragrances or harsh chemicals because they can irritate or dry out the skin and respond by creating more sebum. Also, you need to prevent loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil.
Use Blotting Paper
Many companies make blotting papers, which are specially designed absorbent papers that pull oil from the skin. These thin, small papers won’t prevent your sebaceous glands from going into overdrive, but they will allow you to blit excess oil from your face to help minimise shiny, greasy skin.
Use Facial Mask
Today’s beauty shelves might be piled high with increasingly innovative formulas, but sometimes, the oldest treatment remains the best. Certain facial masks may be beneficial for treating oily skin. You can use a facial mask that contains clay, honey or oatmeal.
Clay is used to help absorb skin oil and treat many skin conditions. Clay masks contain minerals like smectite or bentonite, which can help reduce skin shininess and sebum levels without irritating the skin. Honey is one of nature’s most revered skin remedies because it has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that benefit oily and acne-prone skin to keep the skin moist. Oatmeal helps calm inflamed skin and absorb excess oil because oats contain gentle, cleansing saponins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that could soothe irritated skin.
Address Your Diet
The root of oily skin issues could lie in your gut. If you have oily skin, you should avoid sugar and dairy because they feed and increase oil production. To help reduce oil in your skin, you should consume more zinc, magnesium, vitamin B, and Omega 3. Zinc helps to regulate the oil-producing glands. You also might consider your sugar intake because insulin in sugar creates the hormone IGF-1, which can increase the production of sebum.