Tired of your face looking shiny in photos, or finding your makeup smudging in the afternoon or even during the day? Oily skin is the most common problem, but it is very difficult to treat. However, don't let the problem beat you; and take action to fight oily skin by making some facial and lifestyle changes to get rid of excess oil from your life.
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Method 1 of 4: Wash Your Face
Step 1. Create a consistent face wash schedule
Oily skin becomes oily more often for two reasons: you wash it too often, or you don't wash it often enough. Washing your face too often will dry out your skin causing your body to try to compensate by creating more oil. Washing your face infrequently will cause old oil to build up. Therefore find a good midpoint by washing your face twice a day. The time after waking up and before going to bed is the best time.
Step 2. Use a special facial soap
Some soaps dry out your skin too much, causing your face to create more oil, while others contain ingredients that clog pores and also make more oil appear. Look for a face wash, bar or liquid, made especially for oily skin. For very oily skin, a detergent face wash can be considered, but it may be too harsh and make your skin too dry.
Step 3. Use the right water temperature
When you wash your face, use hot water; this will break down the oil more effectively than cold or warm water. Hot water also opens your pores, making it easier to wash off excess oil. After you have finished washing your face, splash it with cold water. This will close the pores and tighten the skin, thereby keeping it clear of oil and dirt for longer.
Method 2 of 4: Using toner
Step 1. One option that you can try is to use a witch hazel toner, which is an astringent substance made from the witch hazel plant
This astringent toner works as a great facial toner and is completely natural. This toner will close the pores and dry out excess oil when applied to your face after washing it off. Pour some witch hazel onto a cotton ball, and apply it to your face.
There is also a rose water and witch hazel combination toner on the market which is great for oily skin
Step 2. Make a tea tree oil toner
Tea tree oil is great for oily skin and acne, or blemish-prone skin. Mix equal parts of tea tree oil with water, then spray it on your face or use it with a cotton ball. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to one of your other favorite toners.
Step 3. Use apple cider vinegar
While it may sound scary because of the smell, apple cider vinegar is a great option for oily skin. Apply directly to your face after washing your face, or mix vinegar and water in equal proportions. Yes, there will be a vinegar smell when you apply it to your face, but after a while (after the vinegar has evaporated) the smell will go away.
Step 4. Make a green tea toner
Full of antioxidants and skin-cleansing nutrients, green tea is a great choice for oily skin. Make your own green tea toner by brewing one cup of extra strong pure green tea and allowing it to cool. You can apply this tea on your face twice a day with a spray bottle or cotton swab, after you wash your face.
Step 5. Try seabuckthorn seed oil
Another type of natural oil, seabuckthorn (hippophae) has been used to treat skin ailments for many years. Mix a small bottle of oil and water in equal proportions and apply it to your face. You can also choose to add a few drops of this oil to your other favorite toner instead of using it alone.
Step 6. Purchase a special toner
There are dozens of oil-prone skin toners available in the market, each with varying results. Try a toner advertised for oily skin, and see how it works. Make sure the toner doesn't have added fragrance as it can irritate your skin.
Method 3 of 4: Exfoliate Your Skin
Step 1. Make a gentle exfoliating product from oatmeal and aloe vera
Scrub and scrub away dead skin, dirt, and oil with an oatmeal scrub. Puree the oatmeal in a food processor to break it into a powder with a gritty texture. Then mix with a little aloe vera to form a paste. Rub your face with this mixture for 1-2 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Continue with toner.
Step 2. Try an almond scrub
Crushed almonds are a nutrient-dense ingredient that's great for your skin, and make an excellent natural exfoliant. Mix a tablespoon of coarsely ground almonds (make your own by blending a few almonds) with honey to form a paste. Rub it all over your face for 1-2 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and wiping your face with toner.
Step 3. Make a salt scrub
Salt is used in many facial products because of its skin-repairing benefits. Use a fine grain of salt, or grind the salt so it's not too coarse. Mix sea salt with a little water to form a paste, and rub it on your face well. Rinse with warm water.
Sea salt can dry out some skin types, which in turn can lead to excess oil production. Limit your use of salt on your skin, to no more than once a week
Step 4. Exfoliate your face with baking soda
Baking soda doubles as a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and an ultra-fine exfoliating ingredient. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to form a paste, and scrub your face with this paste for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off the baking soda with slightly cold water.
Baking soda can act as both an acid and a base because it is an amphoretic substance. This ingredient is fine to use on your skin, although it can sometimes be a little irritating to very sensitive skin. Do a small test first on your skin before trying it on your face
Step 5. Use coffee grounds as an exfoliant
If you are looking for a facial scrub with a delicious smell, then ground coffee is the one for you. Mix ground coffee with a little honey, then rub your face with this mixture for 1-2 minutes. Wash it off with warm water, and then coat your face with your favorite toner afterwards.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping Your Skin Oil Free
Step 1. Keep hair away from your face
The scalp creates the same oil for the hair as the face does for the skin. Avoid adding more oil to your face by pulling your hair away from your face. Some shampoos also contain ingredients that can make your face oilier. Pin the bangs away from your face, or pull your hair back in a ponytail.
Step 2. Blot your face with parchment paper
If you notice your face is getting shiny, use special facial wax paper or a layer of tissue paper to absorb the excess oil. Don't rub your face, but press the paper or tissue gently against your skin to absorb excess oil.
Step 3. Wash your pillowcases frequently
When dirt and oil build up on your pillowcase, the oil will transfer back to your skin while you sleep. Wash your pillowcase with a mild detergent every 1-2 weeks to keep it clean. You will notice a dramatic difference in your skin's oil production after a few months as a result.
Step 4. Switch to oil-free makeup, or no makeup at all
Makeup made with oil, as a result, will increase the amount of oil on your face. Therefore, switch to oil-free makeup, or wear no make-up at all. The former option is the best for your skin, but if you have acne or blemishes, making drastic changes may be difficult.
