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6 Effective Ways to Balance Oil & Water Levels in Your Skin

Woman with clear skin

When the sebaceous glands in the skin create too much sebum, the result is oily skin. To keep the skin supple and healthy, it produces sebum, a waxy, oily material that also acts as a barrier.

Sebum is essential for maintaining healthy skin. However, excessive sebum production may result in oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. Managing oily skin often necessitates making regular skin care a habit.

6 natural approaches to control oily skin

1. Wash the face on a regular basis

You may try to reduce the amount of oil on your skin by washing your face often. For cleansing oily skin, the following procedures are recommended:

  • Always use warm water and mild soap or face wash to clean the face.
  • Avoid soaps that have scents, additional moisturisers, or harsh chemicals that might irritate or dry up the skin, causing it to produce more sebum.
  • Loofahs and scratchy washcloths should be avoided as they may encourage the skin to produce more oil.

If this does not work, certain medicated acne care products may. These items include acids that may help with oily skin, such as:

  • salicylic acid
  • beta-hydroxy acid 
  • glycolic acid
  • benzoyl peroxide

When introducing a new product, test it on a tiny patch of skin to observe how the body responds. Choosing the best face cleansers may be beneficial for certain individuals. According to research, a mild facial cleanser including sodium Laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates was helpful for treating moderate facial acne, despite increasing sebum production in certain regions of the face.

Many persons with oily skin who do not have acne vulgaris may benefit from fragrance-free glycerin soap and hot water.

2. Make use of a hydrating toner:

Astringent toners based on alcohol have a drying effect on the skin. Natural astringents, such as witch hazel, may, nevertheless, offer skin-calming qualities. Because of its high tannin concentration, witch hazel is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory. Many individuals with oily skin rely only on witch hazel as a toner.

When using astringent toners, some people may notice that their skin tingles or itches. If this occurs, it might be an indication of irritation, which could contribute to increased sebum production. To prevent irritation, people should try any new toner on a tiny area of the skin first.

3.Pat dry the face:

After bathing and applying toner, folks should gently pat their skin dry with a soft towel.

However, this should be done with caution. Pulling down on the skin with a towel or a scratchy washcloth is not recommended since it may encourage the skin to produce more sebum.

4. Make use of blotting paper and medicated pads:

Blotting sheets, which are specifically designed as absorbent papers that remove oil from the skin, are available in abundance.

Blotting sheets do not address sebum production in the skin, but they may be used to remove excess oil from the face during the day to make it seem less shiny.

Cotton pads soaked with salicylic acid or glycolic acid are also a viable option. These may assist in removing excess oil throughout the day while also purifying the pores and skin.

5. Apply a face mask:

There are certain face masks that may be helpful for oily skin. These may include the following ingredients:

  • Clay - Mineral masks, such as smectite and bentonite, may absorb oils and minimise skin shininess and sebum levels without irritating the skin and helps in maintaining glowing skin. Use them only on occasion to keep your skin from drying out, and then follow up with a mild moisturiser.
  • Honey - Natural raw honey possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties. A 10-minute honey face mask may help to minimise acne and greasy skin while also keeping the skin smooth.
  • Colloidal oatmeal - it is used in several face masks and may aid in cleaning the skin. Oats include antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory substances that may help soothe sensitive skin.

6. Use moisturizers:

While many individuals with oily skin avoid moisturisers for fear of making their skin oilier, using the appropriate moisturisers may help this kind of skin.

People with excessively oily skin may benefit from an oil-free moisturiser to keep their skin hydrated and protected without feeling greasy. Aloe vera is an effective moisturiser for acne and oily skin.

According to the research, to be an efficient moisturiser, a product should include at least 10% aloe. Some individuals prefer to moisturise with pure aloe gel, but they should be careful of any hidden chemicals, particularly denatured alcohol, which may dry and irritate the skin.

Prevention of oily skin:

The best way to avoid oily skin is to identify and keep to a regular skin care regimen that works for you and make use of water-based skincare products only.

When oily skin appears, it is tempting to conceal it with cosmetics. Certain products, especially oil-based ones, may aggravate symptoms or block pores.

Water-based skincare products are favoured by some, while others maintain that a natural look is best when no makeup is applied at all.

Many people attribute clear skin to a healthy diet. Some people have found relief by drinking enough water, cutting out on fatty and trans fats, and switching to a diet high in whole, natural foods.

Symptoms of oily skin:

Oily skin symptoms include:

  • A glossy or greasy appearance of wide or noticeable pores on the. That also seems thick or rough, occasional or as chronic pimples.
  • Blackheads and clogged pores
  • People with oily skin may have difficulty choosing makeup that is suitable for their complexion since cosmetics may combine with sebum, changing its consistency.

Changes in hormones or high-stress levels may also cause the body to produce more greasy sebum.

Take Away:

Many home remedies for oily skin have not been well explored, while some have been shown to be helpful by scientific data. Consult a dermatologist and work with them to compile a list of daily activities and circumstances that may contribute to oily skin.

It is critical to test any product or treatment on a tiny patch of skin first to see any skin responses. If a product causes a negative reaction in the skin, it should not be used again, and consumers should visit a dermatologist for alternative choices.

A person with severe acne and oily skin should see a dermatologist to determine the best strategy to protect the skin and avoid significant consequences or scars.

FAQs:

How can I balance my oily and dry skin?

A well-nourished skin toner can help moisturize the skin, and reduce the effect of sebaceous glands.

What stops oil production in the skin?

Cleaning skin at all times, using moisturizer, and using sunscreen lotion with an SPF of more than 30, can stop oil production in the skin.

References:

Moisturisers for acne. By National Library of Medicine, May 7, 2014.

What are different types of acne? Mars by GHC, Aug 17, 2021.

Effects of using mild face wash. By National Library of Medicine, May 21, 2015.

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