Oily skin can be beautiful, but it can also be annoying, which is why we’ve put together this list of 10 ways to treat oily skin. These are simple things you can do in your own home that require no special products or trip to the doctor’s office—just you and your own two hands. Read on to learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to treating oily skin!
1) Stop Touching Your Face
The skin on your face is much thinner than most of your other body parts. This makes it more sensitive, which means that a lot of people with oily skin tend to touch their faces a lot—and clog pores as a result. To avoid this, try using cotton swabs or makeup sponges instead of your hands when applying products.
Of course, there are other things you can do that go beyond simply washing your face. You may not even realize that some of your habits could be making your oily skin worse. For example, did you know that certain foods can make oily skin worse? These include rich and greasy meals, pizza, and spicy food.
There are also some skincare products that you’ll want to avoid. Although many people believe that any product labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic will be good for oily skin, those terms aren’t always regulated or tested for effectiveness—so you may want to skip them.
There are also many home remedies you can try. For example, baking soda and lemon juice both help control oil production in skin. And, there are several cosmetic products that you can use as well, including tea tree oil, witch hazel, or tea bags. There are even some DIY recipes you can try at home like apple cider vinegar masks or oatmeal-honey face packs.
2) Avoid Greasy Foods
Foods like French fries, pizza, sandwiches and deep-fried food are full of grease that can cause your skin to become oilier. If you’re trying to treat oily skin, steer clear of greasy foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables instead. These nutrients will keep your skin hydrated and ensure that it doesn’t produce excess oils.
Drink plenty of water as well. Water will flush out your system and also help you stay hydrated, which is key for healthy skin. If you’re trying to treat oily skin, drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
3) Find The Right Cleanser For You
Oily skin means you need a different skin-care regimen than someone with dry or normal skin. Opt for oil-free cleansers, avoid bar soaps and instead reach for gel or cream products, and look for those labeled noncomedogenic—they won’t clog pores. In addition,
try removing excess oil by applying your cleanser while your face is still wet from washing it with warm water; pat dry gently and thoroughly before proceeding with toner and moisturizer.
There are also many home remedies you can try. For example, baking soda and lemon juice both help control oil production in skin. And, there are several cosmetic products that you can use as well, including tea tree oil, witch hazel, or tea bags. There are even some DIY recipes you can try at home like apple cider vinegar masks or oatmeal-honey face packs.
Don’t neglect sun protection: Oily skin is prone to damaging UV rays and should be protected. Choose a moisturizer with a high SPF, and reapply it throughout the day if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time. Apply sunscreen not only during warm weather, but also when you plan on spending time near water, since swimming in chlorinated pools can dry out your skin.
4) Cleanse In the Morning And At Night
If you have oily skin, use a gentle cleanser twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Wash away dirt and excess oil by gently massaging your face with warm water and mild soap. Pat dry.
Use an astringent after washing your face. Astringents are helpful because they contain alcohol, which shrinks pores and dries out skin. They also have antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria on your skin, preventing acne and blemishes. If you don’t have an astringent on hand, use toner instead.
Look for astringents that contain alcohol, but be careful when using them. If you have sensitive skin, look for those that are alcohol-free. Avoid astringents with a higher percentage of alcohol because they may cause dryness and peeling. Use them only if your dermatologist recommends it. Wash your face with warm water after applying an astringent or toner.
Use a non-foaming cleanser. These types of cleansers are gentler on oily skin because they don’t leave behind a residue on your face. Use them in place of soap, which can be too harsh for oily skin. Non-foaming cleansers remove excess oil, dirt and bacteria from your face without over-drying it. Look for ones that contain glycerin or chamomile as these ingredients are especially good at retaining moisture in your skin.
5) Use Cold Water To Wash Your Face
Hot water opens your pores, which then tends to make them produce more oil. Cold water shrinks your pores, giving you a tighter-feeling skin and making your oils less noticeable. It’s not an instant fix by any means, but it is a quick way of reducing greasiness!
As with any skin-related concern, prevention is always better than a cure. You can help keep your skin in tip-top condition by using skincare products that moisturize and contain active ingredients designed to control oil production or other issues.
Antibacterial gels, toners and scrubs are also useful for treating oily skin. These products tend to contain alcohol, which is drying. But you needn’t avoid them because using a skincare product with an alcohol base once or twice a week can actually help tighten your pores and reduce excess oil production. You can also use products that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinol.
6) Opt For Mild Products
If you have oily skin, you’re going to want to use mild products. Avoid any harsh exfoliants or ingredients (like retinol). In general, stick with gel-based cleansers that don’t strip your skin of natural oils. These will cleanse your skin without making it greasy. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a great product for oily skin.
While cleansers are important, equally important is your moisturizer. If you have oily skin, look for lightweight moisturizers that don’t contain alcohol or a high SPF. Cerave Moisturizing Lotion is good for people with oily skin. It doesn’t contain SPF and it has hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture without blocking pores.
In addition, if you have oily skin, try to minimize your use of products containing fragrance or dyes. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin, which is likely what you have if your skin is oily. Your best bet is a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This can keep your face hydrated without clogging pores.
7) Try Exfoliating Your Face Twice A Week
A high-quality, gentle exfoliator will help remove any dead skin cells that clog pores and provide you with a fresher complexion. Use it twice a week for best results. You can also try a microdermabrasion kit, which will buff away at dead skin cells more aggressively than an exfoliator but less harshly than a chemical peel.
If you have a lot of built-up dead skin, it may take some time for your skin to adjust. Watch for signs of irritation or sensitivity and consult with your dermatologist if anything unusual occurs.
If you use a chemical peel, follow up with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which will help restore your skin’s natural moisture balance. Use it every morning and evening. The AHAs in many products can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so remember to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when you go outside.
If you use a chemical peel, follow up with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which will help restore your skin’s natural moisture balance. Use it every morning and evening. The AHAs in many products can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so remember to apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when you go outside.
8) Learn About Astringents
Astringents, like alcohol and witch hazel, have long been popular in skin care because they tighten pores and temporarily reduce sebum production. Astringents are especially good for treating acne because they dry out pimples.
Astringents are frequently used in products designed for oily skin, but they’re not your only option. A more gentle way to help combat greasiness is by using toners and foaming cleansers instead of astringents. Toners are more hydrating than astringents, and they’re also gentler on skin. Choose a product with witch hazel or alcohol as an ingredient if you need deeper cleansing, however.
Toners are particularly helpful if you have oily skin, but they can be used by anyone. It’s important to note that astringents shouldn’t be used by people with sensitive skin or those who are prone to irritation, because they can cause further damage and irritation.
9) Don’t Skimp On Moisturizer
You may have oily skin, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need moisturizer. As it turns out, not all moisturizers are created equal. Creams with a light consistency will be easier to apply and won’t suffocate your pores. For best results, look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid (Haa). Both of these have hydrating properties that can keep your skin supple and fresh looking.
If you have , it’s all too easy to forgo moisturizer. After all, your skin is already slick and shiny, so what does it need extra moisture for? The answer: tons! Skipping moisturizer will exacerbate your skin’s oiliness by causing your pores to produce even more oil. This leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Remember: You don’t have to go overboard with moisturizer—even a small amount can make a big difference.
For best results, look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid (Haa). Both of these have hydrating properties that can keep your skin supple and fresh looking. If you’re not sure where to find moisturizers that fit your needs, look for products from drugstore brands. They often contain affordable formulations with added benefits like SPF protection or antioxidants.
10) Drink More Water Every Day
Hydration is a crucial component of healthy skin. Drinking water helps flush toxins from your body, keeping your face clear and glowing. It also moisturizes your skin, which can be especially beneficial for those with oily skin, because it prevents clogged pores and breakouts. To keep your skin looking its best all day long, drink eight glasses of water every day—that’s about half a gallon!
Make sure you drink filtered water, as tap water can contain chlorine and other contaminants that may dry out your skin. Start drinking water every day when you get up in the morning, and bring a reusable bottle with you so you can fill it up on your way to work or school.