A whopping total of 16 products — that’s the average number of skincare and cosmetic products 85% of U.S. women use in a day.
That’s right. From moisturizers to eye creams to pencils, the list is quite a long one.
It’s no wonder then that women in the U.S. spend about $313 a month on their appearance alone. Men spend a little less, but still, shell out an average of $244 a month.
One of the main reasons behind this huge spending is to treat, or at least reduce the symptoms of an oily face. Oily skin, in general, is one of the most common dermatologic complaints in the nation. But because facial skin is more sensitive, the problem is often concentrated there.
The good news is, there are many remedies to counter overactive sebaceous glands. In fact, the phrase “less is more” may actually be better for oily skin.
Ready to take your skin’s oil under control? Then let’s dive right into it!
1. Invest in a Good Non-Comedogenic Facial Wash or Cleanser
“Non-comedogenic” is a fancier way of saying “non-blocking”. Still, it’s one of the most important qualities to look for in a face wash or cleanser.
One, because you don’t want to clog your pores any further, as this can raise your risks of acne. Second, these specially-formulated products are potent cleaners yet gentle on the skin.
It’s also best to stick to products that don’t have added fragrances, which can dry out or irritate the skin. You want to get rid of excess oil, but you don’t want it to dry out as that will only prompt the skin to make more sebum.
Be sure you don’t wash more than twice a day too, as this can also strip your face of oil, drying it out. Also, some products have recommendations on the frequency of daily use, so check the label to be sure.
The best way on how to wash your face is to apply the product using a circular motion. This “massaging” motion helps better deliver the product into your skin. Keep doing this for about one minute before thoroughly rinsing your face with warm water.
2. Tone in Moderation
Toners are often a must-have skincare product for people with oily skin. They also serve as a deep-cleanser for people who put on a few layers of makeup or a lot of sunscreen. Moreover, they can shrink pores while getting rid of excess oil on the face.
Improper use of toners, however, can lead to your skin losing too much oil. Especially if you use astringent toners that have high levels of alcohol. Again, this can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
To prevent this cycle, keep your toning activities to only once or twice a week.
3. Try CBD for Skin That’s Too Oily
Many studies have found a link between excessive sebum production and acne. Sebum is the oil excreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
In short, having oily skin may put you at a higher risk of developing acne.
The good news is, cannabidiol oil may be your skin’s saving grace.
Wait, what? Put more oil on skin that’s already oily?
That’s right. It may sound counter-intuitive, but researchers found that CBD oil has sebum-decreasing effects. Plus, this cannabis constituent has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Meaning, not only does it have the potential to reduce skin oiliness — it can also help keep acne at bay! It also boasts of antioxidants, further making it a top skincare product for your skin.
All these benefits make CBD skin care products a must-have in your skin cleansing regimen.
4. Keep the Water Flowing
For the longest time, the rule of thumb for water intake was eight glasses of water. Apparently, that can either be too little or too much.
The daily recommended water intake for ladies is 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of water from all foods and drinks. For men, it’s 125 ounces (3.7 liters).
But then again, that’s only a general guideline.
If you sweat it out a lot, consume (or drink) diuretics, or both, you should drink more. Especially if you’re prone to skin oiliness, as dehydration can worsen your condition.
Keeping yourself hydrated from inside to out can calm your hyperactive oil glands. And when it does, it slows down its sebum production, helping reduce the oiliness of your skin.
5. … And Trap That Moisture in Your Skin
“Do I need a moisturizer if I already drink enough water?” That question likely popped into mind after all that talk about water intake.
The simple answer is yes, as it helps keep the moisture trapped in your skin. It also serves as an added layer of protection for the skin against external irritants, like UV rays. Moreover, it helps rehydrate your skin after regular washing and deep-cleansing.
You should stick to lightweight moisturizers though, and avoid stuff like shea butter. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer, but it’s best for those with dry skin. Instead, pick a serum or lotion that uses hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which are both suited for oily skin.
6. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate at Night
Exfoliating treatments for oily skin produce results that are immediately noticeable. Not only do they get rid of excess oil — they also make the skin look brighter without the “sheen”.
They do this by getting rid of accumulated dead skin cells, dirt, and other contaminants. Also, with the topmost layer of the skin gone, other topical skin treatments can work better.
This doesn’t mean you should exfoliate as soon as you notice the oil creeping up on your skin. Overexfoliate, and you’ll end up with irritated skin that produces even more oil. It’s best to exfoliate only once a day (and do it at night).
7. Mask Up with Natural, DIY Methods
A 2014 study found that colloidal oatmeal may help with oiliness by cleansing the skin. The researchers also noted the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oats. All these can then help soothe skin irritation, which is a culprit behind oily skin.
Aside from oatmeal masks, you may also want to try honey masks. According to researchers, it helps get rid of bacteria and can also be antiseptic. As a bonus, it serves as a moisturizer, so you get both deeply-cleaned, softer skin after a 10-minute mask!
Say Goodbye to Oily Face with these Remedies
There you have it, the many ways to remedy oily face and other problem areas of your body. Just remember not to overdo any of these methods, as it may do more than harm than good.
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