My oily skin is the bane of my existence. I never know when the glazed-donut aesthetic silently creeps in. But over the past couple of months, I’ve found ways to work around this problem. Turns out, I just had to understand the needs of my skin.
Presenting, a list of ways in which I reduce oiliness on my face at home. And I promise they work.
Make The Skincare Salicylic Acid-Positive
Salicylic Acid is an acne-fighting ingredient that eliminates excess oil and dirt build-up by exfoliating the skin and cleansing the pores. I typically look for a cleanser or serum containing this beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It even tackles my blackheads, inflammation, and redness effectively.
I use the St. Botanica Salicylic Acid serum every alternate day. It is perfect for whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. It even contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin simultaneously!
Keep Blotting Paper Handy
How to stop oily face during the day? An oil-blotting paper absorbs shine from my face in seconds. I blot my face with the paper/sheet throughout the day to mattify my skin. Keep in mind that this will not directly reduce the production of oil — only lift it off the skin.
Select A Non-Drying Toner
While alcohol-based toners remove oil from the surface, they tend to dry out the topmost layer of the skin. This leads to dryness and itching. Try something soothing like micellar water instead. If it contains glycerin, Vitamin B, witch hazel, and hyaluronic acid, it’s just that much better. This Vitamin B Toner By Organic Harvest effectively controls sebum production and cleans the pores. It also addresses redness and inflammation. What’s not to love?
Always Look Out For Skincare Labels
I make it a point to buy products that are ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic’. These labels suggest that the probability of the products causing flare-ups is low, making it better it is for your skin.
Switch To A Light, Gel-Based Sunscreen
Most sunscreen formulas weigh my skin down or leave a cast behind. That’s why switching to a lightweight, gel-based sunscreen is the best. It doesn’t make my skin look greasy or oily, and it does the job. The POPxo Glow Goals Illuminating Sunscreen is always my pick. It makes my skin look glazed and glowy, and I love that.
Mist The Skin Frequently
I always mist my skin with water-based sprays. On hotter days the pores tend to produce more oil. Misting helps regulate this.
Wash My Face After Working Out
To prevent breaking out, I make sure I wash my face right after I’m done working out. The Acne Control Face Wash by Organic Harvest is my go-to. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like neem that control acne and cleanse the skin thoroughly.
Stop Touching Your Face
Though I’ve been tempted to wipe the oil off my face with my hands, I don’t do it anymore. The last thing I want is to transfer dirt from my fingers to my face which leads to more breakouts. I always keep tissues handy instead. That’s how to reduce oil on the face without really doing anything.
Don’t Ever Stop Moisturising
When the skin is dehydrated, it tends to overcompensate by producing more oil. That’s why I never skip moisturising the face.
I use the Organic Harvest Brightening Night Cream before sleeping. This brightening night cream is an infusion of Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry, and Rice Water. All of these are ultra-hydrating ingredients that restore my skin’s glow.
De-stress Every Now & Then
Stress manifests itself on the skin in the form of oiliness. No wonder my T-zone feels oily on days I work more. I try to get in some exercise during such times to channel my stress into being productive. Other acts of self-care can help too — like yoga, dancing, or just taking time off from everything.
Indulge In Clay Masks
Never underestimate the power of clay masks, they fight acne and unclog the pores. I apply a mask any time my skin needs a pick-me-up. And the St Botanica Goji Berry Clay Mask is exactly what I use! It doesn’t just control oil production. It makes me glow thanks to Vitamin C!
Look For Oil-Free Primers
To mattify my skin before the application of makeup, I rely only on oil-free, lightweight primers. And of course, matte-based foundations and concealers are a must.
Work With Retinols Or Retinoids
Retinol or retinoids aren’t just great at tackling signs of ageing, pigmentation, and roughness. They can regulate the production of oil too! My favourite is the St. Botanica Retinol serum. It is an anti-ageing powerhouse that smooths over the skin tone, eliminates wrinkles and lines, and tackles spots and hyperpigmentation all at once. Thanks to Hyaluronic Acid, it counters any side effects by soothing and moisturising the skin.
Exfoliate The Face Weekly
To eliminate oil and dead skin build-up, exfoliation is important. Chemical actives like Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid can work well when used once a week. The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid exfoliant tackles lines, blackheads, pores, and wrinkles all while exfoliating the skin gently.
Cut Back On The Spice
Too much spice in food can stimulate the oil-producing glands on the skin. At the same time, you start sweating more to regulate the body’s heat. These factors can lead to acne as a side effect.
Avoid Sugar & Dairy-Heavy Foods
Even sugary and dairy-heavy foods increase the production of oil on the skin. I try to cut down on these as much as possible.
Choose Mineral Powders Over Foundation
Try opting for mineral powders instead of cream or liquid-based foundations. Mineral powders are fantastic at absorbing oil from the skin.
Stay Out Of The Sun
When out in the sun, the oil-producing glands sense the skin’s dryness and go into overdrive. And I end up with oilier skin than normal.
Try A DIY Face Mask With Almonds
How to reduce oily skin naturally, you ask? Almonds are quite the DIY ingredient for oil-prone skin. They exfoliate the skin and absorb excess oil build-up from the face. Grind some almonds, enough for 3 teaspoons. Mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey, and apply the paste to the face. I leave this mask on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
That’s how to avoid oily skin on all days. You can trust me when I say these are tried-and-tested fixes!
Also Read:
- Home Remedies For Oily Skin: If you’re more of a DIY person, you can try these recipes to reduce oiliness and grease naturally. They’re quick, cost-effective, and fun to whip up!
- Best Products For Oily Skin: Your skin has different needs than someone with dryness and dullness. That’s why you must choose products that understand these needs. Don’t worry! We have it all right here for you.
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