An oily appearing face is a common source of frustration for many and results from overproduction of oil. While some oil, also called sebum, is necessary for keeping the skin soft and moisturized, excessive amounts cause the skin to appear greasy and dull, which also makes acne and other skin infections more likely to occur. The forehead, nose and chin are the most commonly affected areas. Fortunately, many oily face remedies are effective to address this common skin condition.

Home Remedies for Oily Face

Oily skin can result from any of the following: inherited overactive oil producing glands (sebaceous glands), hormonal fluctuations, use of harsh soaps and facial cleansers, humidity and hot weather. Smoking is known to enlarge skin pores and result in excessive oil production as well.

1. Follow Face Washing Tips

The first step in combating oily skin is facial washing. Twice daily washings are recommended, but a person's skin type will have some bearing on the frequency. Detergent type soap or adding a few drops of dishwashing soap can help to remove excess oil from the skin. Those with sensitive skin may wish to avoid the detergent type soaps and substitute the gentler glycerin based cleansing products. These products are easily found by reading the package labels in the skin-care isle.

2. Remove Excessive Oil

There are several effective ways to remove excessive facial oil.

• Aloe Vera has many health benefits and also works well to absorb excessive oil. Applying the gel to the face after washing and several times a day will help absorb excessive oil.
• Rubbing alcohol or acetone and alcohol mixture, working similarly with astringent wipes but cheaper, can be used to degrease the skin as well.
• Using a non-perfumed tissue is a simple yet effective way to remove oil.
• For those that prefer to avoid chemicals, cold water splashed on the skin and then wiped off is also available.

3. Avoid Touching the Face with Hands

Maintaining hygeine also ranks high among oily face remedies. Studies show that an average person touches their face hundreds of times a day without even thinking about it. This puts more oil onto the face and also bacterial that can lead to pimple outbreaks. Water based cosmetics are the best option for those with oily skin problems. Those with long hair should also pull it back to keep hair away from the face.

4. Work with Homemade Recipes

There are numerous homemade recipes that work as well as expensive store products. Most are simple to make and effective to use.

• Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider or white vinegar can also be used to exfoliate. Apply the vinegar to a cotton ball and leave in place for 10 minutes and then rinse with cool water. This remedy will show good results over a few weeks. For those with sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar with water in a 4:1 ratio. A refreshing trick is to refrigerate the vinegar during hot weather months and this will provide a soothing and refreshing facial treatment.
• Cornstarch. Cornstarch is excellent at absorbing excessive facial oil. Mix the cornstarch (1 to 3 tablespoons) with water and apply to the face as a paste. Let it dry and rinse the paste off. Consider trying this once a day to control facial oil.
• Salt. Salt can help control facial oil as well. Mix a teaspoon of sea salt with water in a small spray bottle. After the salt is thoroughly mixed, close the eyes and spray onto the face. Let it dry naturally or blot it off. This method will help dry the skin and remove excess facial oil and unwanted greasy appearance.
• Apple and Oatmeal. Making a facial can be a fun way to combat facial oil. Mix 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1/2 cup mashed apple, 1 slightly beaten egg white, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix it all into a smooth paste and after the oatmeal has cooled to a comfortable temperature, apply to the face for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and enjoy the refreshed feel and look of the skin.
• Egg Yolk. Raw foods have amazing health benefits and egg yolks are powerful combatant of facial oil. Use cotton balls to apply the egg yolk as a facial mask to the oily areas of skin. Let it dry for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cool water. The oil and shine will disappear.
• Citrus Fruit Juice. Lemon, lime and even cucumber juice are excellent oily face remedies for both refreshing the skin and removing excess oil. Mix any combination of the juices in equal parts and then apply to the face. After it dries, rinse first with warm water and then cool water to leave the face feeling refreshed. Another option is to apply this mixture before showing and then rinse off.

Banana Egg White Homemade Face Mask For Oily Skin:

5. Use Do-It-Yourself Toner

Facial toners shrink down the size of facial skin pores and are simple to make. Several options to consider include: yarrow, sage, and peppermint, witch hazel, hyssop, lavender and neroli essential oil.

• Witch hazel can be applied using a cotton ball. Apply it twice daily for three weeks to tighten up skin pores and then once a day for maintenance.
• Mixing a drop of neroli oil with lavender floral water and then misting onto the face several times a day is an effective toner and skin cleanser.
• A similar process using hyssop, which is part of the mint family of herbs, works well.
• Place a tablespoon of yarrow, sage, or peppermint herbs in a cup, then let steep with boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid, let it cool and then apply to the face with a cotton ball. This solution works well as a toner but also has astringent properties.

6. Massage Your Face

A facial massage is a relaxing way to improve the appearance of facial skin. Try using a few teaspoons of dry oats mixed with witch hazel to make a paste. Use the tips of the fingers to massage gently into the skin. Then rinse away the mixture with warm water. The facial oils are absorbed and removed and the skin gently exfoliated in the process. Adding a pinch of sea salt can improve the degree of exfoliation. Buttermilk contains unique acids that unclog and clean pores as well as tighten the skin. Try adding a teaspoon to the above mixture for a soothing massage or use buttermilk by itself. Rinse it off with warm water after a few minutes.