Too many people think oily skin conditions mean you have to wash your face more frequently, when in fact, the opposite may be true. Do you know how to care for oily skin?

Oily skin can cause several skin problems, including blackheads, shiny skin, makeup that won’t stay on the face, and of course, acne. While there are other causes, oily skin is the most likely causes of these conditions. Unfortunately, just washing the face regularly isn’t going to prevent oily skin much, and over-washing the face can actually cause more problems than it prevents.

There are over-the-counter products made to treat oily skin, but many of these contain harsh chemicals. Read the label carefully to determine what is in an oily skin care treatment, because sometimes oily skin care products end up leaving the face dry and rough, which really only causes another set of skin care problems. Some products upset the delicate Ph balance of the skin or skin tone, not to mention the chemicals in these products are harsh and just flat out may not be safe to use regularly.

When looking for a solution to oily skin, why not look for a more natural solution?

Essential Oils for Oily Skin

Essential ‘oils’ is a bit of a misnomer if you’re wondering why there’s a suggestion of using ‘oils’ on an oily face. Citrus essential oils, such as lemon, grapefruit, tangerine and orange, can help with oily skin problems without the harsh effects of using the actual juice from the fruits themselves. Find an all-natural herbal lotion base and add 3 to 4 drops per ounce of the citrus essential oil of choice to the base (herbal lotion, skin toner, aloe vera gel, witch hazel). Use it on the face in the evening to help prevent oily skin. Wash the face well in every morning with a gentle antibacterial soap prior to applying any other products on the face.

Blackheads and Oily Skin

Mix an oatmeal paste with unflavored oatmeal, lemon juice and olive oil, using just enough olive oil to wet the mixture. Warm the mixture slightly in the microwave. Scrub it onto the face to pull oil from pores and help reduce blackheads. Be sure to wash the face thoroughly with warm water afterward.

Shiny and Oily Skin

Mix some lemon juice with warm water and a dash of vinegar and then soak a cotton ball in the mixture and rub it on the face. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly without rinsing before applying makeup or other facial products. This will help reduce shine and may also help with excess sweating on the face that can cause makeup to slide off.

Excessive Sweating and Oily Skin

Prior to applying makeup to the face, using a natural and non-scented delicate antiperspirant, such as Dove’s natural products, in the solid form can help with excessive sweating, help reduce shine and actually allow makeup to be applied more smoothly on the face. Just gentle apply to the forehead, down the sides of the face and across the cheeks, careful not to get too close to the eyes. This will also help smooth the face and makes the skin very soft and makeup easy to apply.

Wash an Oily Skin Face Gently

Do not overwash the face. Washing the face too frequently can actually cause the body to make more oil because it tricks the body into thinking the face and oil ducts are dry. When washing the face, avoid harsh soaps or chemicals, and settle for more natural alternatives or simply use warm water and a soft washcloth. Do not over scrub, but lightly and gently rub the face with the cloth.

Wear Oil Free Makeup or No Makeup for Oily Skin

Wearing oil based makeup when oily skin is a problem only adds to the problem. Wear as little makeup as necessary to achieve the desired look. When wearing a liquid or cream foundation is desired, choose an oil-free foundation and finish with a powder to seal the foundation. If possible, opt for mineral and all natural powder based foundations to help prevent oily skin.

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Following these simple, natural tips can help reduce oily skin and improve skin’s appearance. Try several of them and see which one works best for you, because every skin type is slightly different, so all these tricks won’t work for every person. There’s surely one or a combination of them that will work to help prevent and treat your oily skin problems!