What an oily skin is
Oily skin comes as a result of the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands located underneath the skin’s surface.
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Sebum is an oily substance composed of fats that helps protect and moisturize the skin and as well helps in keeping the hair shiny and healthy.
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Overproduction of sebum may lead to oily skin which can then lead to blocked pores and acne. Genetics, hormonal changes or even stress may cause an increased level of sebum production.
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Oily skin and acne can be tremendously challenging to manage. However, home remedies most times help in minimizing symptoms without the use of prescribed drugs or an expensive skin care routine.
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Below Are Remedies That Can Be Used At Home
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They include:
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Constant Washing Of The Face:
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Most people with an oily skin don’t wash their face often. If you have an oily skin, endeavour to wash your face at least twice or more a day but do not overdo it. Also, avoid the use of harsh soaps or detergents. Use a subtle soap that contain glycerin.
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Blotting Papers:
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Bloating papers are thin, small papers that prevent the sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum. However, they allow blotting out of excess oil from the face to help reduce shiny and greasy skin. Blotting papers are affordable and available over the counter (OTC). Ensure to use as prescribed daily.
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Honey:
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Honey is one of nature’s most regarded remedies for the skin due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It may be more beneficial to oily and acne prone skin.
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Honey is also a natural humectant that helps in keeping the skin moist not oily. Humectants absorb moisture from the skin without replacement of the “moisture drawn”.
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Procedures on how to use honey to treat acne and oily skin:
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·       Spread a thin layer of honey (raw) onto your face
·       Allow it dry for about 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
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Oatmeal:
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Oatmeal helps relax an inflamed skin and draw out excess oil. It also helps remove dead skin. Oatmeal is usually grinded when used in facial masks. Oatmeal can also be combined together with yogurt, honey or mashed fruit such as bananas, apples, or papaya.
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Procedures on how to use Oatmeal on your face:
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o  Mix 1/2 cup ground oats with hot water to make a paste.
o  Afterwards, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey.
o  Then, massage the mixture onto your face for about three minutes
o  Rinse afterwards with warm water and sop dry with a towel.
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One can as well apply the oatmeal mixture to the face for about 10–15 minutes. Then, rinse afterwards with warm water and sop the face dry with a towel.
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Egg Whites and Lemons:
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Egg whites and lemons are both old-aged traditional remedy for an oily skin. They help tighten pores of the skin. The acid present in lemons and other citrus fruits help draw oil. According to a study conducted in 2008, lemons also possess antibacterial properties. However, this remedy is not a good option for people who have egg allergies.
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Procedures on how to make an egg white and lemon face mask:
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§ Mix an egg white with 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
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§ Apply it onto the face and leave it on until the mask gets dried.
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§ Rinse afterwards with warm water and then pat dry with a towel.
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Almonds:
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Grinded almonds not only function to help exfoliate the skin but they also work to help mop up excess oils and impurities.
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Procedures on how to use an almond face scrub:
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Ø Grind raw almonds finely to make about 3 teaspoons.
Ø Add about 2 tablespoons of raw honey to the combined mixture.
Ø Afterwards, apply the mixture gently to the face in circular motions.
Ø Then, rinse afterwards with warm water and sop dry with a towel.
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How to make an almond face mask:
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v Grind the almonds into a paste-like form before adding the honey.
v Apply onto the face.
v Leave the mask on for about 10–15 minutes. Rinse afterwards with warm water and sop dry with a towel.
v One should not use this if you have a nut allergy.
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Aloe Vera:
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Aloe vera is known for its emollient properties. Aloe vera helps in mollifying burns and other skin conditions.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s backed up scientific proof that it helps in the treatment of flaky skin caused by oily patches. Many people make use of aloe vera in the treatment of oily skin.
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One can apply a thin layer of aloe vera to the face before bed and leave it on till the next morning. Aloe vera is known to cause allergic reactions on a skin that is highly sensitive. If one has not made use of aloe vera before, a small amount should be applied firstly on your forearm. If there are no reaction within a period of 24 to 48 hours, it is then considered safe for use.
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Tomatoes:
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Tomatoes contain salicylic acid which is a common acne remedy that can be made use of at home. The acids present in tomatoes help draw out excess skin oils and unclog the pores of the skin.
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Procedures on how to make an exfoliating tomato mask:
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ü Mix a teaspoon of sugar with the pulp of 1 tomato.
ü Then apply the mixture onto the skin in a circular motion.
ü Leave the mask on for about 5 minutes.
ü Rinse thoroughly afterwards with warm water and then pat dry with a towel.
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 Tomato pulp or tomato slices can as well be applied to the skin.
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Jojoba oil:
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Application of oil to an oily skin may seem more of an hindrance than help actually but jojoba oil is a traditional remedy that helps treat oily skin, acne and other skin-care issues.
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A study conducted in 2012Â discovered that applying a mask made of healing clay and jojoba oil two to three times a week helps heal skin injuries and a mild acne.
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A little application of jojoba oil goes a long way in treating an oily skin. Too much application of jojoba oil may worsen the effects of an oily skin.
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Procedures on how to use Jojoba Oil:
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Massage a few drops of jojoba oil into a clean skin few times a week to see how you react. If you like the results and there are no reactions whatsoever, then apply daily.
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When an oily skin is caused by genetics or hormonal changes, it’s quite difficult to prevent or treat. Practicing consistent skin care routine and avoidance of unhealthy foods such as fried foods, foods high in sugar, and processed foods may help in minimizing an oily skin.
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It could be quite tempting to use heavy cosmetics to cover the effects of an oily skin but this usage can worsen the condition. When an oily skin comes up, It is advisable to reduce the use of makeup particularly the use of foundation. Water-based product should be made use of instead of an oil-based product. Search for products labelled noncomedogenic which are less likely to block the skin pores.
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In conclusion, the success of an home remedy being effective depends on many things such as the type of situation and the quality of the products you make use of.
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There’s an high tendency of one developing allergies to remedies due to products one have been using over time. If your skin becomes sensitive and reacts to any product (s), it is advisable to discontinue using the product.
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Likewise, if an home remedy worsens the symptoms of an oily skin, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor or a dermatologist. Also seek medical help if you have severe oily skin symptoms such as acne as they may lead to infection or scarring.
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