The great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types. Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

An oily skin can be bad or good. A person who has an oily skin can have the fewer tendencies to develop wrinkles early in life. On the other hand, she will be prone to blemishes such as pimples. This is because the sebaceous gland that produces sebum or the natural oil content in her skin is more active thus causing the skin to be clogged.

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. Learn the essentials of oily skin treatment so that you can enjoy your smooth skin for a long time, sans the problems of blemishes and breakouts. The advantage of having oily skin is that it shows age slower than other skin types.

Causes of Oily Skin:

• Diet
• Hormone levels
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills
• Cosmetics you use
• Humidity and hot weather

Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands. Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin.

Home Remedy for Oily Skin:

Fruit acids have shown a positive effect in oily skin treatment. They remove oil from the skin and yet retain the moisture. Home remedies such as cucumber juice, lime juice and yogurt are effective in keeping oily skin under control. A mask of Aloe Vera, crushed strawberries and yogurt is an astringent for oily skin. Keep it on for about 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Some simple home remedies for oily skin:

• Puree 1 egg white, 1-tsp. Lemon juice, 1-tsp. Mint and ½ cucumber and apply it on the face for about 15 minutes.
• A puree of fresh tomatoes works wonders on oily skin.
• A face mask of tomato, lemon juice and oats must be applied on the cheeks, forehead and chin. Scrub your face with warm water. This home remedy for oily skin is ideal for blemishes.
• A clay mask is yet another home remedy for oily skin since it draws out excess oil.
• If your skin is excessively oily, mix in a few drops of eau de cologne. This not only helps keep oiliness away but also helps in refining the pores of the skin by acting as astringent, thereby preventing acne.

Take a diet that is rich in proteins, with plenty of leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Restrict sugar and high-fat foods and junk food. Supplement your food with wheat germ, nutritional yeast and whole grains, beans and nuts. Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Natural Skin Care Tips:

• Half an hour before taking your bath apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together.
• To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week or more.
• To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead, chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply your makeup.
• If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it, then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on your makeup.
• Choose an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of oil.