4 DIY Face Masks Perfect For Oily Skin
Having oily skin is a blessing and a curse. While the rest of the world spends their time trying to find the best facial oils for dewy skin, your skin naturally creates the look they're pining for. But, when your skin is extra oily, you might worry it appears more like a greasy shine than a dewy glow. The "oil" from your pores that coats your skin is known as sebum, a secretion that serves several essential purposes. In her article with Verywell Health, physician Heather L. Brannon, MD, explained that sebum shields the skin from harmful bacteria and fungi, UV damage, and dehydration.
However, Brannon adds that sebum can clog the pores, causing acne when produced excessively. The skin requires a balanced composition to maintain a smooth, healthy complexion and texture. Because of this, it can be challenging to learn how to build a skincare routine for oily skin. Finding the best products for you can be frustrating, not to mention expensive. But the good news is that there are a number of simple, natural DIY face masks that could provide the solutions you're looking for.
Oatmeal face mask
You've likely seen oatmeal advertised as a special, natural ingredient on various products while strolling the skincare aisles. It's always boasted as the key to creamy, soothing formulas. Well, this isn't just an advertising scheme. Oatmeal is chock full of benefits for the skin. According to a study published by Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the grain contains chemicals known as avenanthramides. The study reports that this substance decreases inflammation and produces antioxidant effects.
If your oily skin is causing inflamed blemishes, an oatmeal face mask could be a fantastic way to relieve this problem. Although you don't need to drop money at the pharmacy, you only need to reach into your pantry and grab some plain oats. In an interview with Byrdie, dermatologist Dr. Jordan Carqueville recommended individuals use "the colloidal oatmeal in baths or as a paste for a mask" as a way of treating congested, acne-prone skin.
Lemon juice face mask
With oily skin types, the last thing you want is to slather on another heavy layer of product to weigh you down. Luckily, a light mask made of lemon juice could simplify your skincare routine and improve the overly oily dermis you're battling with. Kimberly Gallo, a clinical esthetician, explained to Byrdie, " [lemon juice's] citric acid acts as an astringent, toning and controlling greasy skin. Lemons have antimicrobial characteristics, making them an excellent choice for oily skin treatment."
To make a DIY mask made of lemon juice, Gallo mentioned that all you need is distilled water, a lemon, and a cotton ball. Squeeze your lemon of its juice, then take a teaspoon and stir it with a half teaspoon of distilled water. Apply the mixture to your skin using a cotton ball and put a timer on for 15 minutes. Once this goes off, rinse your skin. But be intentional about your usage. Gallo also remarked, "This [mask] has the potential to be drying, so apply it just once or twice a week or during acne flare-ups."
Jojoba oil
We know what you're thinking. "Why would you add more oil to your face to treat the oil on your face? No, thank you. Everyone with oily skin knows to only apply "oil-free" products." While this initial reaction makes sense and, in many cases, is valid, this is not the case for all oils. Jojoba oil is one of the exceptions.
Dermatologist Michele Farber, M.D. informed Allure, "It may help acne by normalizing your skin's own oil production, and it has anti-inflammatory properties." Another dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, M.D., went into more detail with Allure, describing how Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, moisturizing the skin meanwhile keeping your pores clear. You can apply Jojoba oil all by itself, letting it sit on the skin until fully absorbed. Look for high-quality, pure Jojoba oil at your local grocery store or pharmacy in order for this at-home remedy to work its best.
Yogurt face mask
Unless it's frozen and packed with sugar, yogurt is basically a miracle health food. Filled with probiotics and protein, it's the perfect snack or meal when topped with fruit or spiced over protein and veggies. Many people don't know that yogurt is as good for your skin as it is for your stomach. In an interview with The Zoe Report, dermatologist Dr. Hadley King shared that yogurt contains lactic acid, a natural chemical you've likely seen as the active ingredient in some of the market's priciest face washes and serums.
Lactic acid is a chemical that falls under the category of Alpha Hydroxy Acids or "AHAs." When applied topically, lactic acid exfoliates, unclogs pores, and breaks down build-up. If you decide to use yogurt as a DIY facial, King recommends you use full-fat, all-natural yogurt.
Before trying any of the face masks that we've mentioned, we recommend that you consult a certified dermatologist and do a patch test to ensure these ingredients are safe for your unique skin.