Home Remedies for Drying Oily Facial Skin

If you've been cursed with oily skin, you've probably tried countless products that promise to ban the shine and clear the blemishes that result from it. You could spend a fortune on expensive products that may or may not work, but there are also some really effective herbal and homeopathic elements as well as ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen that help to dry oily skin. Oily skin is caused by overproductive sebaceous glands in your skin, and unfortunately, it's not curable, but it may go away with age. In the meantime, try these at-home remedies to keep it in check.

Steam Treatments

Exposing your face to steam helps temporarily eliminate surface oil and opens your pores so they can be cleaned deep down. Excess oil that gets trapped in your pores causes blackheads and pimples, so it's good to deep clean your pores once or twice a week using steam. When steaming your face, you want to use a large stockpot and get the water extremely hot, even boiling. Remove the water from the heat, and drape a large towel over your head and the pot so the steam is trapped under the towel and it can really get into your pores. Keep your face several inches above the water; you don't want to burn yourself in the name of clear skin! When you are through steaming, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores. Dr. Karen Burke, a dermatologist, recommends boiling 2 tbsp. Swiss Kriss (an herbal laxative) in 2 to 3 qt. water and steaming your face for 1 to 3 minutes. You can also make an herbal steam by combining 1 pt. hot water with 2 tbsp. dried herbs and steaming for 10 minutes. Herbs that are good for oily skin include chamomile, lady's mantle, yarrow and nettle.

Clay Masks

Mud or clay masks are great for deep cleaning the pores by drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil. You can buy numerous facial masks at department or drugstores, or you can make your own at home with natural ingredients. Combine equal parts fuller's earth and rose water and apply to your face for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and a cloth, and then splash your face with cold water or follow with an astringent.

Other Masks

You can also make a mask by mixing 1 tbsp. brewer's yeast flakes with 2 tbsp. yogurt; apply and leave on your face for 5 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and then splash with cool water. For a cleansing cucumber mask, puree half a cucumber, 1 egg white, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, and 1 tsp. mint and refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and then splash with cold water. Any mask should be used once or twice a week for best results.

Yarrow

For centuries, people have used yarrow to help curb oily skin. Yarrow tea is said to reduce excess oil on the skin. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp. dried yarrow herb, and steep for 15 minutes. You can use the tea to wash your face, or drink it once a day (but not if you're pregnant).

Other Tips

Always wash your face with a cleanser designed for oily skin and use hot water to cut through the oil. It's best to use your fingertips, not a washcloth or loofah. Wash your face at least twice a day. Witch hazel is a great astringent to eliminate surface oil and leave your skin feeling clean and fresh. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and rub it all over your face after cleansing. Tomatoes and lemons also have astringent properties, so you can use the juice on a cotton ball or puree the fruit and rub it on your skin, and then rinse.