Homemade Facial Treatments for Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous or oil-producing glands in skin are overactive, creating an excess of oil. It can be mildly irritating, causing a greasy feel to the skin. The excess oil can clog pores and cause acne, ranging from small blackheads and pimples to lumpy cysts beneath the skin. While many commercial products are available to help with the condition, there are a surprising number of skin-care products in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cleansers
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A cleanser should remove dirt, makeup and excess oil from the skin, leaving pores clear and free of any obstructions. Homemade cleansers for oily skin are easy to make. For a cucumber cleanser, use a juicer to create cucumber juice. Add a small amount of the juice to a small amount of milk. You only need enough to cleanse your face. Wipe on your face, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Or mix 2 tbsp. of baking soda with tomato or lemon juice, creating a thick paste. Wash your face with the paste, scrubbing gently, and rinse your skin with lukewarm water.
Astringents
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Astringents tighten pores, making your skin look cleaner and reducing oil secretions. For simple homemade astringents that work well with oily skin, gently apply one of the following on your face with a cotton ball in the morning and evening, after cleansing: lemon juice; lime juice; white vinegar, either by itself or diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio; or tomato juice (which should be rinsed off 30 minutes after application to avoid skin staining). A multi-herbal astringent can also be made by boiling 1 cup of water, then adding 1 tbsp. each of dried yarrow, sage and peppermint leaves -- or 2 tbsp. of fresh leaves. Cover the mixture and allow to steep for 30 minutes before straining out the herbs. This can be stored in the bathroom for three days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
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Masks
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Masks can further tighten skin and reduce oil production, minimizing oiliness. Fruits contain alpha hydroxy acids, which slough dead skin cells away. For one homemade mask, peel an apple and cut it into thin slices before mashing. Make a paste with the apple mash and 3 tbsp. of honey. Apply the paste to your skin and wait 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Or mash five clean strawberries with a fork, and add 1 tbsp. of plain yogurt, mixing well. Smooth the paste onto your face and allow it to remain for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Moisturizers
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Moisturizers are meant to provide proper hydration to our skin, either as an oil or a lotion. Homemade lotions require time in the kitchen, and it can be an involved process. However, a moisturizing lotion can be made by simply mixing 10 drops of lavender oil, 1 oz. of sunflower oil, five drops of bergamot essential oil and five drops of clay sage oil. Mix the ingredients in a small, dark bottle with a dropper. Shake well, and mix two drops of the oil with four drops of water. Massage the oil into your skin; do not rinse.
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References
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