Caring For Oily Skin Organically

Just because you suffer from excessively oily skin doesn't mean you have to resort to harsh chemicals and cleansers. In fact, these often have just the opposite effect, irritating the skin so much that it releases even more oil. Avoid this vicious cycle by using only organic methods to remove the oil and balance out your skin.

Cleansing
First off, you'll need to make sure that you are treating your skin properly. It needs to be cleaned on a daily basis, but one mistake that many people with oily skin make is to wash their faces 3-5 times a day, or even more. This only causes more oil to be produced, which worsens the problem.

The best way to avoid this issue is to simply keep your cleansing routine to twice a day. Once when you wake up and before going to bed. Start with a basic routine, soap and water. The soap you use should be organic and simple, there's no need to get all fancy and the chemicals in many soaps will cause further skin issues. Instead, look for an all natural bar that is plain or uses oats for a little extra exfoliation and oil absorption. This can be used twice a day, since it won't be irritating.

Be sure to use plenty of water when rinsing your face, to wash away toxins and leave the skin feeling toned and refreshed. You should pat the skin dry, rather than rub it.

Other Treatments
Often, soap and water isn't enough to reduce the oil on the face, so you may need to try something in addition to this routine. Here are a few things you can add.

Splash your face with witch hazel. This is a natural astringent that can help reduce the amount of oil. It also firms up and tones the skin. You can use this after your cleansing routine.

Use aloe vera. The gel from this fleshy plant is a natural antiseptic, as well as a moisturizer and is well known for its healing properties. Spread some of the gel directly from the plant leaf or purchase organic gel.

Try a steam bath. Steaming your face is a great way to release excess oil and open pores. You can use many different ingredients, but herbs like peppermint, lemongrass or lavender work very well. Add them to a basin of very hot water, drape a towel over your head and lean your face over the basin or sink to allow the steam to rise up and settle on your face. It's best to do this for only 5-10 min. since too much heat isn't good for the skin, either.

Use a mask. There are a number of masks on the market, but a few are very useful. Mud or clay masks, for example, are ideal for sucking extra grease or oil out of the skin and can be used up to 3 times a week. Rinse with plenty of water. You can also make your own by blending cucumber, honey and yogurt and spreading the mixture on your face. Honey is a natural antiseptic, as well, so will get rid of any bacteria. Tomato puree can also be used, as can a mixture of honey and oatmeal.

Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you have to live with a constant shine on your face. Use these organic methods to keep the oil under control and enjoy getting out and about.