Natural Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin

This post is the definitive guide to crafting the perfect natural skin care routine for oily skin.

When you’re done reading, check out our selection of natural skincare products that you can start using in your routine today.

If you find yourself struggling with excess oil on your face, that “greasy” feeling at the end of the day, or persistent acne breakouts, it may be time to rethink your skincare routine.

Healthy, vibrant skin starts with following a skincare regime that’s suited to your skin type.

First, let’s talk about what causes oily skin.

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands on the skin. These glands secrete sebum, an important substance in keeping the skin radiant, fresh, and hydrated. 

However, due to a genetic predisposition, an unsuitable skincare routine, or even your diet, these glands can overproduce oil. This excess of oil clogs pores and causes acne breakouts.

Following a natural skincare routine is essential if you have oily skin. It not only reduces your skin’s “greasy” appearance but also leaves your skin looking fresh and vibrant.

Natural skin care routine essentials

For a deeper dive on the specifics of natural skincare, check out our introductory post on how to start the perfect natural skincare routine.

Here’s a recap of the essential steps in a natural skincare routine, and products specifically designed for oily skin.

Step 1: Cleanse

As we discussed in our post about starting a natural skincare routine, half of what makes a good routine is the order in which you do it. 

Cleansing — purging your skin of all toxins, dirt, grime, and junk it’s exposed to throughout the day — should always be your first step.

Gram flour and Multani Mitti Natural Cleanser

Multan Mitti (otherwise known as Indian Healing Clay) and gram flour are two excellent natural cleansers for oily skin. Due to their texture and composition, they natural absorb cleanse and remove excess oil and grime from the face. 

Follow this recipe to make your own natural cleanser:

1. Mix 1 tbsp gram flour with 1 tbsp Multan Mitti
2. Stir and combine with 1 tbsp of water (or rosewater, if available)
3. Apply the solution to the face as a mask for several minutes
4. Wash and pat dry with a clean towel

While it may not be practical to make this cleanser every day, make it a priority to apply it least a few times a week (especially before a long day of activity where oil production is likely to be higher).

Honey and Brown Sugar

Honey is an excellent humectant and has qualities that lock moisture within the skin. In addition to controlling oil production, the yummy treat can also help prevent breakouts, allergies, and infections.

Use it as a cleanser by mixing one tablespoon of brown sugar into one tablespoon of honey. Cleanse the skin two to three times a week to see results.

Step 2: Tone

A toner works as a temporary tightener that shrinks your pores and frees oil, dirt, and other impurities. 

Green tea and Tea Tree Oil Toner

The combination of green tea and tea tree oil can do wonders to make your skin soft, supple, and oil-free. You can make this natural toner by mixing one tablespoon of tea tree oil into green tea powder or finely ground leaves. Clean your face gently with it every day to control excess oil on the skin.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C helps reduce dark spots and control oil on your skin. Apply it in the morning or night before sleep to make your skin radiant and oil-free.

Step 3: Hydrate

If you’re prone to oily skin, you may be tempted to avoid the next two steps (hydration and moisturization). After all, why add moisture to your already oily skin?

The problem is that overactive sebaceous glands will produce even more oil to counter-act dry skin. Therefore, hydrating and moisturizing the skin gives the glands a break and helps them not overproduce oils. 

Aloe Vera Gel and Rosewater

A great natural hydration formula is some aloe vera mixed with some rosewater (or just plain water). The plant’s natural healing properties work wonders to hydrate the skin.

P.S., we love aloe vera and use it in all our products, including our Purifying Facial Cleanser!

Step 4: Moisturize

Aloe vera has the double benefit of being great for both hydration and moisturization. So if you applied it in the previous step, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Protect

While the sun does provide crucial vitamin D to your skin and body, UV rays and sun damage are one of the biggest obstacles to youthful, healthy skin.

Check out this great Healthline article on the best natural sunscreens for every skin type.

Tips for creating the best routine for your oily skin

Exfoliate Once a Week

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a granular substance. Exfoliation aids in removing bacteria, unclogging pores, and maintaining the skin’s balance. 

Exfoliation is helpful for oily skin because it removes all the junk trapped on the surface of your skin, such as dead skin cells, toxins, and dirt.

Exfoliating once a week is an excellent way to smooth your skin texture, improve absorption rate, and brighten your complexion. Use the following as your natural exfoliant:

• Walnut
• Orange Peel
• Oatmeal
• Sugar
• Tea

If you’re interested in particular recipes, check out these 15 homemade scrubs for oily skin.

Related post: How to Use Body Scrub: Everything You Need to Know

Apply a Natural Face Mask

Natural face masks are an essential part of the natural skincare routine for oily skin. They not only help open pores but also hydrate and tighten the skin. DIY clay masks are excellent ways to improve the texture of oily skin.

Use Alcohol-Free Toner

Toner helps balance the pH level of your skin especially when you use it after cleansing. It clears germs that are left on the skin. However, avoid using toners that contain alcohol or ingredients like peppermints or camphor as they may dry out the skin and stimulate sebaceous glands even more.

Try Avoiding Certain Foods

What you eat has a direct effect on the health of your skin. This is a scientific fact, and medical researchers have a name for it: “the gut-skin axis.” 

To improve your skincare routine you need to avoid foods like hot sauce, refined flour, sugar, dairy, and even coffee.

Dermatologists recommend eating food that is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients to nourish skin from the inside out.

Natural face masks for oily skin

Here is a list of face masks you can use to make your skin look fresh and reduce oil on the face naturally.

Banana face mask (recipe)

Aloe vera face mask (recipe)

Brown sugar and honey face mask (recipe)

Sugar scrub (recipe)

Oatmeal mask (recipe)

Egg white honey mask (recipe)

Mashed papaya mask (recipe)

Lemon apple mask (recipe)

Summing up

Having oily skin is both a blessing and a curse. Oil production helps strengthen hair follicles, giving your hair a rich, luscious sheen. It also helps mitigate wrinkles as you age, and even has more natural sun protection.

However, left unchecked, oily skin can produce that nasty greasy feeling and make it look like you just sweat through an intense workout, as well as cause clogged pores and acne breakouts.

The good news is you don’t need to turn to chemical-laden products for a solution. Everything you need is in nature.

If you want to learn more about prebiotic skincare, check out our post on the topic here. When you’re ready, shop our all-natural prebiotic skincare products and see the difference for yourself!