Managing Oily Skin Naturally in Summer DIY Remedies

Categories: Health

Summertime means vacations and sunshine, but it also means more oily skin for a lot of people. Our sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum, the natural oil that hydrates our skin, become more active in the heat. Although sebum is necessary, too much of it can cause breakouts, plugged pores, and a greasy feeling.

But don't give up! Natural cures for oily skin can be achieved with easily accessible products and do-it-yourself techniques.  These recipes won't break the pocketbook and are kind to your skin. Let's look at some amazing do-it-yourself oily skin care ideas for summer to have a healthy, glowy complexion without any shine.

Understanding Oily Skin and Summer Triggers

Before diving into remedies, let's understand why oily skin gets worse in summer. Here are some key factors:

• Increased Temperature: Hot weather naturally stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil for sweat production and keeping the skin cool.
• Humidity: High humidity levels trap sweat and oil on the skin's surface, making it feel greasier.
• Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can damage the skin's barrier, leading to increased oil production to compensate for lost moisture.

In addition to these external factors, certain internal factors can also contribute to oily skin, such as genetics, hormonal changes, and diet.

Daily Habits for Oily Skin Management

While DIY remedies are great, a consistent skincare routine is key to managing oily skin throughout summer. Here are some daily habits to incorporate:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, triggering the glands to produce even more oil.
• Light Moisturizing: Don't skip moisturizing! Oily skin still needs hydration. Opt for oil-free, water-based moisturizers that replenish moisture without adding greasiness.
• Blotting Throughout the Day: Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil throughout the day. This helps manage shine without disrupting your makeup.
• Exfoliation: Once or twice a week, exfoliate your skin to get rid of dead skin cells and avoid clogged pores. Choose chemical exfoliants containing beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid for a mild exfoliation.

• Diet: Even though it's not a quick remedy, eating a balanced diet can help your skin. Minimize sugar-filled beverages, processed foods, and harmful fats. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain the health of your skin from the inside out.

DIY Summer Remedies for Oily Skin

Now, let's get into the fun part – DIY recipes! Here are some effective and easy-to-make remedies using natural ingredients:

• Honey Mask: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. It also has antibacterial properties. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice (for oily skin) or plain yogurt (for sensitive skin) to create a mask. Apply it to cleansed skin and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

• Oatmeal Scrub: Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant that absorbs excess oil without irritating the skin. Combine 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt or honey. Massage the mixture onto your damp face in circular motions for a minute before rinsing thoroughly.

• Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) Pack: The oil-absorbing qualities of multani mitti clay make it a popular ingredient in Indian cosmetic products. To make a paste, combine two tablespoons of Multani Mitti with rose water. After applying it to your face and neck, wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry. Use cool water to completely rinse.

• Green Tea Toner: Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and control oil production. Brew a cup of green tea, let it cool, and then use a cotton pad to apply it to your cleansed face as a toner.

• Cucumber Toner: Cucumber is ideal for oily skin in the summer because it is naturally cooling and moisturizing. Grate a cucumber that has been chilled and extract its juice. Use a cotton pad to apply the juice, diluted with equal parts water, to your face as a toner.

Remember: When trying any new remedy, do a patch test on your inner arm first to check for allergies.