Struggling with oily skin, constant shine, or frequent breakouts? You’re not alone. Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum, a natural oil. Excessive sebum often results in clogged pores and acne.
The good news? You don’t need expensive skincare products to manage it. With the help of natural remedies like aloe vera, fuller’s earth, and gram flour, you can potentially help balance oil production and enjoy clearer, healthier skin, right from your kitchen.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Oily skin is a result of the sebaceous glands secreting an excess amount of sebum, a natural oil which is supposed to keep your skin well-hydrated. Although sebum is essential for skin health, an excessive amount of it can cause pore blockage, exacerbate acne, and produce an unwanted shine on the skin [1].
Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes (especially androgens), stress (which increases cortisol), diet (e.g., high-sugar foods), and environmental conditions all contribute to the development of oily skin [1, 2]. Understanding the causes of oily skin is the first step in managing and effectively treating it.
How to Identify Oily Skin: Common Symptoms
Recognising the symptoms of oily skin can help you adjust your skincare routine to manage it better and reduce excess oil.
Here are the symptoms of oily skin:
- Shiny or Greasy Appearance: Oily skin often has a shiny or greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Frequent Breakouts: Individuals with oily skin are particularly prone to frequent acne breakouts due to clogged pores [3].
- Larger Pores: Overproduction of oil may cause pores to appear larger due to continuous stretching of the pore walls by the excess oil and debris [1, 3].
- Blackheads and Whiteheads: Excessive oil production can lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, which are common in oily skin.
- Makeup Issues: Makeup tends to slip off or become patchy on oily skin throughout the day.
- Thick or Rough Skin Texture: Oily skin may feel thick or rough due to the buildup of oil and dead skin cells.
Top 5 Natural Home Remedies for Oil Skin Control
These natural home remedies have been historically used and are supported by anecdotal and preliminary scientific evidence to help manage excess oil on the skin. Always perform a patch test before application.
1, Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti)
Renowned for its use in homemade remedies, Multani Mitti, or fuller’s earth, is a type of clay known to effectively absorb excessive oils, thus potentially preventing pimples and acne. Being able to draw out impurities, fuller’s earth leaves the skin fresh and less greasy. This is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy often used for Kapha skin types, which are prone to oiliness [4].
2. Gram Flour (Besan)
Besan is an age-old remedy for oily skin. It has natural exfoliating properties that can help clean away dead skin cells and excess oil, unclog pores, and reduce the likelihood of acne. Mix gram flour with water or yoghurt to form a soothing face mask that may help control oil and brighten the skin, leaving it soft and radiant.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its lightweight hydration and non-greasy finish, making it ideal for oily skin [5]. Its natural astringent properties may help reduce excess oil and tighten the appearance of pores without drying out the skin, which can, in turn, reduce irritation and give one a clearer complexion [5].
4. Green Tea
Green tea is a natural solution for oily skin due to its antioxidant properties. Specifically, the polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea has been shown in some studies to possess anti-inflammatory and sebum-reducing effects [6, 7]. Brewed, cooled green tea can be applied as a toner.
5. Soy
Soy is particularly recognised for its potential to regulate oil production in skin when used in topical formulations, in addition to its known benefits for improving skin tone and texture [8]. Soy-based products are popular treatments as they may help balance natural skin oils by reducing greasiness and evening skin tone.
Essential Skincare Practices for Oily Skin
Incorporating the following habits into your daily routine is critical to managing oily skin and preventing acne flare-ups [9].
- Gentle Face Washing (Twice Daily) The face wash designed for oily skin is essential to control excess oil. Look for non-comedogenic, non-aggressive cleansers, such as those with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help reduce the level of oil secretion and acne. Wash your face in the morning and evening, and after exercising.
- Using a Light, Oil-Free Moisturiser Contrary to the general view, oily skin needs moisturiser. Skipping this step can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil [9]. The key is choosing a light, non-comedogenic, oil-free product that hydrates the skin without adding extra oil.
- Choose Non-Comedogenic Products Ensure that all your skincare and makeup choices are labelled oil-free and “non-comedogenic” (meaning they won’t clog pores). Using heavy, oil-based products can exacerbate greasiness and contribute to acne.
- Avoid Touching Your Face Touching your face throughout the day can transfer dirt, bacteria, and oils from your hands to your skin, stimulating oil production and potentially leading to breakouts [9]. Keeping a clear complexion involves keeping touch as minimal as possible.
- Blotting Paper Blotting paper is a must-have for individuals with oily skin, as it provides a fast and easy way to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface without disturbing makeup, making it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
When to See a Dermatologist for Oily Skin?
If your oily skin is also severely acne-prone, constantly irritated, or if home remedies and over-the-counter products are not providing sufficient improvement after several weeks, it’s high time to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can offer more targeted and proven treatments, such as prescription retinoids, oral medications, or in-office procedures, to manage your skin concerns better [3].
Can You Permanently Remove Facial Oil?
It is important to understand that you cannot permanently “remove” facial oil, as your body needs sebum to keep your skin healthy and protected. Genetics and hormones primarily determine your natural oil production level. However, you can significantly reduce and control excess oil by maintaining a consistent skincare routine. This includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and the use of oil-free, non-comedogenic products as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology [9].
Takeaway
Managing oily skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By incorporating natural remedies for oily skin, such as aloe vera, gram flour, and clay masks, along with disciplined, gentle skincare habits, into your daily routine, you can reduce excess sebum and prevent breakouts. Remember, consistency is key, and it may take 6 to 8 weeks to see noticeable results from any new regimen [9]. For persistent concerns or severe acne, consulting a board-certified dermatologist is highly recommended to explore advanced, medically-proven treatment options.
Expert Quote:
“Natural ingredients like fuller’s earth, aloe vera, and gram flour are gentle yet effective in managing oily skin. Combined with good hygiene and sun protection, these remedies can help restore balance and clarity.”
-Dr Anubha Karol
References
[1] Saber Healthcare Group. (2023). Oily Skin: Causes and Treatments. Retrieved from https://saberhealth.com/news/blog/oily-skin
[2] Healthline. (2018). What Are the Causes of Oily Skin?. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-skin-causes
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Acne – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
[4] Healthline. (n.d.). Ayurvedic Skin Care for Your Skin Type: Ingredients, Treatments, and More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/ayurvedic-skin-care
[5] PharmEasy. (2025). Amazing Aloe Vera Benefits for Face, Skin & Hair You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://pharmeasy.in/blog/9-aloe-vera-benefits-for-face-skin/
[6] ResearchGate. (2001). Green tea polyphenolic antioxidants and skin photoprotection (Review). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11986900_Green_tea_polyphenolic_antioxidants_and_skin_photoprotection_Review
[7] MDPI. (2023). Green Tea Catechins and Skin Health. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/12/1506
[8] ResearchGate. (2008). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5904944_Efficacy_of_a_soy_moisturizer_in_photoaging_A_double-blind_vehicle-controlled_12-week_study
[9] American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop