7 Natural Ways to Banish Oily Skin for Good
That midday shine hitting your face like a spotlight? We get it. Oily skin can feel like it's working against you, especially when you're trying to look fresh for that important meeting or date night. But here's the thing—your skin doesn't need harsh chemicals to find its balance. Natural remedies for oily skin have been working wonders for ages, and they're gentler on both your face and your wallet. Let's dive into seven tried-and-tested ways to help your skin chill out and stop overproducing oil.
Your skin's oil production isn't just being dramatic—there's real science behind it. Genetics play a huge role (thanks, parents!), but hormones, weather, and even stress can send your sebaceous glands into overdrive. When you have oily skin, you're dealing with more than just that unwanted shine. Enlarged pores, frequent breakouts, and makeup that seems to slide off your face are all part of the package.
The frustrating bit? Many people think the solution is to strip all the oil away. But here's where it gets interesting—when you over-cleanse or use harsh products, your skin actually produces more oil to compensate. It's like your face is saying, "Oh, you took away my natural protection? Let me make double!"
Before we declare war on all oil, let's understand what sebum actually does. This natural oil helps protect your skin from environmental damage and keeps it moisturised. The goal isn't to eliminate oil completely—it's about balancing skin oil production so you get the benefits without the greasy aftermath.
Ready to give your skin the natural treatment it deserves? These seven methods work with your skin's natural processes rather than against them. The best part? Most of these ingredients are probably sitting in your kitchen right now.
Each of these home treatments for greasy complexion targets oil production differently, so you can mix and match to find what works for your skin type.
Clay masks are like tiny magnets for excess oil. Bentonite clay is particularly brilliant at drawing out impurities, while kaolin clay offers a gentler approach for sensitive skin. Use a clay mask 1-2 times per week, and watch it literally pull the oil from your pores. Just don't let it completely dry out—that tight feeling means it's gone too far.
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water for a natural toner that helps balance your skin's pH. The acetic acid in ACV works as a natural astringent, helping to reduce sebum naturally without being overly harsh. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing, but start slowly—your skin needs time to adjust to this powerhouse ingredient.
Brew some green tea, pour it into ice cube trays, and you've got yourself a brilliant mattifying technique for skin. The antioxidants in green tea help calm inflammation whilst the cold temperature temporarily tightens pores. Wrap the ice cube in a thin cloth and gently massage over your face for 30 seconds in the morning.
Fresh aloe vera gel is like a drink of water for oily skin—it hydrates without adding heaviness. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm any irritation, whilst its natural astringent qualities help control oil production. Apply a thin layer as a lightweight moisturiser, especially during humid weather when your skin tends to get extra oily.
This DIY face mask for oily skin combines oatmeal's oil-absorbing properties with honey's antibacterial benefits. Mix two tablespoons of ground oats with one tablespoon of raw honey. The oatmeal gently exfoliates whilst absorbing excess oil, and honey helps prevent breakouts. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Here's a plot twist—using oil to control oil actually works. Jojoba oil closely mimics your skin's natural sebum, which can trick your skin into producing less of its own oil. Use just 2-3 drops on damp skin, focusing on areas that don't tend to get too oily, like around your eyes and cheeks.
Neem has been used in traditional skincare for centuries, and for good reason. Its antibacterial properties help prevent breakouts whilst its astringent qualities help control oil. You can find neem-based products or make a paste from fresh neem leaves (though this might be a bit intense for daily use).
Now that you've got your natural arsenal ready, let's talk about putting it all together. A proper skincare routine for oily skin isn't about using every product under the sun—it's about consistency and choosing the right techniques for morning and evening.
The key is to cleanse without stripping, treat without over-drying, and moisturise without adding unnecessary oil. Think of it as finding the sweet spot where your skin feels comfortable and balanced.
Start with a gentle cleanser, follow with your apple cider vinegar toner (if your skin tolerates it), then apply a lightweight moisturiser like aloe vera gel. If you're using the green tea ice cube trick, do it after cleansing but before toner. Keep it simple—mornings are about protection and preparation for the day ahead.
Evenings are when you can be a bit more intensive. Double cleanse if you wear makeup, use your clay mask 1-2 times per week, and follow with a nourishing treatment like your oatmeal and honey mask on alternate days. This is when your skin does most of its repair work, so give it the tools it needs.
Your skincare routine is only part of the equation. What you eat, how much water you drink, and how you manage stress all play roles in how much oil your skin produces.
Sometimes the most effective cleansing tips for oily skin come from looking at the bigger picture of your overall health and lifestyle habits.
Foods high in refined sugars and dairy might trigger increased oil production in some people. Meanwhile, staying properly hydrated helps your skin maintain its natural balance. Aim for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants—your skin will thank you for the internal nourishment.
When you're stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can ramp up oil production. Finding ways to manage stress—whether through exercise, meditation, or just taking time for yourself—can have a real impact on your skin's behaviour.
While natural remedies work brilliantly, sometimes you need a bit of extra help from carefully chosen oil-free skincare products. The trick is knowing what to look for and what to avoid.
When you're ready to explore beyond DIY treatments, focus on products that complement your natural routine rather than replace it entirely.
Some of the best ingredients for oily skin include salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation, niacinamide for oil control, and hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration. These ingredients work well alongside your natural treatments and can provide targeted benefits that kitchen ingredients might not deliver.
Heavy oils, alcohol-based toners (they're too harsh), and overly fragranced products can all make oily skin worse. Also, watch out for products that promise to completely eliminate oil—remember, some oil is good for your skin's health.
Managing oily skin naturally isn't about finding one magic solution—it's about understanding your skin and giving it what it needs to find balance. These seven natural methods can be game-changers when used consistently and in combination with a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, what works for your friend might not work for you, and that's completely normal. Your skin is unique, and finding the right combination of treatments might take some experimentation. If you're dealing with severe acne or persistent skin issues, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist alongside your natural routine.
When you're ready to explore beyond natural remedies, Smytten makes it easy to discover what works for your skin without the commitment. With curated trial packs from over 1,500 trusted skincare brands, you can test different oil-control products before investing in full sizes. From gentle cleansers to mattifying treatments, their platform covers everything you need for oily skin. With Trial Points starting at just ₹249 for up to 8 minis and 100% cashback on purchases, finding your perfect skincare routine becomes both affordable and risk-free. After all, why settle for maybe when you can #TryItAll!
