Homemade Face Washes & Masks for Oily Skin

Oily skin tans easily and slows down the process of aging. Sure enough, there are a few advantages to having an oily skin, but there are plenty of disadvantages as well that most women cannot ignore. Dermatologists agree that oily skin clogs pores and causes whiteheads and blackheads, or pimples. Besides, it also makes your face look greasy.

Here’s what happens if you have oily skin,

• You have to constantly powder your face to keep the makeup stay.
• Cream blush and eyeshadows are totally out of the question.
• Wash your face at 7 in the morning, but by 9, it looks like a grease ball.
• You must wash the pillowcase many times in a week. It can look like a puddle of oil if you don’t.
• You have to take several selfies before getting the right one, because there is always that glare, thanks to your oily forehead or cheeks.
• You must always carry blotting papers with you.

Oily skin can be a pain. It can give you pimples well past your teens. Luckily, there are a few very effective remedies like homemade face wash for oily skin that can help you deal with it. You can reduce the oiliness of your skin quickly, so there is no need to despair.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Your skin becomes oily when the sebaceous gland in your body is overactive. It will then produce excess sebum. There are many factors that can cause this, such as dietary choices, genetics, medications, hormonal changes, stress, menstrual cycle, and overusing skin care products.

Let us take a closer look at these factors.

1. Genetics – If people in your family have oily skin, it is likely that you may have it too. Researchers have discovered that the sebaceous gland is overactive in some families, producing excessive oil.

2. Hormonal changes – The hormone level changes throughout the life of a woman, such as in puberty, pregnancy, peri-menopause and pre-menopause. This can make the sebaceous gland hyper-active. For instance, the androgen hormones that are responsible for oil production become very active during puberty. If you thought androgen is a male-specific hormone, it’s not. Androgens affect women too, and they are present in higher amounts than estrogens in a woman’s body. This hormone spurs growth but also produces excess oil, clogging up the pores. Similarly, the levels of androgen also spike just before the menstrual period, during menopause and pregnancy. This is why there are acne bouts just before the menstrual period begins.

3. The weather – Humidity and heat increases during summer and spring and this may increase the oil production level. Your skin will sweat and become oily. In contrast, it is drier in the winter, so the skin can become dehydrated. The skin will fight this and may end up overcompensating for what is missing. In the process, your skin will become too oily.

4. Medications – Medicines are also blamed for oily skin. Hormone replacement and birth control medications can increase oil production. For instance, when you take oral contraceptives, it changes the level of hormones in your body, thus producing excess oil as a side effect. Similarly, any medicine that causes dehydration can lead to excess oil when your skin overcompensates the lack of it.

5. Stress – The body releases the cortisol hormone when you are tensed. The cortisol hormone is known to make the sebaceous gland very active.

6. Overusing skin care products – Many women tend to overuse these products to have cleaner and smoother skin and to look younger. They may end up over cleansing or over-exfoliating the skin in the process. Also, too much makeup can end up trapping oil, and induce a breakout situation.

7. Unnecessary tools for skin care – Never use a wash cloth, hand mitt, cleansing brush or scrubber. When you rub too much and apply a lot of pressure, it can irritate your skin and make it excessively dry. This can cause the sebaceous gland to overproduce oil to compensate for the loss.

How Do I Know If I Have Oily Skin

There are various ways to find out if you have oily skin. It is important to be sure because this will help you select the right skin care product and face wash. This lets you also find out how the skin will react to sunlight exposure and your genetic vulnerability to skin damage.

• Does your skin look too shiny?
• Are there big visible pores?
• Do you often have pimples and blackheads?

You may also have oily skin in some places, and dry at others, a condition that is called “combination skin”. Oily places are usually the nose and forehead, while all the other parts of the face might be dry. The dry places will be itchy, scaly and rough.

You have to be extra careful if you have combination skin. Your skin care routine should address both the concerns – too oily and too dry.

Basic Care for Oily Skin

Never go overboard with skincare products. Wash your face more often, but don’t do this every hour, because this will make it too dry. Wash two to three times a day. Not more than that. You can use a cleanser or apply a moisturizer for oily skin at night. Use warm water to rinse it off in the morning. But make sure to use only a “non-comedogenic” moisturizer. Also, use a gentle soap to make sure that your skin is not irritated. The body’s natural reaction when the skin is irritated is the production of excess oils. Never pick the pimples, if you have them.

There is nothing you can do if your sebaceous glands are producing excess oils. However, this doesn’t mean you have to live with a greasy face. There are some very effective homemade face masks for oily skin and fruit packs that can help you. But first, talk about the best face wash for oily skin. The best ones, of course, need to be natural!

The Best Homemade Face Wash for Oily Skin 

1. Coconut Oil and Honey Face Wash

This could very well be the best face wash for oily skin. Coconut oil and honey both have antibacterial and antifungal properties that will help you fight the oil. The ingredients you need are readily available, so that’s a relief.

Get this:

• Extra virgin coconut oil – 3 teaspoons
• Raw honey – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
• A container with a lid

Do this:

• First, pour the coconut oil into a small bowl. Take a spoon and stir. Warm your spoon if the oil is hard and then dry it. You have to stir with a warm spoon.
• Add the honey. Stir it in.
• Now add your baking soda and stir this well.
• Transfer to the container and store at room temperature.

Don’t worry if this hardens. It will melt when you apply on your skin.

How to apply:

• Take a small spoon or spatula and scoop out a little portion.
• Now apply on your neck and face. Move your fingers in circles to exfoliate.
• Give it time to soak and then remove with warm water.
• Pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Honey and Lemon Face Wash

Fresh lemon juice and raw honey will also do the trick. Honey is a very good skin rejuvenator that will make your skin supple. It is also a very good cleanser for all types of skin, including oily skin. So keep some honey in your bathroom cabinet. Honey can also be used for hair treatment. You can even remove makeup safely and easily with honey. All you need to do is just add a little baking soda. But here we talk about how to use it as a face wash for oily skin so add lemon to it. Lemon will give you Vitamin C that makes the skin healthy and glowing.

Get this:

• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Honey – 1 teaspoon
• A small bowl
• Warm water

Do this:

• Squeeze the lemon and store the juice in a small bowl.
• Add one teaspoon honey into this.
• Add the warm water so that it spreads easily.
• Apply this on your face and leave for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with normal water.

3.  Apple Cider Vinegar Homemade Face Wash for Oily Skin

A little bit of apple cider vinegar and warm water can do wonders. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and balances the pH level of your skin. It is an astringent and can thus dry up the excess oil. However, a word of caution! Don’t overdo this, because too much of apple cider vinegar can make your skin excessively dry.

Get this:

• Unfiltered apple cider vinegar – just a little bit
• Cotton ball
• Water

Do this:

• First, wash your face. Pat dry.
• Now soap the cotton ball in the vinegar. Make sure that there are three parts water and one part vinegar.
• Apply on your skin and leave for 30 minutes.
• Wash your face thoroughly.

You can apply this many times in a day. Apply a moisturizer for oily skin once you have washed it off your face.

4. Tomato and Honey Face Wash

A simple slice of tomato can reduce the oiliness of your skin because tomatoes have astringent, clarifying and cooling properties. It will suck up the excess oil and leave it clean and dry. Besides, tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which helps clear acne.

Get this:

• Medium sized tomato – 1
• Honey – 1 teaspoon (optional)

Do this:

• Cut the tomato in half.
• Rub it on your face and neck.
• Allow the juice to stay on your face for 15 minutes.
• Wash off with cold water.

This face wash will work as a wonderful home remedy. You can also prepare a face mask with these ingredients, by first extracting the tomato juice and storing it in a bowl, and then mixing a teaspoon of honey with it.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers can help you fight the extra oil, thanks to their soothing and astringent properties. It is rich in mineral, vitamin, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins A and E.

Get this:

• Medium sized cucumber – 1
• Lime juice (optional)– ½ teaspoon

Do this:

• Cut your cucumber. The slices should be thick.
• Now rub it on your face.
• Wash off in the morning with warm water.

You can do this every day at bedtime. Like the tomato and honey treatment, this too can be used as a mask. For this, you have to combine a half teaspoon of lime juice and another half teaspoon of cucumber juice and apply it on your face. Wash off once it is dry.

6.  Milk

Milk makes oily skin supple and soft. It is a very good cleanser. The alpha hydroxy acids of milk will exfoliate your skin gently, and maintain its natural pH balance.

Get this:

• Milk – 2 teaspoons
• Lavender or sandalwood oil – 2-3 drops

Do this:

• Pick any of these oils and mix it with the milk.
• Now use a cotton ball to apply this on your face.
• Massage gently for a few minutes.
• Leave it for the night. Wash off with cold water in the morning.

You can use this face wash for oily skin every day.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its antimicrobial properties. These properties make it a great choice for treating acne, caused by oily skin. Aloe vera is also very good at absorbing the extra oil from your skin. You can use this remedy either as a face wash or mask.

Get this:

• Aloe vera leaf – 1

Do this:

• Cut the leaf and take out the gel.
• Apply this gel on your face.
• Wash off once it is dry.
• You may also boil the leaf instead of cutting.
• Add a little honey to create a paste.
• Apply the paste thoroughly on your face and neck.
• Keep it for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water.

Best Homemade Face Mask for Oily Skin

1)  Banana Face Mask

The banana gives us instant energy. You can prepare delicious sweet recipes and milkshakes with it. Banana is rich in iron, potassium, Vitamins A, B, C and E. But did you know that a banana face mask can also help you fight oily skin? In fact, there are very few better homemade fruit packs and scrubs for oily skin than this one.

Get this:

• Ripe banana – 1
• Honey – 1 teaspoon
• Lemon or orange – 1

Do this:

• Mash the banana.
• Add the honey.
• Mix three to four drops of lemon or orange juice. Mash them all together and make sure that the paste is fine.
• Now apply this paste on your neck and face and leave for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water. You can also use a soft washcloth.

2)   Avocado Oatmeal Mask

It’s a misconception that Avocado can be used only for dry skin. Avocado face masks are also good for people with oily and acne-prone skin. Avocado is rich in minerals and vitamin E, which is good for the skin. The fruit has unsaturated fats too. No wonder, it is used in so many beauty products. Avocado is also known to slow down the process of aging. Oatmeal in this face mask removes dead cells and fights inflammation. Oats contain polysaccharides that provide a protective film on your skin.

Get this:

• Ripe avocado – ½
• Oatmeal – ½ cup

Do this:

• Cook your oatmeal.
• Use a fork to mash up your avocado.
• Now mix these two and apply the paste on your skin.
• Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water. Pat dry.

3)  Avocado Egg Face Mask

This face mask will make your face less oily and reduce the chances of acne and pimples. You know why using avocado helps. If not, read the previous remedy. The eggs in this face mask recipe help tighten your skin and shrink large pores.

Get this:

• Ripe avocado – ½
• The white portion of egg – 1
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Do this:

• Take a fork and mash up your avocado.
• Take out the egg’s white portion and add this.
• Now add the lemon juice.
• Gently apply this mask on your face. Make sure that it doesn’t get into the eyes.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water. Pat dry.

Homemade face masks for oily skin with avocado can be applied once a week. That should be enough. Don’t overdo this as your skin may become very dry. The sebaceous gland will then go into overdrive and produce more oil, making your skin oily again.

4)   Yogurt

Plain yogurt is also an exceptional natural cleanser. It contains lactic acid, fat and protein that detoxifies and cleans the skin. You can apply plain yogurt on your face. Add a few drops of lemon juice if you cannot take the scent. It will become more pleasing.

Get this:

• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Yogurt – 1 teaspoon
• A small bowl

Do this:

• Pour the yogurt into your bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix well.
• You may also add a couple of drops of essential oil (optional). This will make your homemade face wash for oily skin more sweet smelling.
• Dip your fingertips into the mixture and apply on face.
• Massage your face softly.
• Leave it for 5-10 minutes and wash off with warm water.

5)   Cinnamon and Honey Face Mask

Cinnamon is spicy while honey is sticky. Many people want to keep them away from the skin, but they can both be good for you, particularly when you mix the two. Cinnamon stops bacteria growth because of its antimicrobial properties, so it will help you get rid of acne scars that are caused by oily skin. Honey too is a natural antibiotic.

Get this:

• Honey – 2 teaspoons
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Paper towels

Do this:

• First, wash your face with warm water. Pat dry.
• Mix one teaspoon cinnamon and two teaspoons of honey together. Make sure that the two blend thoroughly and create a paste.
• Now you are ready to apply this mask to your face. You can spot treat if the oily skin has already given you pimples.
• Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off. Pat dry. Keep a few paper towels with you. The mixture is sticky, so you will have to wash well.

6)   Green Tea and Lemon Juice Facial Mask

Green tea is a natural UV protector and antioxidant. Rich in minerals, the tea will nourish your skin and also help you fight the signs of aging. The potassium content of lemon juice will help you maintain proper hydration. Its citric acid will tighten the pores on your skin. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powder, you can fight eczema and other conditions of the skin. It removes blemishes and dark spots too.

Get this:

• Brewed green tea – 2 teaspoons
• Lemon juice – ½ teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – just a pinch

Do this:

• Pour the cooled green tea into a bowl.
• Add the turmeric powder and lemon juice.
• Mix them well.
• Take a cotton ball and pat the mixture on your face. Always wash your face before applying.
• Let this dry. Give it 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with cool water. Pat dry.

7)  Green Tea, Rice Flour and Lemon Juice Mask

This is an Asian-inspired face mask that will soak up the excess oil quickly. Green tea helps sebum production, and the lemon juice will tone and moisturize your oily skin, keeping it healthy and glowing. Rice flour can absorb excess oil and slough off the dead skin cells too, thanks to its exfoliating properties. By using a mask made of rice flour, you will get a natural glow. Your skin will be healthier too. You don’t have to look elsewhere if you are searching for the best face wash for oily skin.

Get this:

• Brewed green tea – 3 teaspoons
• Rice flour – 3 to 4 teaspoons
• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• A small bowl

Do this:

• Brew the tea and let it cool.
• Pour into your bowl and mix the rice flour there.
• Mix the lemon juice in. You need a spreadable and smooth paste. Make it thick – the paste shouldn’t be runny.
• Add more tea if the paste looks too thick.
• Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Apply this paste on your face. Let it stay for 20 minutes.
• Wash off with cool water.
• Rub the pack to exfoliate your skin.
• Apply a moisturizer for oily skin.

8)  Bentonite Clay Face Mask

Bentonite or green clay is a very good face mask for the greasy and oily skin. This natural healing clay was originally found in the US state of Wyoming. The clay formed from volcanic ash is rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium and potassium. It heals skin tissues, brings out the toxins, shrinks and unclogs pores, prevents pimples, reduces scars, removes excess oil and makes your skin glowing. Not just the face, you can apply the mask to your whole body.

Get this:

• Green clay – 1 teaspoon
• Palmarosa essential oil – 3 drops
• Apricot kernel oil – 1 teaspoon

Do this:

• Keep everything in a small bowl and mix well.
• Add a few drops of water. Make sure that it is lukewarm.
• You can add some more water to make the paste spreadable.
• Apply the mask gently on your skin and leave it for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water or a washcloth.

9)   Strawberry, Lemon and Clay Mask

You can fight oily skin with strawberries as they are naturally acidic and have a lot of Vitamin C. Strawberries can remove the excess sebum. Besides, strawberries will exfoliate and cleanse your skin, treat acne, and tighten the pores.

Get this:

• Strawberries – 8
• Lemon juice – 2 to 3 drops
• Clay – 1 teaspoon (you can use green clay or Bentonite)
• A small bowl

Do this:

• Mix everything well in your bowl and create a smooth paste.
• Add a little bit of water so that it is easier for you to spread the paste on your face. But make sure that it is not too runny.
• Apply the paste on your neck and face carefully. Keep it away from the eyes.
• Leave the paste for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.

You can apply this face mask one or two times in a week.

Ingredients you will find in Commercial Face Wash for Oily Skin 

As you can see, there are many homemade face washes and masks for oily skin. There are many commercial over-the-counter products too from such brands as Olay, Cetaphil, Garnier, Himalaya Herbals, Lotus, and Clean & Clear among others that can help you reduce the oiliness. While these products might not be all natural, they may contain certain natural ingredients that are good for oily skin. Whichever product you select, make sure that it has some of the following ingredients at least –

• Honey
• Turmeric
• Neem
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Aloe vera
• Green tea
• Green clay

Because skin is the biggest organ in our bodies, we have to take good care of it. And if it’s oily, you need to take some extra care. The sun’s harmful UV rays, pollution, chemicals and overuse of cosmetics can all damage our skin. Poor diet and too much stress may also contribute to this damage. Too much oil can clog the pores, leading to the growth of pimples, which can come up at the most inappropriate times. What do you do if you have an interview to attend or a party? Do you go there looking greasy or with blackheads of your face?

Now after knowing all the above remedies for oily skin that include face wash and face masks for oily skin, you don’t have to worry about anything. These wonderful homemade face masks and face wash for oily skin are completely safe – there are no side effects as the ingredients are from nature. The ingredients are easily available, so you don’t have to look hard to find them. Just to make the face wash for oily skin that suits you the best.