Although oily gives you a natural glow, yet it also has a drawback, especially when it comes to acne. The Acne or acne vulgaris is a common concern for people with oily skin. Sometimes it becomes a big challenge to find the right treatment for acne with oily skin. But don’t worry! Join us to explore some of the best acne treatments for oily skin, backed by science and dermatologist recommendations. Our comprehensive treatment plan comprises of all conventional, Homeopathic, Ayurvedic, Acupuncture and Chines remedies for acne or blackheads.
Before proceeding to treatment, first we have to investigate the causes of acne. Acne is caused by many factors such as hormone imbalance, bacteria, clogged hair and pregnancy. Without alleviating the root cause, acne can’t be treated effectively.
Naturally an oily skin produces sebum. When more sebum accumulates on the skin, it can clog your pores. The bacteria have a chance to grow there, leading to acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of breakouts.
Oily skin is more prone to acne. It requires treatments that not only target breakouts but also control excess oil production. Let’s take a look at some effective acne treatments for oily skin:
Salicylic acid absorb deep into the pores and thus clear out oil and dead skin cells. It exfoliates the skin, preventing clogged pores and promoting cell turnover. Using salicylic acid regularly may reduce acne breakouts and prevent future ones from forming.
How to Use: Toners or cleansers containing 1-2% salicylic acid can be used 2-3 times a week to reduce dryness of the skin.
Available Products: You can also try products like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, CeraVe SA Cleanser.
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne treatment that directly targets the acne bacteria. It kills the acne-causing bacteria and thus reducing inflammation. This is particularly useful for treating pustules and cysts.
How to Use: Apply 2.5% or 5%s of Benzoyl peroxide on the spot or all over the face, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Recommended Products: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment.
Best Products to Try:
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash (10%)
Niacinamide regulates oil production, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier. It is effective for sensitive and oily skin.
How to Use: Use Niacinamide serum (2-5%) daily either in the morning or evening.
Product Recommendations: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Glossier Super Pure Serum.
If you prefer natural remedies, tea tree oil is an excellent option. Tea tree oil with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics can help combat acne without harsh chemicals. It is particularly effective in treating mild acne.
Best Products to Try:
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
Mario Badescu Tea Tree Oil
Retinoids, also called Vitamin A, are a gold standard for acne treatment. They prevent pores clogging, and reduce oil production as well. Over time, retinoids can fade acne scars and improve skin texture.
How to Use: You can start with retinol (0.025%) and gradually increase. Use it at night, and follow up with sunscreen during the day.
Products: Differin Gel (Adapalene), RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.
Clay masks are a fantastic way to deal with both acne and excess oil. Bentonite and kaolin clay absorb oil, draw out impurities and help to unclog pores. Regular use of clay masks can leave oily skin feeling balanced and refreshed.
How to Use: Apply a clay mask once or twice a week, focusing on oily areas like the T-zone.
Best Products to Try:
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Pro Tip: Use clay masks once a week. Overuse may dry out the skin.
For people with oily skin prone to acne, niacinamide can help balance oil levels while calming redness and irritation.
Oily skin also requires moisture. The key is to choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores or adding excess oil. Gel-based moisturizers are best for oily skin, as they absorb quickly.
How to Use: Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer after cleansing and treating your skin.
You can try these Products:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Exposure to sun can enhance oil production and exacerbate acne breakouts. Sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 helps protect your face from harmful UV rays and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Best Products to Try:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60
Lactic acid and Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid gently exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells and preventing clogged pores. They also help improve skin texture.
How to Use: Use an AHA-based toner or serum 2-3 times a week, preferably at night.
Available Products: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Pixi Glow Tonic.
Homeopathic treatments for acne on oily skin focus on treating both the skin condition and its underlying causes. Here are some of the tested homeopathic remedies commonly used for oily skin and acne:
Indications: Sulphur is best for oily skin with redness, itching, and a burning sensation. People with this skin type often have an excess of oil and inflammation.
Symptoms: Oily skin, acne with pus, redness, and a tendency to feel hot. Skin may feel greasy, and the person could have a general tendency toward skin issues like eczema.
It is indicated for deep, inflamed acne with pus.
Symptoms: Acne with painful, swollen pimples thatare sensitive to touch, often with pus-filled lesions. Skin may be oily and prone to infections.
Indications: Natrum Mur is best for acne that worsens with stress, hormonal imbalance, or grief.
Symptoms: Acne, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), with oily skin and possible emotional triggers like stress, sadness, or hormonal changes.
Indications: Helpful for acne with dark spots or marks, especially when linked to oily skin.
Symptoms: Acne with dark, persistent scars, typically on the forehead or chin.
Indications: Best for acne that appears due to hormonal changes.
Symptoms: Acne with a tendency to appear during menstruation or pregnancy, often with oily skin and emotional factors at play.
Important Note:
Homeopathy works best when prescribed based on the individual’s unique symptoms and constitution. Condition: Your patience is important, as homeopathic treatments can take time to show visible results.
Let’s go through some common Ayurvedic remedies and practices for acne on oily skin:
Properties: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying.
How to Use: Neem can be taken as an oral supplement or tea. It can also be used topically in the form of a paste or oil.
Properties: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.
How to Use: You can apply a paste of fresh tulsi leaves to the acne spots. Tulsi also purifies the blood and helps in reducing the pitta dosha, which is often linked to acne.
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant.
How to Use: Make a paste of turmeric powder and water or honey and apply it to acne spots.
Properties:Cooling, soothing, and healing.
How to Use: Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to acne-prone areas. It helps to reduce inflammation and promotes healing without drying out the skin.
Kumkumadi Oil:
Properties: Brightening, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating.
How to Use: This is used in Ayurveda for skin rejuvenation. Apply to the face before bed to improve skin tone and reduce acne scars over time.
Triphala: A blend of three fruits (Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki), Triphala is known for its detoxifying effects and can be taken as a supplement to improve digestion and detoxify the body, which can indirectly help with acne.
Chandraprabha Vati: An Ayurvedic tablet commonly used to balance Pitta and promote healthy skin by reducing inflammation and preventing breakouts.
Manjistha: An herb that purifies the blood, Manjistha is commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations to treat skin issues, including acne, by promoting healthy circulation and skin tone.
Turmeric and Sandalwood Mask:
Mix turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and rose water to form a paste. Apply it to your face and wait for 15-20 minute. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
Neem and Aloe Vera Mask:
Blend fresh neem leaves with aloe vera gel to make a paste. Apply it to the face for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. This mask helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce excess oil.
If you’re considering Ayurvedic treatment for acne, it is best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to receive a personalized treatment plan.
Chinese medicine for acne is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which aims to balance the body’s internal energy (Qi). Treatment typically involves a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Some common Chinese medicine approaches for treating acne are given below:
Indications: This formula is used for acne that is aggravated by excess heat in the liver or blood. It is beneficial for red, inflamed, and cystic acne, often found in the T-zone.
Indications: Used for excess heat in the body that contributes to acne, especially if the acne is red and painful.
Properties: These herbs help to clear heat and dry up the excess oil in the skin.
Indications: Used for acne related to skin conditions that are dry, flaky, or itchy.
Properties: Clears toxins from the body, cools inflammation, and relieves skin irritation.
Indications: These herbs are commonly used to nourish the blood and are helpful for hormonal acne, especially in women.
Properties: They help with blood circulation and address imbalances that lead to acne breakouts, especially related to menstrual cycles.
Acupuncture can help treat acne by balancing the body’s energy flow and addressing internal imbalances.
Acupuncture Points for acne:
LI4 (Hegu): Located on the hand, this point is used for pain relief and regulating energy flow. It is used for skin conditions like acne.
ST36 (Zusanli): This point is located on the lower leg,. It helps boost the immune system, improve digestion, and regulate Qi.
LV3 (Taichong): This point helps clear liver heat, which is often associated with acne, especially hormonal or stress-related acne.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): A point that helps regulate the spleen and stomach, especially useful if acne is caused by digestive issues or dampness.
Acupuncture aims to clear heat, invigorate blood flow, and restore the balance of Qi in areas that contribute to acne.
Green Tea and Chrysanthemum Face Wash: Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and chrysanthemum is used in Chinese medicine for cooling the skin.
Calendula or Coptis Root Creams: Both herbs are known for their antibacterial and soothing properties and are often used in Chinese topical treatments to treat acne.
Cleanse Twice Daily: Use a sulfate-free cleanser to remove oil and makeup.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate: Over-exfoliating can trigger more oil production. Stick to 2-3 times a week.
Wear Sunscreen: Oily skin still needs protection from UV damage. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Avoid Touching Face: Your hands are not free from bacteria that can worsen acne.
If the above treatments aren’t working well, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe stronger medications like oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control pills or spironolactone), or isotretinoin (Accutane) for stubborn acne.
Finding the best acne treatment for oily skin, need some experimentation. The best technique is to use a combination of ingredients that target both the acne and the excess oil. Regular use of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids can help you maintain clear skin. While gentle ingredients like niacinamide and tea tree oil can balance oil production and soothe inflammation. . For more in-depth articles, subscribe Azilife.
How to make life easier and comfortable? In today's busy world, it seems difficult to…
Trichoptilosis is also known as Split ends. The protective outer layer of the hair cuticle…
Introduction: Before deciding to get pregnant one should be aware of her medical and fitness…
Introduction: A bruising around ankle is a soreness or tenderness of skin and tissues with…
First of all, Best wishes! On your path to becoming a mother! Maintaining a nutritious…
Healthy hair not only portrays fashion but also reflect overall health condition of an individual.…
