Ayurvedic Guide To Choose A Moisturizer For Oily Skin

Are you someone who ditches the application of moisturizer just because you have oily skin? If yes, then it's high time you realize that you are doing it all wrong.

Even oily skin needs a moisturizer. However, a moisturizer can make the oily skin greasier if it contains incompatible ingredients. So, how to pick the right moisturizer for your oily skin? Read on to know more.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

‘’Excessive oiliness is a Pitta problem, but often misdiagnosed as Kapha. Excessive heat dries up the moisture in the superficial layers of skin. To compensate for the lost hydration, excessive oils are produced. Traditional wisdom would say Kapha causes oiliness, but Pitta is the hidden culprit.

Intensely soothing and hydrating moisturizers with lesser emollients work well for Oily skin. Look for ingredients like Yashtimadhu, Lodhra, and Manjishtha, along with Niacinamide in your face moisturizer.

Spicy and inherently hot foods ( eg. wheat and capsicums) worsen oily skin woes. Avoid processed sugars and simple carbohydrates (Maida) that equate to pure calories. Calor itself means heat. Such foods trigger excessive oiliness.’’

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• Do You Need Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin?
• What Does Moisturizer Do For Oily Skin?
• How To Choose A Moisturizer For Oily Skin
• Which Is The Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
• How To Use Moisturizer For Oily Skin?
• How Can You Moisturize Your Oily Skin Naturally?

Do You Need Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin?

Many people assume that they should not use a moisturizer if they have oily skin [1]. But, the fact is that the skin produces excess sebum as a natural response to the loss of moisture from the skin. Further, this overproduced sebum clogs the pores, resulting in greasy skin and acne issues.

In other words, loss of moisture in the skin [2] caused by factors such as pollution, UV damage, harsh products, etc. can result in extremely oily skin. Hence, you need to apply a moisturizer even if you have oily skin, to reinforce and maintain the natural moisture barrier in the skin.

‘’A moisturizer seals the water molecules in the skin, keeping it adequately hydrated throughout the day [3]. This, in turn, controls the sebum production in the oily skin type,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

What Does Moisturizer Do For Oily Skin?

1. Controls Acne

By hydrating your skin well, moisturizers don't leave any reason for your skin to produce excess sebum as a natural response. Thus, it prevents the clogging of skin pores and the formation of acne.

2. Reduces Wrinkles

Dehydration in the skin is a primary cause of premature aging of the skin, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines [4]. Moisturizing your skin regularly can prevent dehydration in the skin, thus, keeping your skin healthy and supple.

3. Relieves The Skin From Itchiness

Even people with oily skin can notice itching when they use harsh products on the skin, because of skin barrier damage and loss of moisture. By applying the right moisturizer, you can instantly soothe your skin from itchiness [5].

4. Forms A Protection Barrier

Applying a layer of moisturizer first can always minimize your skin interaction with different chemicals used in cosmetics, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Thus, it acts as an additional protective barrier for your skin.

How To Choose A Moisturizer For Oily Skin

• Firstly, you need to determine what your skin type is. Some may have oiliness all over the face, while others have it only in certain areas such as T-zone and chin (combination skin type).

• People with combination skin type may need to use different moisturizers for the dry and oily regions on the face.
• When you have oily skin, always opt for light-weight lotions that are oil-free, instead of creams.
• Water-based and humectant-based moisturizers are the best choices for oily skin.
• Choose a moisturizing lotion that is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic.
• It's always better to pick a moisturizer that functions to protect your skin from UV rays. This way you can cut the process of applying sunscreen, which may make your oily skin more greasy.
• Make sure that your moisturizer does not contain any harmful chemicals or allergens.
• Never use a petroleum-based moisturizer for oily skin.

Which Is The Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin?

According to Ayurveda, oily skin is an indication of imbalanced Pitta and Kapha doshas in an individual.

‘’Excessive oiliness is a Pitta problem, but often misdiagnosed as Kapha. Excessive heat dries up the moisture in the superficial layers of skin. To compensate for the lost hydration, excessive oils are produced. Traditional wisdom would say Kapha causes oiliness, but Pitta is the hidden culprit, ’’ says Dr. Zeel.

To bring balance to vitiated doshas in oily skin, Dr. Zeel recommends using a moisturizer containing herbs that hydrate your skin while simultaneously pacifying the Pitta and Kapha doshas.

‘’Intensely soothing and hydrating moisturizers with lesser emollients work well for Oily skin. Look for ingredients like Yashtimadhu, Lodhra, and Manjishtha, along with Niacinamide in your face moisturizer, ’’says Dr. Zeel.

Here are some of the hydrating and nourishing herbal ingredients that you can seek in a moisturizer to balance the aggravated Pitta and Kapha in oily skin:

1. Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia)

Besides moisturizing your skin well, manjistha also helps in skin brightening and managing acne.

Research revealed that manjistha has significant anti-acne properties and is helpful in fighting acne-causing bacteria.

2. Lodhra (Symplocos Racemosa)

Lodhra is the best herb to absorb the excess sebum from your skin while hydrating it simultaneously. Also, it helps in controlling inflammation and free-radical damage in the skin.

3. Nimba (Neem)

Besides fighting acne and hydrating your skin, neem works exceptionally well for soothing irritated skin and controlling oil production.

4. Guduchi (Giloy)

While helping with moisture retainment in the skin, giloy aids in combating aging signs, acne, and dark spots.

5. Dhavani (Uraria Picta)

Dhavani has great anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties that help in treating a variety of skin ailments and acne while keeping your skin hydrated.

6. Vrisha /Adulsa /Vasa (Malabar Nut)

Besides controlling the oiliness in the skin, malabar nut aids in improving the aging signs, clearing clogged pores, and enhancing the skin tone.

7. Kamala (Lotus)

Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, lotus helps in improving the elasticity and integrity of the skin barrier. Also, it promotes radiant and younger-looking skin.

8. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Besides providing exceptional hydration for your skin, gotu kola helps in stimulating collagen production. It promotes quick healing and controls pigmentation.

9. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna)

Arjuna hydrates and regulates sebum production in the skin simultaneously. Also, it prevents aging signs and free radical damage in the skin.

10. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)

It is widely used to treat acne, fight wrinkles, and enhance the skin glow. Also, shankhapushpi nourishes and hydrates your skin very well.

Vedix Tip:

People with oily skin should avoid consuming sour foods as they increase Pitta and Kapha energies in the body. And, including bitter and astringent foods in the diet regularly helps people with oily skin decrease the Pitta and Kapha doshas.

‘’Spicy and inherently hot foods ( eg. wheat and capsicums) worsen oily skin woes. Avoid processed sugars and simple carbohydrates (Maida) that equate to pure calories. Calor itself means heat. Such foods trigger excessive oiliness, ’’says Dr. Zeel.

How To Use Moisturizer For Oily Skin?

Step 1: Wash your face with a mild or herbal cleanser.

Step 2: Apply a toner generously and pat your skin dry using a clean cotton towel.

Step 3: Take the required amount of moisturizer into your palms and rub them to make the moisturizer slightly warm.

Step 4: Apply the moisturizer gently to your face and neck using upward strokes.

Step 5: Focus on T-zone and give a gentle massage while applying moisturizer to your cheeks, around the eyes, and T-zone.

Step 6: Wait for 5 minutes to let your skin absorb the moisturizer completely before applying the next product.

How Can You Moisturize Your Oily Skin Naturally?

Below are some of the homemade moisturizer options for oily skin:

1. Milk

Milk, containing lactic acid in abundance, helps your skin maintain the barrier function.

Add a few drops of lemon juice into 1/4th cup of milk. Stir well and apply the solution to your face using a cotton pad. After 10-15 minutes, wash your face with normal water. Repeat this once a week.

2. Rose Petals

By exhibiting strong astringent and toning effects on your skin, rose petals help your skin become firm and flawless.

Add a cup of rose petals to 2-3 cups of rose water. Boil the ingredients on a low flame for 2-3 minutes. Let the solution cool down and strain the liquid. Add a spoon of aloe vera gel into the liquid and mix well. Apply this mixture to your oily face before bedtime and wash it off the next morning. Repeat this twice a week.

3. Aloe Vera

Besides moisturizing your skin effectively, aloe vera protects your skin from harmful UV damage naturally.

Add 2 spoons of jojoba oil and a spoon of water into 2-3 spoons of aloe vera gel. Mix the ingredients well and apply it to your face at bedtime. Wash it off the next morning.

4. Honey + Lemon

While honey has exceptional emollient properties, lemon acts as an effective astringent for your skin. Overall, the combination moisturizes the oily skin and also controls acne.

Add honey and lemon in equal parts. Mix the ingredients well and apply it as a face pack. Leave it for 30 minutes before washing it off with normal water. Repeat this twice a week.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is a wonderful herb that helps to retain the moisture in your skin and detox it from free radicals.

Put some green tea bags into 2 cups of hot water. After 5 minutes, remove the bags and allow the tea to cool down. Add a spoon of honey to the green tea and apply it to your face using a cotton pad. After 15-20 minutes, wash it off using normal water. Repeat this twice a week.

Important Note:

Always consult your Ayurvedic doctor or dermatologist before applying any of the herbal or home remedies discussed in this article for your skin.

The Last Word

Many factors such as harsh weather, stressful lifestyle, poor diet, etc. can result in loss of moisture and vitality in the skin. And, oily skin is not an exception. Sealing in the water molecules and nutrients in your skin is the basic purpose of applying a moisturizer. And, it is an essential step in the skincare regimen, irrespective of skin type.

While Ayurveda can help you moisturize the oily skin with the right herbs naturally, you can attain equilibrium in your imbalanced doshas. At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skincare regimen for you by understanding your skin type and its unique needs.