10 Home-made Scrubs To Exfoliate Oily Skin Without Causing Damage

10 Home-made Scrubs To Exfoliate Oily Skin Without Causing Damage

Can exfoliation really help people with oily skin? If you have hyperactive sebaceous glands and haven't tried exfoliation yet, then you might be missing out on some excellent skin benefits.

Read this article to know how exfoliation benefits oily skin and the different ways of exfoliating your skin safely.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Exfoliation is the best way to prevent unpleasant sequalae of overactive sebaceous glands. Acidic substances like Amla, Lemon, Triphala, Yoghurt, Sour milk or Raw milk are often mixed with complexion-enhancing herbs like Barley, Oats, Masoor, and Besan to create a synergy that simultaneously exfoliates chemically and mechanically. This prevents common oily skin problems like Acne, Seborrheic dermatitis, Clogged pores, Congestion and Puffiness.”

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

Should You Exfoliate If You Have Oily Skin?

Among all skin types, oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and acne[1]. This is due to the accumulation of excess sebum which traps dead skin, dirt, and other pollutants in the skin pores. Regular exfoliation helps to prevent this. ‘’A good exfoliant helps to unclog the skin pores well, by eliminating the sebum, sweat, and dirt deposits,’’ says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Benefits Of Exfoliating Oily Skin

1. Controls Acne Breakout

Exfoliation helps to gently remove excess sebum and dirt from oily skin pores. It also helps to remove the topmost dead skin cell layer. This in turn prevents the formation of acne breakouts, including whiteheads and blackheads.

A 2015 study in Use of organic acids in acne and skin discolorations therapy found exfoliating agents to be effective in controlling excessive keratinization, one of the main factors that cause acne.

2. Slows Down The Aging Process

Skin becomes rougher with age due to accumulated dead skin cell layers over time. This eventually leads to fine lines, age spots, etc. in the oily skin. Exfoliating skin regularly helps in eliminating the dead skin layers, thus, keeping the skin healthy and bright as you age.

As per research conducted at Anna University, herbal exfoliants were found to be effective in preventing premature skin aging.

3. Improves Skin texture

Exfoliating promotes the skin renewal process, by boosting collagen production. Thus, it helps transform dull and rough skin into bright, soft and even-looking skin.

4. Promotes Better Absorption Of Skincare Products

Layers of sebum and dead skin build-up do not allow the skin to completely absorb nourishing serums and moisturizers applied to it. Regular exfoliation improves the skin’s absorption capacity. This helps in reaping the benefits from products applied to a great extent.

How Do You Exfoliate Oily Skin Using Homemade Scrubs?

1. Cucumber Scrub

cucumber in a small ceramic bowl

Cucumber is astringent and helps to control excess oil production in the skin. It also helps to shrink the open pores in oily skin and promote blemish-free skin texture [2].

How To Exfoliate

  • Grate 1/2 cucumber.
  • Apply it directly to your face and massage in small circular strokes for 5 minutes.
  • Leave it on for 10 more minutes before washing your face with cool water.
  • Repeat this twice a week.

2. Coffee Scrub

The caffeine in coffee helps in boosting blood circulation under the skin, thereby making your skin glow naturally. Also, the antioxidants present in coffee help in fighting oxidative stress in the skin cells [3].

How To Exfoliate

  • Add a spoon of yogurt to a spoon of freshly ground coffee powder.
  • Mix the ingredients well and use it to scrub your face and neck for 2-3 minutes.
  • Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing your face with cool water.
  • Repeat this once or twice a week.
  • You can replace yogurt with honey if your skin is sensitive to dairy products.

3. Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal has saponins along with anti-inflammatory compounds, which together provide a great cleansing and soothing effect for oily skin. It works best to absorb and control the overproduction of sebum in the skin.

Studies on Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) have found that colloidal oatmeal extracts can effectively control the pro-inflammatory cytokinins and also exhibit antioxidant activity.

How To Exfoliate

  • Mix together 1 spoon each of honey, yogurt and oatmeal.
  • Use this to scrub your face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
  • Later, rinse your face and neck with cool water.
  • Repeat this once or twice a week.
  • You can replace yogurt with rose water if your skin is sensitive to dairy products.

4. Green Tea Scrub

The polyphenols in green tea greatly help combat oxidative stress in the skin cells [4]. Green tea rejuvenates your skin and boosts collagen production.

How To Exfoliate

  • Add 2 spoons of sugar and 1/2 spoon of lemon juice into 2-3 spoons of green tea decoction.
  • Use the mixture to scrub your face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
  • Later, rinse it off using lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this twice a week.

5. Masoor Dal Scrub

This is very effective in eliminating dead skin layers and other pollutants from the skin pores. It also helps control sebum production while giving your skin a softer and smoother texture. A clinical study conducted by Bharati Vidyapeeth College Of Ayurveda, found red lentils to be effective in enhancing skin complexion and reducing dullness.

How To Exfoliate

  • Mix a pinch of turmeric, 1 spoon of yogurt and 2 spoons of finely powdered masoor dal.
  • Apply it to your face and neck.
  • Scrub gently for 4-5 minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this once or twice a week.

6. Orange Peel Scrub

Orange peel powder helps attain an even and bright skin complexion while controlling sebum production. It also helps in closing the open pores and reducing acne blemishes. In a 2016 study titled Evaluation of Skin Anti-aging Potential of Citrus reticulata Blanco Peel, orange peel powder was found to have skin anti-aging potential at a significant level.

How To Exfoliate

  • Add a pinch of turmeric and 1 spoon of honey to 1 spoon of orange peel powder.
  • Mix well and use the paste to scrub your face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
  • Later, rinse it off using normal water.
  • Repeat this twice a week.

7. Rice Scrub

Rice is a very soothing and gentle exfoliant for oily skin. It not only clears the clogged pores but also gives a bright complexion to your skin. Research conducted at Vishvakarma Institute of Technology found rice scrub to be effective in fighting acne and enhancing skin complexion.

How To Exfoliate

  • Add a pinch of baking soda and 1 spoon of honey to 1 spoon of freshly ground rice powder.
  • Mix well and use it to scrub your face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
  • Later, rinse it off using cool water.
  • Repeat this once or twice a week.

8. Walnut Scrub

walnut body scrub with towel

Walnuts contain vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other essential phenolic compounds that help to keep your skin healthy, soft, and glowing.

How To Exfoliate

  • Add 2 spoons of honey and 1/2 spoon of lemon juice into 2-3 spoons of finely ground walnut powder.
  • Apply the mixture to your face and scrub it for 2-3 minutes.
  • Later, rinse it off using lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this once a week.

9. Lemon Juice + Sea Salt Scrub

Lemon controls oil production in the skin while preventing acne breakouts with its exceptional anti-microbial properties [5]. Sea salt has gentle exfoliating properties that help in clearing the clogged pores.

How To Exfoliate

  • Mix 1 spoon of sea salt and 1 spoon of lemon juice.
  • Apply it to your face and massage for 2-3 minutes.
  • Later, rinse your skin using normal water.
  • Repeat this twice a week.

10. Papaya Scrub

Papaya helps in effectively unclogging blocked pores and shrinking open pores. It contains enzymes that nourish and rejuvenate oily skin, giving it a healthy texture.

How To Exfoliate

  • Blend a piece of ripe papaya into a smooth puree.
  • Add 4-5 drops of fresh lemon juice into it and apply to your face and neck.
  • Massage it on your skin in small circular motions for 4-5 minutes.
  • Later, rinse it off using normal water.
  • Repeat it once or twice a week.

11. Chemical Exfoliation For Oily Skin

Exfoliating products such as salicylic acid 2% solution can also be used as an effective exfoliator for oily skin. This works to unclog the pores by breaking down the dead skin cells[6].

Bright colored hibiscus flowers are a rich source of natural dyes, replacing food color, hair color, and shoe polish as well!

How Often Can You Exfoliate Oily Skin?

You can exfoliate oily skin twice or thrice a week. However, do check how well your skin is coping with the exfoliation process. Exfoliate your skin on alternate days when it produces too much sebum, or limit the process to once or twice a week if it becomes dry. Thus, depending on how your skin behaves, you can set the frequency of exfoliation.

Vedix Tip:

Apply exfoliants to your oily skin when it is damp. This helps in minimizing the friction caused when you scrub your skin using exfoliants.

Precautionary Steps For Exfoliating Oily Skin

  • Do a patch test before applying any exfoliating products to your skin.
  • If using a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid, make sure you apply sunscreen after exfoliation as BHAs like salicylic acid can cause sun sensitivity in the skin.
  • Do not use exfoliants with a rough texture as they can cause micro-tears in the skin.
  • Do not use body scrubs for your face and neck. Use gentler exfoliants for your face and neck as the skin here is more fragile compared to the rest of the body.
  • Exfoliate your lips too while scrubbing your face.
  • Always exfoliate your skin with clean fingers, brushes, or tools.
  • Do not exfoliate if there are cuts, wounds, or sunburns on the skin.
  • Avoid leaving the exfoliant on your skin for too long.
  • Always moisturize your skin properly after the exfoliation process [7].

Important Note:

Consult your dermatologist before using any of the above-mentioned exfoliating scrubs on your skin.

The Last Word

Regular exfoliation of oily skin helps prevent acne breakouts. It promotes skin cell regeneration and provides clear and blemish-free skin over a period. However, over-exfoliation may lead to dryness and skin cell damage.

To prevent it, you need to use an exfoliating product with the right ingredients for your skin type. You also need to identify the right frequency of exfoliation. At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skin care regimen for your unique skin type and its requirements.

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