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As per an epidemiological study conducted in India, about 33 percent of people report having oily skin. This was the most common skin type found among a large group of young adults, making it clear that oily skin is widely experienced in the country.
Oily skin is mainly caused by excess sebum made by the sebaceous glands. This makes the skin look shiny, the pores look bigger, and makes it more likely to get pimples or blackheads.
Ayurveda says that your skin's health is a sign of your inner balance, especially when it comes to too much oil and the Kapha dosha. In this blog, we will show you an easy, all-natural Ayurvedic skincare routine that is made just for oily skin. You'll find out which herbs and other things help balance your skin, how to take care of it at different times of the day, and what lifestyle changes can help control oil from the inside.
What causes oily skin as per Ayurveda?
Ayurveda says that oily skin and other skin problems are mostly caused by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. Kapha is one of the three main doshas or energies that affect how your body and mind work. When Kapha gets too strong, it makes you feel heavy, sticky, and oily, both on your skin and in your body.
Your skin makes more sebum (natural oil) when your Kapha dosha is high. This makes your face look oily, clogs your pores, and often causes blackheads or acne.
But it's not just about how your body looks. Ayurveda says that the way you live and the place you live are also very important. Some common triggers are:
- Eating the wrong foods: Eating greasy, fried, or heavy foods makes Kapha go up. Having too much dairy or sweets also does this.
- Not moving enough: A sedentary lifestyle slows down your digestion and raises your Kapha.
Weather conditions: When it's hot and humid, it adds moisture to your body and can make it oilier. - Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water, your skin will make more oil to make up for it.
- Weak digestion: When your digestive fire (Agni) is weak, toxins (Ama) build up in your body and cause skin problems.
Ayurveda looks deeper than modern skincare, which usually only treats the surface of the skin. It doesn't just get rid of the oil; it tries to fix the problem at its source. That means making long-term changes to your routine, food, and way of living that are in line with your doshas.
How does Ayurveda treat oily skin differently from modern skincare?
Most modern skincare products for oily skin focus on stripping away the excess oil using alcohol-based toners or harsh face washes. While they may make your skin feel dry and tight for some time, they often make the problem worse. Your skin senses dryness and produces even more oil to protect itself. The result? A never-ending cycle of oiliness and breakouts.
Ayurveda takes a very different route.
Instead of attacking the oil, Ayurveda focuses on bringing balance back to your body. It uses natural ingredients that calm your Kapha dosha and cool your body. These ingredients don’t harm your skin barrier but support it.
Ayurveda also says that your skin shows if you drink enough water, sleep well, and deal with stress. That's why Ayurvedic skin care always recommends:
- Eating food that is in season and fresh
- Drinking warm water all day long
- Going to bed on time
- Doing light exercise, like walking or yoga
- Deep breathing or meditation can help deal with stress.
What are the best Ayurvedic herbs and medicines for oily skin?
Ayurveda has been using natural ingredients for thousands of years to care for oily and acne-prone skin. These herbs not only alleviate symptoms but also promote skin healing over time. Some of the most reliable ingredients you can use are:
- Neem: Neem is known for being a strong antibacterial agent. It cleans your skin deeply, stops breakouts, and controls extra oil without drying it out.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi helps your skin look better by getting rid of dirt and boosting blood flow. It also dries your skin naturally, which is good for people with oily skin.
- Turmeric: This golden spice is a strong anti-inflammatory. It fights pimples, makes your skin less red, and gives it a healthy glow. It also helps to gently clean out pores.
- Chandan (Sandalwood): Sandalwood keeps oil in check and cools the skin. It helps shrink big pores, stops acne, and soothes irritated skin.
- Multani Mitti: Multani Mitti is a type of clay that draws dirt and oil out of the skin. It makes your skin feel fresh, clear, and soft. It also makes the skin glow and tightens pores.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera makes your skin moist without making it oily. It calms down inflammation, gets rid of acne scars (hyperpigmentation), and makes your face feel light and fresh.
- Vetiver (Khus): Vetiver cools and tightens the skin. It makes your skin firmer, less oily, and helps keep its natural pH balance.
What should your Ayurvedic daytime skincare routine for oily skin look like?
Your daytime routine sets the tone for how your skin feels throughout the day. If you care for it the right way in the morning, you’ll notice less oil, fewer breakouts, and a fresher look by evening. Ayurveda recommends simple, gentle steps using natural ingredients that suit your skin type.
Here’s what a good Ayurvedic morning routine looks like for oily skin:
- Cleaning with natural herbs
Use a gentle herbal cleanser to wash your face first thing in the morning. Neem, tulsi, or sandalwood are good things to use. These help get rid of dirt and oil without making your skin dry. Don't use face washes that are too harsh or foamy because they take away the skin's natural oils and make it produce more oil.
Pro Tip: Don't wash your face more than twice a day. Washing too much can throw off the skin's natural balance.
2. Exfoliate gently 2 to 3 times a week
Every day, your skin sheds dead cells, and if you don't get rid of them, they block your pores. You can also use natural scrubs to gently exfoliate your skin two or three times a week. A mix of turmeric and sandalwood or a little fuller's earth (Multani mitti) works well. This helps get rid of dullness and keeps blackheads under control.
3. Toning with natural toners
Always use a toner after washing or scrubbing your face. Rose water or vetiver water is great for skin that is oily. It makes your face feel fresh, tightens your pores, and keeps your skin from getting too oily or too dry.
4. Lightly moisturising your skin
A lot of people with oily skin think they don't need a moisturiser, but that's not true. Your skin still needs water. Choose a light, non-greasy gel or herbal moisturiser. Aloe vera and other ingredients keep your skin soft without making it oily.
5. Protect yourself from the sun with natural ingredients
Before you go outside, always put on sunscreen. Ayurvedic sunscreens use natural ingredients like coconut oil to keep harmful UV rays from getting through. This keeps your skin from getting tanned or dark spots.
What is the ideal Ayurvedic night routine for oily skin?
Your skin repairs itself at night. Your body releases hormones at night that help the healing process. So, taking care of your skin before bed is just as important as your morning routine.
This is what your Ayurvedic nighttime routine should look like:
1. Cleaning with oil
It may seem strange to use oil on oily skin, but a gentle oil cleanser works very well. It removes makeup, dirt, and extra oil without hurting your skin barrier. People often use natural oils like sesame for Vata, coconut for Pitta, or jojoba for Kapha or oily skin. Gently massage the area and then rinse it with warm water.
2. Tone your skin again before bed
Tone your skin again at night, just like you do in the morning, to close your pores and calm your skin. Rose or vetiver water can help your skin relax before bed.
3. Putting on a night serum or light cream
Use a gentle serum or cream made from herbs like turmeric, saffron, or sandalwood before bed. These make the skin look brighter, reduce inflammation, and work overnight to get rid of oiliness and acne. Thick creams can clog your pores while you sleep, so don't use them.
4. For best results, do this every day
Ayurvedic skin care doesn't work right away; it works best when you stick with it. Your skin will start to balance itself over time, and you'll have fewer problems with oil, breakouts, and rough patches.
Final Thoughts
Your skin tells a story about how you live, what you eat, and how well you care for yourself. If oily skin has been bothering you, Ayurveda gives you a chance to turn things around, slowly, naturally, and gently. You don't need a lot of different products or quick fixes. You need to be patient, consistent, and trust the process. Your skin will be healthy when your body is healthy.
FAQs
1. What is a good skincare regimen for oily skin?
A good routine includes gentle cleansing, light moisturising, weekly exfoliation, and sun protection. Keep it simple, use natural ingredients, and follow it daily for best results.
2. What are the steps of Ayurveda skincare?
Ayurvedic skincare follows cleanse, tone, moisturise, and balance doshas with herbs and diet. It focuses on healing your skin from inside and outside, gently and naturally.
3. How to clean your face naturally every day for oily skin?
To clean your face, mix neem or tulsi with water or use plain rose water. Don't use face washes that are made with soap because they can make your skin too dry.
4. Is rose water good for oily skin?
Yes, rose water is very good for oily skin. It cools your skin without drying it out, balances oil, and tightens pores. You can use it every day as a toner.
5. Can oily skin be affected by stress and sleep?
Yes. Your skin may make more oil when you're stressed or don't get enough sleep. Taking care of your skin is easier when you have a calm mind and get enough sleep.
