How to Make a Face Cleanser for Oily Skin

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methods

1 Making a Clay Mask

2 Making an Astringent Toner

3 Soothing and Moisturizing

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Tips and Warnings

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Co-authored by Diana Yerkes

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Oily skin is the result of excess sebum production. Although it generally causes no serious physical problems, it can lead to the development of acne. It can also cause emotional distress because of how it looks. With simple ingredients, you can make cleansers at home that will alleviate your oily skin.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Clay Mask

1. 
   1
   Buy Fuller’s earth or bentonite clay. Health stores will carry these products.

   • Don’t buy pottery clay, which will not have the same properties.
   • Fuller’s earth is a name for any fine-grained, naturally occurring substance that absorbs oils and impurities.
   • Bentonite clay is one popular kind of Fuller’s earth. It is derived from volcanic ash.
2. 
   2
   Mix the clay with an equal quantity of liquid. Start with about one-third of a cup of each. You can scale up or down in amount depending on what you prefer, but you should make a fresh batch each time.

   • The simplest option is to use water. You can also use apple cider vinegar or witch hazel. These natural astringents will add benefit to your mask.
   • You can also add 2 drops of cypress oil or lemon oil. These oils smell good and might help with overactive oil glands.
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3. 
   3
   Stir the clay and the liquid thoroughly. They should form a smooth, shiny paste. Make sure to work out any lumps by pressing them with your fingers.
4. 
   4
   Spread the clay mixture on your face and upper neck. Be careful to avoid your eyes.
5. 
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   Leave the mask on your face at least until the clay is dry. Depending on how thickly you've applied it, this can take 10-20 minutes.You can leave the mask on for up to 45 minutes. Rinse the mask off using warm water.
6. 
   6
   Use a clay mask weekly. Too often, and your skin may become dried out. Set aside half an hour or an hour one evening a week, and enjoy this skin-care ritual.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making an Astringent Toner

1. 
   1
   Make your own herbal skin toner with an astringent herb. An astringent product constricts or tightens skin or other tissues.
2. 
   2
   Choose an astringent herb as the basis for your toner. Good choices are yarrow, sage, or peppermint.
3. 
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   Boil one cup of water. Pour it over a tablespoon of the herb you have chosen.
4. 
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   Allow the herb to steep for thirty minutes. At the end of that time, strain the herb out using a tea strainer or mesh.

   • You can store the toner for up to five days in the refrigerator. Discard if cloudiness or a bad smell develops.
5. 
   5
   Dab the toner on your skin. Use cotton pads or cotton balls, and be gentle. Use a washcloth to soak up any excess liquid.
6. 
   6
   Use witch hazel as an alternative toner. This natural product contains tannins that tighten pores.
7. 
   7
   Apply a toner daily. Incorporate it into your evening routine, since it also helps remove grime from the day as well as leftover make-up.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Soothing and Moisturizing

1. 
   1
   Smooth aloe gel onto your face after cleaning. Wipe off any excess using a clean washcloth.

   • Aloe is a naturally soothing gel that comes from the aloe plant and reduces inflammation.
   • Buy an aloe plant at a grocery store or nursery. Break off one leaf and crack it open to scoop out the gel inside.
   • Alternatively, buy aloe gel from a drug store or health food store. Make sure to buy a product that has very few additives or preservatives.
2. 
   2
   Use green tea compresses. Soak a clean washcloth in cool green tea. Wring it out, then press it on to your face. Leave it in place for 1-2 minutes.

   • Green tea reduces inflammation and may limit the production of oil.
   • Be sure to use pure green tea, without any additional flavorings.
   • You may repeat this process up to 4-5 times per session, several nights a week.
3. 
   3
   Try using coconut oil as a gentle cleanser. Scoop about a teaspoon into your hand. Rub it slowly and firmly into your face, using circular motions. Then, wash it off with a gentle cleanser and warm water.

   • Coconut oil is antimicrobial, which may help in preventing acne.
   • You may also try using coconut oil as a nighttime moisturizer.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What is the best kind of cleanser for oily skin?

  

  Diana Yerkes
  Skincare Professional

  Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

  

  Diana Yerkes

  Skincare Professional

  Expert Answer

  I think gentle cream cleansers or gentle foamy cleansers are the best way to clean oily skin. Avoid using over the counter gel cleansers on oily skin, as these can deplete and stress out your skin.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Is aloe vera good for your face?

  

  Diana Yerkes
  Skincare Professional

  Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

  

  Diana Yerkes

  Skincare Professional

  Expert Answer

  Yes, aloe vera can be good for your skin. It naturally soothes your skin and reduces inflammation.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  If we apply coconut oil on our face, then may it cause hair growth on the face?

  

  Community Answer

  No. Coconut does help with hair growth if you apply it e.g. on your eyebrows, eyelashes, or scalp, but it will not cause hair growth in places where it's not supposed to happen.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Warnings

• Avoid irritating the skin. Overuse of any product can cause irritation, and so can frequent washing and scrubbing. Be gentle: less is more.
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• Talk to your doctor if you have moderate to severe acne. Over-the-counter or prescription treatments might be appropriate.
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