Oily Face: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An oily face, characterized by excessive sebum production and a shiny complexion, can be a frustrating and persistent skin condition.

Caused by overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and environmental factors, oily skin can lead to clogged pores, acne, and premature aging. If left untreated, it can also increase the risk of skin infections and even trigger anxiety and low self-esteem.

To combat this, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and lavender oil can help balance sebum production and reduce inflammation when used in moderation and properly diluted, but always patch test and consult a dermatologist before applying any new treatments.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of oily face, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of oily face?

The main causes of oily face are typically attributed to an overactive sebaceous gland, which is stimulated by the production of androgens, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in both males and females.

High levels of androgens increase the size of sebaceous glands, leading to the production of excess sebum, which can cause the skin to become oily. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also contribute to an oily face. Other factors such as genetics, stress, and certain medications, including birth control pills and anabolic steroids, can also exacerbate oily skin.

Furthermore, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy products can lead to inflammation and increase sebum production, resulting in an oily face.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly androgens, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil, leading to an oily face.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence the size and activity of sebaceous glands, resulting in an oily face.
• Poor Skin Care: Poor skin care habits, such as not washing the face regularly, can lead to clogged pores and an increase in oil production.
• Diet High in Saturated Fats: A diet high in saturated fats can stimulate the production of sebum, leading to an oily face.
• Stress: Stress can increase the production of androgens, which in turn stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil.
• Use of Comedogenic Products: Using products labeled as comedogenic, which means they can clog pores, can lead to an increase in oil production and an oily face.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental factors such as pollution and humidity can contribute to an oily face by stimulating the sebaceous glands.
• Sleep Deprivation: Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormone levels, including androgens, which can lead to an increase in oil production and an oily face.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids and testosterone replacement therapy, can stimulate the production of androgens, leading to an oily face.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for oily face?

The main medicinal herbs used for oily face are Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cymbopogon citratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Salvia officinalis, Saponaria officinalis.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains tea tree oil which exhibits antimicrobial properties that help combat acne-causing bacteria, thereby reducing oil production and preventing breakouts. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin, reducing oiliness and redness associated with oily skin. Calendula officinalis is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce sebum production and prevent clogged pores, while Cymbopogon citratus or lemongrass oil helps to balance the skin's pH and reduce oiliness.

Additionally, Rosmarinus officinalis or rosemary oil and Salvia officinalis or sage oil help to reduce sebum production and Lavandula angustifolia or lavender oil and Glycyrrhiza glabra or licorice root help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing oiliness and inflammation.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as Tea Tree Oil, helps with oily face due to its antimicrobial properties which reduce the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that causes acne and oily skin.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe Vera, helps with oily face by regulating the skin's natural pH balance and reducing the production of sebum, which contributes to oily skin.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with oily face by regulating the skin's natural pH balance and reducing the production of sebum, which contributes to oily skin.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as Pot Marigold, helps with oily face due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne and oily skin.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus, also known as Lemongrass Oil, helps with oily face due to its astringent and antiseptic properties which reduce the production of sebum and prevent bacterial growth, resulting in a more balanced and healthy skin.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as Rosemary Essential Oil, helps with oily face due to its antimicrobial and astringent properties which reduce the growth of bacteria that cause acne and oily skin.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as Lavender Oil, helps with oily face due to its calming and antiseptic properties which reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth, resulting in a more balanced and healthy skin.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice Root, helps with oily face due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne and oily skin.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, also known as Sage, helps with oily face due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties which reduce the production of sebum and prevent bacterial growth, resulting in a more balanced and healthy skin.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, also known as Soapwort, helps with oily face due to its astringent and antiseptic properties which reduce the production of sebum and prevent bacterial growth, resulting in a more balanced and healthy skin.

What are the main herbal preparations used for oily face?

The main herbal preparations used for oily face are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Gel, Salve, Capsule, Tea Bags, Poultice, Ointments, Balm.

Decoction is made by boiling herbs like neem and tulsi in water to create a liquid that reduces sebum production and balances skin pH. Herbal Creams contain aloe vera and tea tree oil to soothe and control oiliness, while Tinctures made from herbs like green tea and chamomile are applied topically to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. Herbal Gels and Salves are often combined with clay to absorb excess oil, and Capsules containing herbs like saw palmetto and biota can be ingested to reduce hormonal oiliness.

Additionally, Tea Bags made from herbs like green tea and chamomile can be applied as a compress to reduce oiliness, and Ointments and Balms containing herbs like aloe vera and tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin to control sebum production.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Achillea millefolium or the flowers of Calendula officinalis helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and inflammation through their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the plant Hypericum perforatum helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores through its antiseptic and astringent properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra or the leaves of Aloe vera helps with oily face by reducing inflammation and sebum production through their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the plant Aloe vera helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of the plant Plantago major helps with oily face by reducing inflammation and sebum production through its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the extract of the plant Picrorhiza kurroa helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and inflammation through its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Tea Bags: Tea bags made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago major helps with oily face by reducing inflammation and sebum production through its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Ointments: Ointments made from the extract of the plant Calendula officinalis helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
• Balm: A balm made from the extract of the plant Aloe vera helps with oily face by reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.