10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Oily Skin

Herbal decoctions for oily skin are a natural and effective way to balance and regulate the skin's oil production.

These decoctions are made by steeping herbs such as tea tree, lavender, and chamomile in hot water, allowing their active ingredients to be released and absorbed into the skin. By using herbal decoctions, individuals with oily skin can reduce acne, shrink pores, and achieve a clearer complexion.

For example, a daily rinse with a chamomile decoction can help calm inflammation and reduce sebum production, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.

The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for oily skin, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Teucrium chamaedrys

Germander decoctions helps with oily skin because of its unique ability to balance sebum production, reducing excessive oil secretion.

The herbs in the decoction work together to gently cleanse the pores, absorbing excess oil and purifying the skin. This natural astringent effect also minimizes the appearance of pores, leaving the skin looking smoother and more refined.

By regulating sebum levels and purifying the skin, germander decoctions provide a gentle yet effective solution for managing oily skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Teucrium chamaedrys decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Diterpenes: These compounds help reduce sebum production in the skin, thereby controlling oily skin.
• Catechins: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to regulate skin oiliness and reduce the appearance of acne.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid has been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to control the growth of bacteria that can contribute to oily skin and acne.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of germander used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: Due to its astringent properties that help to reduce oil production and tighten pores.
• Stems: Due to its astringent properties that help to reduce oil production and tighten pores.
• Roots: Due to its astringent and antiseptic properties that help to reduce oil production, prevent infection, and promote healthy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic germander for oily skin.

1. Harvest 30 to 60 grams of dried leaves of teucrium chamaedrys from a trusted source.
2. Crush the dried leaves to release their oils and flavor compounds using a mortar and pestle.
3. Measure out 2 to 3 grams of the crushed leaves per 250 milliliters of boiling water.
4. Steep the crushed leaves in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to release their active compounds.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the solids.

2. Salvia officinalis

Sage decoctions helps with oily skin because of its remarkable ability to balance oil production in the skin.

The antioxidants present in sage help to reduce inflammation and calm the skin, while its astringent properties tighten pores and absorb excess oil. Additionally, sage's natural antibacterial properties combat acne-causing bacteria, preventing breakouts and reducing the appearance of large pores.

By using herbal sage decoctions as part of a skincare routine, oily skin can be regulated, leading to a more balanced and radiant complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps reduce inflammation and sebum production, which can contribute to oily skin.
• Carnosic acid: A diterpenoid compound, carnosic acid has been shown to inhibit the production of sebum, thereby reducing the appearance of oily skin.
• Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid compound, ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help regulate sebum production and prevent acne associated with oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: They are used to make decoctions due to their high content of salvenic and borneol, which have antibacterial and antiseptic properties to help control oil production.
• Roots: They are used due to their ability to balance the skin's natural pH and reduce oil secretion.
• Seeds: They are used for their antiseptic and astringent properties, which help to dry out the skin and reduce oiliness.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for oily skin.

1. Harvest 30-60 grams of fresh salvia officinalis leaves or 15-30 grams of dried leaves in the morning.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves with cold running water to remove dirt and debris thoroughly.
3. Chop 15-30 grams of fresh leaves or 7-15 grams of dried leaves into small pieces to increase surface area.
4. Boil 250-500 ml of water and then add the chopped leaves to the boiling water.
5. Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes and then strain the decoction to obtain the final liquid.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe decoctions helps with oily skin because it balances the skin's natural pH levels, reducing excess oil production.

The aloe vera plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation often associated with acne-prone skin. Additionally, aloe's antibacterial properties help to combat bacterial growth, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.

By using herbal aloe decoctions as part of your skincare routine, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced complexion that is less prone to oiliness.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Anthraquinones: These compounds help to reduce sebum production by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates oil production.
• Furanochromones: These anthraquinone glycosides have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to soothe and calm oily skin, reducing inflammation and preventing clogged pores.
• Glycoproteins: These compounds have been found to have a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin, which can help to reduce oil production by maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance and preventing over-production of sebum.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: They contain aloe-emodin, which helps to reduce sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
• Gel from leaves: It is rich in salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for oily skin.

1. Gather 100 grams of fresh aloe vera leaves and wash them thoroughly in cold running water for 5 minutes.
2. Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces and soak them in 500 milliliters of distilled water for 2 hours.
3. Heat the water mixture over low heat for 20 minutes or until it reaches a gentle boil.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container and discard the solids.
5. Allow the decoction to cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold decoctions helps with oily skin because it possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively reduce acne, redness, and irritation.

The decoction's antioxidant-rich compounds also help to purify the skin by removing excess oil and impurities, leaving pores unclogged and refined. Additionally, pot marigold's astringent properties help to constrict pores, reducing their appearance and controlling sebum production, resulting in a clearer and more balanced complexion.

This natural remedy is a gentle yet effective way to tackle oily skin concerns.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Calendulin: Helps with oily skin by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to oil production and acne.
• Triterpenoids: Assist in reducing oily skin by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with oily skin.
• Flavonoids: Contribute to reducing oily skin by modulating the skin's natural barrier function, thereby regulating sebum production and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Flowers: They are rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making them effective in reducing acne and soothing oily skin.
• Leaves: They contain compounds that help to balance skin pH and reduce oil production, making them suitable for oily skin treatments.
• Roots: They have astringent properties that can help to reduce sebum production and tighten pores, making them beneficial for oily skin conditions.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for oily skin.

1. Harvest 20-30 flowers of calendula officinalis on a sunny morning when they are fully open and dry.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place with good air circulation for 7-10 days.
3. Grind 1 tablespoon of dried flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a clean container.

5. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion decoctions helps with oily skin because it has natural astringent and antiseptic properties that help to balance the skin's pH and reduce oil production.

The dandelion root extracts also possess anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne and hyperpigmentation.

By using dandelion decoctions as a toner or mask, it can help to clarify pores, regulate sebum production, and leave the skin looking smoother and more radiant.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which can help reduce sebum production and prevent clogged pores, thereby alleviating oily skin symptoms.
• Taraxasterol: This triterpenoid has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help regulate oil production and prevent bacterial overgrowth on the skin, contributing to a more balanced skin condition.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, quercetin can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin, which can contribute to a decrease in sebum production and improvement in oily skin symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: They are used due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oil production and soothe the skin.
• Roots: They are used because they contain inulin, a prebiotic that helps to balance the skin's natural pH and reduce oiliness.
• Flowers: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to calm and purify the skin, reducing the appearance of oily skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for oily skin.

1. Gather 30 grams of taraxacum officinale roots and clean them thoroughly with lukewarm water.
2. Chop the roots into smaller pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the mixture infuse for 20-25 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container to discard the solids.

6. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm decoctions helps with oily skin because its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties help to balance the skin's pH level, reducing excess oil production.

The herbal infusion also has a calming effect on the skin, which can soothe acne-prone areas and reduce inflammation. Additionally, lemon balm's antifungal properties can help to prevent fungal infections that can exacerbate oily skin conditions.

By using lemon balm decoctions as part of your skincare routine, you can achieve a clearer, more balanced complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Linalool: A terpene that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, which may contribute to a decrease in oil production.
• Limonene: A terpene that has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent bacterial overgrowth that may contribute to oily skin.
• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and prevent the production of excess sebum.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high content of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to balance and regulate the skin's natural oil production.
• Stems: The stems are used for their astringent properties, which help to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of oily skin.
• Roots: The roots are used for their ability to regulate hormonal imbalances that can contribute to oily skin, promoting a more balanced and healthy skin tone.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for oily skin.

1. Harvest the melissa officinalis leaves in the early morning to get the best results.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm place for 24 to 48 hours to preserve them.
3. Measure out 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried melissa officinalis leaves for each cup of water.
4. Steep the measured leaves in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release their properties.
5. Strain the decoction and discard the solids to get the final herbal remedy.

7. Thymus serpyllum

Creeping thyme decoctions helps with oily skin because of its remarkable antiseptic and astringent properties.

The herb's natural oils help to control sebum production, reducing the appearance of pores and leaving skin feeling smooth and balanced. Additionally, creeping thyme's antimicrobial properties combat bacteria that can exacerbate acne and other skin issues, promoting a clear and radiant complexion.

By incorporating this decoction into one's skincare routine, individuals with oily skin can experience a significant reduction in oiliness and an improvement in overall skin health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus serpyllum decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Thymol: Acts as an astringent, helping to reduce sebum production and tighten pores to alleviate oily skin.
• Carvacrol: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can help control bacteria on the skin that contribute to acne and oily skin conditions.
• Rosmarinic acid: Functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to oily skin and acne.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of creeping thyme used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: They are used due to their astringent properties, which help to reduce oil and prevent bacterial growth on the skin.
• Flowers: They are used due to their antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help to control acne and prevent infections that can exacerbate oily skin.
• Roots: They are used due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to tighten pores and reduce inflammation associated with oily skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic creeping thyme for oily skin.

1. Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried thymus serpyllum flowers per 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the herbs to release their active compounds.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove any solid particles.
4. Discard the solids and let the decoction cool to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
5. Store the cooled herbal decoction in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

8. Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort decoctions helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

When applied topically, it reduces sebum production, thereby controlling excess oiliness. The decoction also has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, which help to combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Additionally, St John's wort's antioxidant properties soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation caused by clogged pores.

As a result, it helps to balance the skin's natural oil production, leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound that helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in oily skin, thereby promoting a balanced skin environment.
• Hyperforin: A phenolic compound that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help control sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
• Naringenin: A flavanone phenolic compound that has been shown to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of sebum, thereby helping to reduce oily skin symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves of Hypericum perforatum are used to make decoctions for oily skin due to their astringent properties, which help to reduce oil production.
• Flowers: The flowers of Hypericum perforatum are used to make decoctions for oily skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
• Roots: The roots of Hypericum perforatum are used to make decoctions for oily skin due to their antiseptic properties, which help to prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for oily skin.

1. Harvest 1 to 2 pounds of fresh or dried hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves from a trusted source.
2. Crush 1 to 2 tablespoons of the harvested plant material into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Combine the powdered plant material with 2 cups of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
4. Steep the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced to half its original volume.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the solids.

9. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree decoctions helps with oily skin because it possesses antiseptic and astringent properties that help to balance the skin's natural pH, reducing excess oil production.

The decoction also contains saponins, which create a gentle cleansing action that removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Additionally, the decoction's antioxidant properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin, leaving it looking smoother and more even-toned.

Regular use can lead to a reduction in acne and blackhead formation, resulting in healthier-looking, balanced skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to oily skin.
• Terpenoids: Terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with oily skin.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect the skin from environmental stressors and reduce the appearance of pores, making them less noticeable on oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Leaves: They are used due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to balance skin's natural oil production and reduce acne.
• Seeds: They contain terpenoids that can help to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Barks: The bark of Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help to reduce oiliness and inflammation, while also promoting skin hydration.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for oily skin.

1. Harvest 2-4 ginkgo biloba leaves from the tree and rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
2. Chop the ginkgo biloba leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
3. Steep the chopped ginkgo biloba leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the ginkgo biloba decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
5. Store the ginkgo biloba decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and consume 1/4 cup 2-3 times daily.

10. Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower decoctions helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antiseptic properties.

The decoction's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, help to balance the skin's natural oil production by reducing sebum secretion and cleansing pores. This leads to a reduction in acne, blackheads, and other skin imperfections commonly associated with oily skin.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the decoction soothe and calm the skin, further reducing redness and irritation, resulting in a smoother and more balanced complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea decoctions that help with oily skin.

• Iridoids: Iridoids, such as echinacoside and isobutylamides, may help reduce inflammation and prevent pores from clogging, thus controlling oil production and improving skin clarity.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help regulate sebum production, prevent acne, and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
• Alkamides: Alkamides, such as 1,2,3-tridecanone and 1,2,3-tridecen-3-one, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which may help reduce redness and inflammation associated with oily skin, while also preventing bacterial growth that can exacerbate skin conditions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make decoctions for oily skin.

• Roots: They are used due to their high content of inulin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help balance the skin's oil production.
• Leaves: They are used because of their ability to help reduce inflammation and excess oil production, making them beneficial for oily skin.
• Flowers: They are used due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the skin, reducing oil production and acne.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for oily skin.

1. Harvest echinacea purpurea roots and flowers in the fall after the first frost when they are fully matured.
2. Dry the echinacea purpurea roots and flowers in a single layer in a warm dry place for 1 week.
3. Chop the dried echinacea purpurea roots and flowers into small pieces weighing 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of water.
4. Combine the chopped echinacea purpurea with 8 ounces of boiling water in a glass container and let it steep for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the echinacea purpurea decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a cup and drink immediately.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for oily skin?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with oily skin is a blend of Neem, Aloe Vera, and Tea Tree.

Neem decoction helps to control sebum production and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Aloe Vera soothes and calms the skin, reducing inflammation and redness.

Tea Tree decoction, rich in antiseptic properties, further reduces acne and prevents bacterial growth. Together, these decoctions help to balance the skin's natural pH, reducing oiliness and promoting a healthier complexion.

Regular use can lead to a more balanced and radiant skin.

What ailments similar to oily skin are treated with herbal decoctions?

Ailments similar to oily skin that are treated with herbal decoctions are acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Herbal decoctions, such as those made from neem, turmeric, and green tea, can help to reduce inflammation, dry out excess oil, and soothe irritated skin.

Decoctions may also be used to treat other skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and fungal infections.