How To Use Olive Oil To Combat Oily Skin?

Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma • Dec 14, 2020

Image: shutterstock

To say that living with oily skin is tough would be a big understatement. It’s not easy to feel your face get greasier and greasier through the course of the day. But how does applying olive oil onto your skin solve the problem? I won’t deny that this does sound a bit counter-productive; oil for oily skin. However, olive oil can go a long way in helping control oil production and acne. Keep reading to find out how.

Why Is Olive Oil Good For Oily Skin?

Olive oil is a natural moisturizer which helps clear bacteria and inflammation. Following, I’ve listed the unique properties of this oil which make it ideal for greasy skin.

Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer. It helps seal moisture in your skin, calming your sebaceous glands and curbing the excessive production of oils.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help repair your skin and keep it healthy, preventing skin damage.

The oil has strong antibacterial properties which combat acne, a common problem in oily skin types, and help clear out your skin.

It is non-comedogenic and so won’t clog your pores. Instead, it will help dissolve bacteria, excess sebum, and dead skin, purifying your skin.

How To Use Olive Oil To Combat Oily Skin?

Note

Ensure that the olive oil that you are using is REAL. Most cooking olive oils incorporate a mixture of different comedogenic oils that might break you out. Always opt for high-quality cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil to use in your skin care routine.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil For Oily Skin

Image: IStock

You Will Need

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

Overnight

Method

Wash, cleanse and exfoliate (if needed) your face.
Pat dry with a towel.
Apply the olive oil onto your face and massage in circular motions with your fingertips.
After massaging for about 2-3 minutes, go to bed with the oil still on your face.
Wash the oil off with a cleanser and lukewarm water in the morning. Ensure that you wash off the oil well, as residual oil can darken your skin when you are out in the sun.

How Often?

Every day.

Why This Works

This oil cleansing method will not only moisturize your face, but it will also help cleanse it and clear acne. This is owed to olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This remedy will also help curb the over production of oil in your skin.

2. Castor Oil And Olive Oil For Oily Skin

Image: IStock

You Will Need

1 tsp Castor Oil
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

Overnight

Method

Wash, cleanse and exfoliate (if needed) your face.
Pat dry with a towel.
Mix the two oils in a bowl and apply the mixture onto your face and massage in circular motions with your fingertips.
After massaging for about 2-3 minutes, go to bed with the oil still on your face.
Wash the oil off with a cleanser and lukewarm water in the morning. Ensure that you wash off the oil well, as residual oil can darken your skin when you are out in the sun.

How Often?

Every day.

Why This Works

If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable not to use this remedy as castor oil can prove to be too heavy for your skin. This remedy helps provide your skin with deep hydration because oily skin, too, can get dehydrated.

3. Honey And Olive Oil For Oily Skin

Image: IStock

You Will Need

1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Raw Honey

Prep Time

5 minutes

Treatment Time

20 minutes

Method

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and honey until you get a smooth mixture.
Place the bowl in boiling water to help warm up the mixture.
Once warm, apply the mixture onto your face and neck as you would a mask.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Wash your face with warm water and finish with a splash of cool water.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Honey is a powerful humectant which helps bind moisture to your skin. It also has bleaching properties which help fade blemishes and clear out your skin, leaving it with a glow.

4. Sugar And Olive Oil Face Scrub For Oily Skin

Image: IStock

You Will Need

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Sugar

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

10 minutes

Method

In a bowl, combine the sugar and olive oil until you get a coarse mixture.
Apply this mixture onto your face and gently rub to exfoliate your skin.
Massage in circular motions for about 2-3 minutes.
Leave the Mixture on for an additional 5 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Exfoliation is an essential part of any skin care routine. However, when you have oily skin, store-bought exfoliators can prove to be too harsh for your skin. This homemade face scrub gently exfoliates without damaging your skin or pushing your sebaceous glands into overdrive.

5. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice For Oily Skin

Image: IStock

You Will Need

1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Lemon Juice

Prep Time

2 minutes

Treatment Time

10 minutes

Method

Mix the ingredients until you get a well-combined mixture.
Apply this mixture to your face and massage in circular motions.
After massaging for a couple of minutes, leave the mixture on for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Every day.

Why This Works

Lemon contains L-ascorbic acid which has strong astringent properties. These properties help shrink your pores and control oil production. It also has powerful antioxidants which help ward off skin damage.

Don’t deal with the grease anymore. As unbelievable as it sounds, these olive oil remedies will help keep your skin clear and healthy. Have you ever used olive oil in your skin care routine? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.