Tanaya Sarma shares some natural home remedies for oily skin and removing tan
When you have oily skin, the struggle is real. Some say it is better to have oily skin than to have dry skin, as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is delayed for those with the former. in life. However, oily skin can be a problem especially when you’re at work with people around the whole day. If you wear makeup, your skin ends up looking extremely greasy and by the end of the day, it looks like you have returned from a battlefield. Oily skin can take a toll on the tone of the face too because there can be breakouts that can leave behind marks and dark spots.
Using face oil in your skincare routine might sound scary for those who have oily skin, but let me tell you that it can be extremely beneficial (thank me later). It’s all about sourcing the right oil for your skin. The natural oil is often stripped off your face because of using harsh cleansers and soaps. Oil helps provide intense hydration which is a fundamental part of keeping your skin looking healthy, plump and smooth.
Jojoba oil
No matter what type your skin is, it needs hydration and moisture. There are a variety of oils in the market that claim to be suitable for oily skin but there is none like jojoba. Excessively oily skin leads to acne, pimples and clogged pores. Jojoba oil can be used to treat all of these problems. It actually allows you to fight oil with oil. Since it is non-comedogenic, despite being an oil, it doesn’t clog pores. It is also rich in iodine that kills harmful bacteria and prevents future breakouts.
It is not only great for oily skin but also great for hydrating dry skin as well. This oil is super lightweight, it will nourish and protect your skin without making it greasy. Its structure is very close to the oil naturally produced by the sebaceous glands, so it immediately penetrates your skin and promotes healthy and glowing skin. It can trick the skin into thinking that it has produced enough oil thereby balancing oil production.
Ubtan
Soak some red lentils (masoor dal) and later grind them. Add a little honey, food-grade rose water, some gram flour (besan) and three-four drops of tea tree oil. Make a smooth paste and apply it on your face, let it dry and wash it off while massaging your face lightly. It is excellent for oily skin and also prevents acne and breakouts.
How does our skin tan?
Melanin, a body pigment, gives colour to our skin. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than fair-skinned people. It helps protect our skin from getting damaged by UVA. When you stay out longer in the sun, there is more production of melanin to protect the skin from getting damaged. As more and more of this pigment is produced, the skin keeps getting darker or tanned.
Can oils help in reducing tan?
Natural oils devoid of chemicals and additives contain a lot of essential fatty acids and vitamins. The presence of Vitamin E and antioxidants in oils make them very good for our skin and hair. The different fatty acids and antioxidants work synergistically in healing and treating many skin and scalp conditions. Vitamin E is effective in reducing UV damage caused by the sun to our skin.
So, in a nutshell, yes, when used regularly, oils can help in reducing tan and dark spots formed over.
Moringa oil to combat tanning
Moringa oil is packed with nutrients such as Vitamin E, behenic acid and antioxidants. It is renowned as age-old healing and beautifying oil. It is very popular in the cosmetic industry and has many benefits that include nourishment to scalp and hair, reduction of stubborn blemishes, scar marks and tan. It also cures many skin complications and is used as an integral component in soaps and body washes, perfumes and deodorants. Moringa oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and minerals. In ancient times, it was used as a remedy to treat a plethora of diseases.
How to use this oil
Use it instead of a moisturiser
Take three-four drops of moringa oil, apply it all over your face. Your face will remain hydrated and moisturised for a long duration. And slowly you will see your dark spots diminishing.
Use it as a skin repair oil before going to bed at night
Take a few drops of the oil and massage your face gently with it. Remember, you must always apply oil on a clean face.
(The author is the co-founder of Speaking Herbs, which retails 100 per cent natural products centred around beauty and personal care.)