It is surely depressing to look into the mirror and see a face that has an oily look almost all the time. The use of makeup and expensive cosmetics seems to be the temporary solution to this problem, as these measures do not help in preventing the face from becoming oily again, after a few hours. The reason why this problem needs to be addressed immediately is because not only is a greasy face unattractive, but it also acts as a host to many skin problems including pimples and acne. The sebaceous glands present in our skin produce oil, which is necessary to keep our skin moisturized. However, in some people, these oil glands become overactive, due to which the pores become enlarged, and make the skin look "excessively moisturized." These glands are at their peak during adolescence, and usually slow down with age. However, there are many people who continue to deal with an oily skin even post adolescence! There are various methods that can help towards managing this problem. But, before going into those details, let us understand the possible causes behind this naturally greasy appearance. Causes Oily skin is hereditary. If your parents have this skin type, there are very high chances that you will have it too. Other than genetics, hormonal imbalance can also be attributed to this problem. One goes through various hormonal changes during adolescence, menopause, pregnancy, and also while taking birth control pills. All these can actually add to the oiliness of the face. Moreover, use of certain cosmetic products or soaps that contain high amount of alcohol and other chemicals, can also worsen the condition. A person's diet and eating habits can also impact their skin. This is the reason why people who indulge in the consumption of fried foods and chocolates, tend to have such skin. Oil Control Methods People who have oily skin are constantly in search of ways through which they can make their face look less greasier, and get rid of the pimples and blackheads that appear on their face regularly. Though there are various treatment measures that will help, the effectiveness for each one varies from person to person. Regular Face Care ► The most important step to manage this problem is to make it an everyday habit to wash and clean your face two to three times. You have to clean your face with cold (room temperature) water and soap. Avoid using a soap that is made of harsh chemicals. You should also not use cream-based cleansers, but rather use a soap or cleanser that is free from oil and artificial additives. After washing your face, do not forget to apply an oil-free moisturizer. It is also necessary to use a sunscreen lotion when you go out. Though cleaning your face is important, do not overdo it, as it makes the skin very dry, which in turn makes the oil glands work extra, making the face look more greasy. ► You surely must have observed that your makeup does not stay intact for a long time! Therefore, you should use products that do not contain moisturizers. You can opt for a foundation that is oil-free and a translucent face powder to prevent the face from appearing buttery. Apply blush and eye shadow available in the powder form. Using bloating paper to bloat out the excess oil from the skin at regular intervals is also good way of oil control. Home Remedies ► Taking steam on your face will help the skin pores open up, thereby ridding it from the accumulated dirt and blockages. After you have taken the steam, massage your face with a mild cleanser and an oil-free moisturizer. ► Another effective remedy is to apply honey on the face, and massage it for ten minutes. Other than this, rubbing tea tree oil at night before going to sleep is also an effective way of keeping oiliness at bay. If you want to avoid the face from becoming patchy after applying makeup, use cucumber juice on the face just before putting the makeup on. An efficacious alternative to cucumber juice would be a mixture of witch hazel and lime juice. ► Mix honey and lemon juice with oatmeal (uncooked) to make a paste out of it. Apply it on the face and wait for ten minutes before you wash it off with lukewarm water. This will make your face smooth, soft, and give it a fresh and clean look. Diet One of the best ways of reducing oil and have a healthy-looking skin is to eat the right foods. Your diet should include foods that are healthy and nutritious, and it is also important to avoid foods that increase the production of oil. You should consume plenty of fruits, green leafy vegetables, and vitamin and iron supplements. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar, animal fat, junk foods, chocolate, etc. It is also important to drink lots of water and cut down on alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. They say that our face is the index of our mind. But after going through the information mentioned above, it is pretty evident that our face is also the index of our lifestyle! Yes, there will be dependency on cosmetics and makeup, but if you begin to make these small-but-essential changes in the way you live―pay attention to what you consume, give your skin some additional attention―slowly and steadily, you will learn how to manage your skin, without even having to manage it at all! Take care. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert advice.