Herbal Night Gel for Oily Skin and Acne

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
August 8, 2000

Oily skin and acne
Oily skin is often considered a blessing and a curse by those who have it. While oily skin ages much more slowly than other skin types, it also tends to develop acne and blemishes more easily than dry skin. If you have oily skin and are prone to outbreaks of acne, there are many natural remedies that can control flare-ups and regulate the skin's production of oil. Best suited for oily skin is a light, herbal gel (below) applied at night, which helps promote normal skin function and restore a balanced pH level. This type of gel will not stimulate the oil glands either. Using it along with proper skin care will protect your complexion and promote the natural beauty of your skin.

Witch Hazel for Skin Blemishes
Pimples and other blemishes can be indications that oil glands are overactive or that sebaceous (oil-producing) glands are clogged. A flare-up can be uncomfortable and take time to heal. A witch-hazel tincture has mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and will help freshen your skin, reduce excess oil and tighten pores. Dab affected areas with the tincture daily.

Application
Thoroughly clean and dry your face, throat and neck. Pour a nickel-sized amount of gel into your palm, and then smooth it over your skin. Let the gel penetrate for five minutes before applying any other skin products. Use the gel at night, when your skin is at rest, protected from pollutants and free of make-up. If you have acne, it may help to change your pillowcase daily to keep it free of bacteria. Such strict hygiene will help protect against renewed outbreaks.

Essential oils for acne
Thyme, lemon and yarrow essential oils are germicidal and anti-inflammatory, and have a healing effect on acne. Mix 10 drops each of these oils with 8 oz. of witch hazel. Saturate a cotton ball and apply to the face, neck, chest or back three times daily to disinfect the skin and remove oil. Store in a dark glass bottle and shake well before using.

Evening Primrose oil to reduce inflammation
Skin that tends to develop blemishes may have a deficiency in gamma linilenic acid (GLA). As a result, pores tend to become clogged with debris. Evening primrose oil is rich in GLA and also has a natural anti-inflammatory action on the skin. taken either internally (follow label directions) or applied externally, this oil helps reduce acne inflammation and encourages the skin to remain moist and soft.

Sunshine for blemishes
Unprotected exposure to the sun (without sunscreen) can help to heal blemishes and stimulate production of vitamin D in the skin. However, limit your exposure to 2-4 times a week for no longer than 15 minutes. Choose a time before 10:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m., when the sun's rays are not as strong. Note: Excessive sun exposure can cause long-term damage to the skin, which can result in skin cancer. Avoid any prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Night Gel
For Oily Skin

2 tbsp. evening primrose oil
2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
1 tsp. witch hazel
4 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus oil

For Acne

2 tbsp. evening primrose oil
2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
1 tsp. witch hazel
4 drops thyme essential oil
4 drops spike-lavender essential oil

Follow these directions to make both the oily skin and acne night gels. Put all of the ingredients in a 2-oz. dark glass bottle; cap and shake to blend. If you are using aloe vera gel from a plant, you can refrigerate the night gel for up to 1 week, but then you must discard it. If the aloe vera gel is store-bought, the night gel will keep in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months.

Care Tips

Acne can also be caused by fluctuating hormones, stress, certain medications, food allergies and a diet high in fat. Determine if your outbreak is due to one of these factors and use the night gel for quick acne relief.
To prevent further aggravation of your existing pimples, keep your hands scrupulously clean and away from your face. Resist the urge to squeeze or pick at acne, which could further inflame an outbreak and result in permanent scarring or pitting. Other basic tips are keeping your hair clean and away from your face; and sanitizing your telephone daily to remove bacteria that can help promote acne infection on your jaw-line.
Many commercial care products for oily skin contain isopropyl alcohol, benzoyl peroxide and acetone, all of which excessively strip the skin surface oil. In addition, these products can dehydrate the skin, which, in turn causes the skin to produce even more oil to make up for the deficit.

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Sources:
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D