Vitamins for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be annoying as the skin tends to get shiny and greasy as the day progresses, losing all its freshness. Oily skin is often considered to be aesthetically unappealing as well, resulting in low self-esteem among those who have an oily skin.

Why does One have Oily Skin?

Oily skin is due to over production of the sebaceous glands in our skin. These glands produce oil to keep the skin soft and supple, but excessive oil, leads to an oily skin. Over production can be hereditary, can be triggered by the wrong diet, or may be the result of a hormonal imbalance.

Vitamins for Oily Skin

Oily skin when not cared for, can lead to acne, which is even more troublesome. However, oily skin can be controlled by a good diet. Adding more vitamin-rich foods in one’s regular diet can help reduce oil production. Vitamins help in protecting the skin due their antioxidant properties.

Vitamin A and vitamin B6 are said to be effective in controlling oily skin. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid protects skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are created due to exposure to extreme weather, air pollution, and ultra violet sunlight, all which clog the pores and make the skin oilier.

Vitamin A helps in moderating oily skin. One can take supplements of vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc to control oil secretion.
Eating more vitamin B2 and vitamin B5 rich foods will help balance secretion of oil glands of the skin. Good sources of vitamin B2 and vitamin B5 are organ meat, egg yolk, wheat germ, yeast, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, melons, nuts, black beans, and whole rice. Vitamin B2 deficiency can also lead to age spots and pigmentation.
Vitamin C from citrus fruits is necessary to maintain the skin’s elasticity and aid in healing wounds and is considered to be good in working in tandem with other vitamins.

In general, lack of vitamins can lead to an unhealthy skin. However, it is important to keep in mind that popping vitamin pills will not solve skin problems. Consult your doctor before you take your course. It is also important not to believe in products that promote vitamins supplements to solve all your skin woes.

Studies have been done to make cosmetic products such as lotions and creams able to regulate appearance of oil on the skin. Though make-up products provide respite for oily skin, you need to make sure you use products that do not discolor the skin with extended periods of use. It is here that vitamins are found to be more useful. Today, B complex, with its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, can be found in many skin care products to control oily skin. The active mixtures of pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, and pantothenol in topical formulations have been found beneficial and do not discolor the skin. Facial make-up products using these vitamins are found to maintain oily skin acceptably, and keep the skin toned even after long periods of use. They also do not cause flushing or reddening of the skin.

Home Remedies for Oily Skin

Topical application of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins are also excellent for treating oily skin, and home remedies using fruits are considered best.

Lemon, oranges, or sweet lime peels can be boiled in water and allowed to cool overnight. The water can then be stored in a spray bottle for use. This acts as an efficient astringent and helps clear oily skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
The peels can also be dried in shade for about ten days and powdered used as face mask. You can wash off the face mask in warm or cool water to clear and tone an oily skin.