A perfectly matte and smooth complexion is something that everyone aspires for, but is your oily skin coming in the way? Yes, we know that our skin needs oil, but an excess of that greasy stuff on the face is not at all appealing. After all, nobody loves waking up to skin that makes you feel like someone has literally slathered oil on it, right? Having oily skin has its share of complications and difficulties, so let us put the harsh truth out right away: you cannot get rid of oily skin. No matter what you do, there’s no way to completely rid yourself of it. What you can do though, is keep it on the right side of shiny. Once you understand that your oily skin needs to be managed and not eliminated, then it’ll be a step in the right direction.
The genuine cause of oily skin depends on one’s genetic makeup, but there are ways to tackle this problem. As you would know, what we eat plays a significant role in how the skin looks. Hence, knowing what to eat and what to avoid goes a long way in managing oily skin. Hence, knowing what to eat and what to avoid goes a long way in managing oily skin. Here are some foods to manage oily skin:
- What Causes Oily Skin
- 1. Broccoli
- 2. Whole Grains
- 3. Coconut Water
- 4. Cucumber
- 5. Dark chocolate
- 6. Avocado
- 7. Banana
- 8. Lemon
- 9. Nuts
- 10. Green Vegetables
- 11. Citrus Fruits
- 12. Lentils and Pulses
What Causes Oily Skin
A perfectly matte and smooth complexion is something that everyone aspires for, but is your oily skin coming in the way? Yes, we know that our skin needs oil, but an excess of that greasy stuff on the face is not at all appealing. After all, nobody loves waking up to skin that makes you feel like someone has literally slathered oil on it, right? Having oily skin has its share of complications and difficulties, so let us put the harsh truth out right away: you cannot get rid of oily skin. No matter what you do, there’s no way to completely rid yourself of it. What you can do though, is keep it on the right side of shiny.
Once you understand that your oily skin needs to be managed and not eliminated, then it’ll be a step in the right direction. The genuine cause of oily skin depends on one’s genetic makeup, but there are ways to tackle this problem. As you would know, what we eat plays a significant role in how the skin looks.
1. Broccoli
Yes, we know, broccoli may never win the most loved food award, but hey, this is a must-have food for oily skin. Vitamin A and vitamin C are your skin’s best friends, and broccoli contains them both! The antioxidants present in broccoli prevent excess oil production, which is the culprit behind oily skin. However, please do not eat it raw. Semi-boiled or in a soup is a good way to consume broccoli.
2. Whole Grains
Minimally processed whole grains are rich in fibre, which helps eliminate toxins from our body, thus keeping our skin, hair and health functioning optimally. The fibre content keeps the skin free from oil and acne, which is a by-product of oily skin. Additionally, regular consumption of whole grains also prevents skin damage that is caused due to inflammation.
3. Coconut Water
Every model out there swears by nariyal paani for her glowing skin, and everyone loves drinking it! Well, if you do too, then you will be happy to know that it is a drink you must regularly consume for oily skin. Loaded with minerals, coconut oil keeps the skin clear and hydrates it, thus maintaining the oil-water balance. Keeping the skin clear and supple, it prevents oily outbursts on the skin.
4. Cucumber
Here is another food for oily skin that is filled with goodness! Essentially, cucumbers are made of 95% water, so they are great at hydrating your body and eliminating toxins by flushing them out of your body. Cucumbers also cleanse your skin and remove impurities, which helps prevent oil accumulation on the face and as a consequence, pimples. The excellent antioxidant properties of this vegetable enables it to have a soothing effect on the skin as well, so go on, have a cucumber salad!
5. Dark chocolate
Are you surprised to see dark chocolate on this list of foods for oily skin? Don’t be! While dark chocolate is yummy (to those who have acquired a taste for it!), it can also help you fight oily skin. Thanks to the presence of flavonoids in it, dark chocolate helps in preventing acne inflammation by controlling the oil production of the skin. The powerful antioxidants present in dark chocolate also keep your skin smooth and glowing.
However, while dark chocolate is beneficial for managing oily skin, keep in mind that consuming it in moderation is the key here. Don’t go overboard!
6. Avocado
Come on now, do you really need a reason to eat avocados? I mean, this bright green fruit is a delight to the taste buds, regardless of the form it is consumed in! Apart from tasting delicious, avocado also prevents excessive oil secretion and moisturises your skin effectively. Now, isn’t this your favourite food for oily skin already?
7. Banana
Filled with vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, bananas are an underrated superfood! Did you know that one of the causes of oily skin is the excess production of sebum? This excessive production of sebum can occur because of the lack of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium in your body. Guess what? Bananas are loaded with all of them, thus making it the perfect food for oily skin! So, to manage your oily skin, eat a banana daily, as it is highly beneficial. Apart from that, bananas are loaded with vitamin E, which can help your skin glow.
8. Lemon
Isn’t lemon a refreshing blast of citrusy goodness? Small and juicy, lemon is the ultimate food for oily skin because it has the tendency to absorb excessive oil. Moreover, it also removes toxins from the skin, giving it great texture. Note: Apart from consuming it, you can also apply it to your skin if it is prone to acne!
9. Nuts
Nutty and crunchy, nuts are tiny superfoods that taste amazing and have a plethora of health benefits. Apart from rescuing you when hunger strikes, nuts are also recommended foods for oily skin. The presence of omega-3 fatty acids in them cures the problem of oily skin and also loads your body with vitamins and minerals, thus keeping you and your skin healthy.
10. Green Vegetables
When we were kids, our moms literally ran behind us to feed us green veggies. While we hated them as a kid, today they are a saviour for us in so many ways. Apart from keeping us healthy, the fibre content in green vegetables also clears up the excessive oil produced by your skin, thus helping you manage it. So, the next time you try to avoid green vegetables, remind yourself about this and eat them quietly!
11. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C. So stock up on oranges, guavas, kiwis and papayas because the content of vitamin C and detoxifying components in them flushes out extra oil from your skin, making it less greasy.
12. Lentils and Pulses
The humble dals and pulses that we take for granted hold in a lot of nutrition that is beneficial for our overall health. Pulses do a great job in maintaining the balance of oil in the skin; and lentils control the production of oil, thus keeping our skin clear.
Moreover, pulses and lentils also consist of amino acids that don't break into sugar that aggravates oil secretion. Oily skin may be annoying, but the only way to manage it is to take care of it. Then see how it glows!
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Written by Nisha Shah on 12th Jan 2022
Writer, avid reader and a lover of all things creative is the best way to describe Nisha Shah! Equipped with a degree in Journalism and a certification in Digital Marketing, she brings a distinct perspective to her writing. With experience in content covering a range of topics from health to travel and beauty to food, she manages to bring something interesting and yet easy-to-read for her readers. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a book and coffee, bingeing on movies and TV shows, experimenting with photography and lots more!