6 Astringent Herbs for Oily Skin

Astringents are known for their "drying" property - what is, in actuality, the drawing and constricting of proteins in the cells of the body. Some might describe it as somewhat of a puckering action. This pulling together and tightening produces a number of benefits: it creates a protective barrier against infection, prevents any further inflammation, stops up secretions, and encourages healing.

Thanks to these actions, astringent herbs are great for relieving various ailments, such as diarrhea, urinary issues, or menstrual abnormalities. However, they are perhaps most commonly and effectively used for treating dermatological problems, such as acne and oily skin.

Causes and Signs of Oily Skin

Medically known as seborrhea, oily skin is one of the most common dermatological issues around the world. While it is not a life threatening condition, it can affect the self-esteem and perceived image of the ones who have to deal with it. It is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, and some of the most visible signs of seborrhea are a shinny skin, with or without acne, along with enlarged pores.

Astringent herbs not only act as natural toners, with tightening effects, but also visibly reduce the amount of sebum, slightly drying the skin and giving it a more uniform, smooth appearance. The following herbs for oily skin will not only address the issue on the surface, but can be powerful friends to the body as a whole.

1. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Witch hazel, native to North America, is perhaps the most famous astringent agent and the go-to for many people with oily skin. It is chock full of tannins, which are the primary culprits behind its potent astringency, but it also contains valuable flavonoids. Extracts of witch hazel have been shown to inhibit Cutibacterium acnes, a gram-positive anaerobic bacilli that naturally lives on the skin but, when it grows out of control, it may cause acne vulgaris, a common inflammatory disorder.¹

2. Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

Like many astringents, all tea types, including white tea, have a soothing, beneficial effect on skin problems.² Tea leaves are particularly rich in flavonoids, which are commonly used in the cosmetic industry for their antioxidant and soothing actions. Additionally, the polyphenols contained in tea leaf extracts not only improve skin tone, but also repair UV damage. There is abundant evidence of the beneficial effects of tea's polyphenols over sebum production and common acne through topical application or oral ingestion.³

3. Rose (Rosa canina)

4. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Not to be confused with tea plant, this Australian species has been used in oil form for centuries to treat a number of skin problems, from minor wounds to eczema. Tea tree oil, which is rich in terpinen-4-ol and cineole, has been reported to effectively control sebum levels on skin surface, reducing oiliness and improving general skin appearance, including enlarged pores, comedones, and acne, thanks to its astringent and antiseptic properties.^6,7

This chamomile facial toner with tea tree is a great homemade preparation that can help reduce excessive sebum production and improve oily skin.

5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass has been studied to treat a wide variety of health conditions, from anxiety to digestive complains and inflammatory pain. However, the role of lemongrass essential oil in the skin care industry is becoming increasingly relevant due to its strong antioxidant properties. Lemongrass contains high levels of phenols and flavonoids, both of which exert powerful inhibitory effects over the activity of sebaceous glands under the skin surface as well as antimicrobial activities on acne infections.⁸ 

This natural homemade deodorant with lemongrass can help control excessive seating and kill the bacteria that cause bad odor under the armpits.

6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)