NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT ACNE
BY HIRANMAYII AWLI MOHANAN
Acne is a skin concern that could start from adolescence and carry very well into adulthood. For those of us who still struggle with acne-prone skin, treating the pimples currently present on our faces while also preventing them from returning requires constant effort, whether it be by oral medication or topical remedies. Sometimes, the best thing to do when fighting acne is go back to the basics, or go natural. We have rounded up natural remedies to treat acne, below.
BAKING SODA
Technically, water and baking soda dissolve blackheads and any clogged pores in the skin; nevertheless, since congested skin is more prone to pore blockages, baking soda is the ideal option. Make your own baking soda mask at home for 10 minutes, then apply a moisturiser after. You can also use baking soda to balance the pH of your skin. This could be significant because an unbalanced pH may make you more susceptible to skin irritations like dryness and acne.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the best natural astringent because it helps to balance the skin’s pH, making you both less oily and less dry. But beware, because apple cider vinegar is very pungent, you should dilute the substance before using it. One part vinegar to four parts water is what we advise using. Apply to your face with cotton or a spritzer. No need to wash it off. If applied properly, ACV may also chemically exfoliate the skin, reduce blackheads, and lessen hyperpigmentation. If the substance isn’t diluted, it can burn and irritate the skin, especially if you have any open wounds.
FINE GRAIN SALT
Intriguing as it may sound, fine-grain salt cleans deeply, removes dead skin cells, balances moisture, and pulls toxins from pores, making it especially great for preventing acne or quick treatments during flare-ups on the face and body. Sea salt’s antimicrobial characteristics may be used to heal wounds as well as skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The easiest approach to apply sea salt is to wet your face or body, sprinkle some salt on it so it clings, and then gently pat it into place. You have the option of rinsing right away or waiting a few minutes. Just be careful not to scrub too vigorously as it is naturally too abrasive.
TURMERIC
Antioxidants included in turmeric have a wealth of skin-friendly properties, including skin purification and skin brightness. When combined with gentle exfoliating bases like chickpea flour, oat powders, or kaolin clay, turmeric is effective at treating eczema, psoriasis, as well as acne by calming inflammation and reducing flare-up.
HONEY
Because of its humectant and antibacterial properties, honey is a well-known natural remedy. However, not all honey is created equal; manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand by honey bees that feed on manuka trees, has the highest antimicrobial activity and is excellent for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as well as inflammation. Additionally, honey leaves the skin smooth and hydrated rather than oily because it is a humectant, which means that it traps moisture in the skin after application. For a DIY facial, mix honey, aloe vera, one teaspoon of chickpea flour and a pinch of turmeric to make a paste. Spread the paste on your face and once you rinse off with cool water, use an ice cube on the skin for 30 seconds to further treat a congested face.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is a great antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, according to experts. Since of its well-known antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal qualities, it is a popular spot therapy because it is quick and efficient. Following its anti- inflammatory nature, it reduces redness and swelling of the skin while also minimising acne breakouts and reducing dandruff- causing fungus. You can make your own concoction by diluting tea tree oil in a dab of extra virgin olive oil or organic jojoba oil and applying it directly on a zit.