Acne is no longer age-dependent; it has become a universal skin reaction to a fast-paced lifestyle based on junk food. Stress is another major component that gives rise to untimely skin eruptions. The use of cosmetics and skin, clogging products has made the millennial generation more prone to acne. Medical conditions and frequent intake of pills can cause dermatological problems.
There are medicinal based acne treatments that are helpful for skin problems – like salicylic acid, niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide. However, they are costly and have unwanted side effects, such as dryness, redness and irritation. Although there is no permanent solution to acne, there are some excellent holistic methods to treat the condition naturally.
What exactly is acne?
An acne erupts when the pores on your skin are clogged by oil and dead skin cells. Each pore is connected to an oil gland that secreats a sticky substance called sebum. Additional sebum can clog pores, causing the growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acne, or P. acnes. During this time period the white blood cells attack P. acnes, leading to inflammation and bad skin. Some instances of acne are more severe than others, but common symptoms include white clogged heads, blackheads and pimples.
Holistic remedies to treat acne:
Skin treatment with grapefruit:
Regular use of grapefruit mask may eliminate the growth of bacteria that cause acne. Red grapes are known to be packed with resveratrol that fight acne Cutibacterium or acne Propionibacterium that blocks sebaceous glands.
Slice a couple of red grapes in half and rub the flesh on your face and neck. It is an instant way to rejuvenate the skin. Continue with a cold flush and pat dry to reveal a glowing face.
Cucumber mask:
Cucumbers are famous for their cooling properties and are also anti-inflammatory. A cucumber mask provides much needed moisture and hydration to skin that is prone to acne.
Prepare a paste by blending one small cucumber and 1 cup of oatmeal. Mix 1 teaspoon of this paste with 1 tsp of yogurt and apply it on face and the areas that have acne breakouts. Allow to stand for 30 minutes and rinse.
Oatmeal mask:
Oats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve irritation from dermatological conditions such as rash, erythema, burns, itching and eczema.
Dermatologists commonly recommend oat-based moisturizers for acne prone patients. Combine 2 tsp oat flour, 1 tsp baking soda and enough water to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste over the entire face and rub gently. Rinse abundantly afterwards.
Turmeric and Honey mask:
Turmeric can be used as face mask with a host of other home ingredients. The most common being with honey and chickpea flour. It is a well-known Indian tradition to use turmeric facial masks before showering. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the spice greatly enhance the severity of skin problems such as acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, oral lichen, pruritus and psoriasis.
Take 1/2 cup of chickpea flour and 2 tsp each turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and ghee (clarified butter), honey or almond oil, and then mix them with adequate water to form a paste. Apply and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, rub the paste gently with fingers in an upward motion to clear clogged pores. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent in nature that balances the skin’s pH, making the skin less oily and rough. Apple cider vinegar also has the ability to chemically exfoliate the skin, combat blackheads and improve hyperpigmentation. Dilute the astringent parts into a good amount of water and apply to the affected zone with cotton. You don’t need to wash your solution. If not diluted, the ingredient can cause skin burns and irritation, especially if there are open sores on the surface.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory natural substance. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and antifungal properties, making it an easy and effective spot treatment while at home. It reduces redness and swelling of the skin while minimising breakouts and eleiminates bacterial fungi.
It is advisable to dilute the tea tree oil in a hint of extra virgin olive oil or organic jojoba oil and apply it directly onto the acne prone area.
Green tea:
Green tea is known to be a healthy antioxidant and efficient enough to cure the skin rashes too. It controls the sebum output, and the therapeutic properties of the tea increase blood flow to allow more rapid healing of the zit prone area.
Boil water and make some green tea, let it cool slightly, then apply the squeezed tea bag directly on the infected area. Gently exfoliate the skin with the green tea bag with upward motion for two minutes and rinse.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that comes with a clear gel on the inside that is made up of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and proteolytic enzymes. It has been used for treating skin infections and burns since ancient times. Applying the clear gel directly onto the pimple will prove to be soothing and it will also clear the blemish left from scarring. You can also add vitamin E with the gel and use it as a nightcream to have radiant anti-aging skin.
Conclusion:
Apart from these easy holistic methods to clear acne, it is also important to eliminate stress and follow a model of organic food for radiant skin. Managing acne takes time, so it’s best to stick to a natural beauty regimen and be patient with the results. Consultation with a dermatologist is also recommended in case of acute acne problems.
