Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples… Oh, how we despise you all. The clogged pores, dead skin cells, and build up of dirt need to go. Yet the over-the-counter formulas for acne prevention provide little relief.
What can be done to alleviate the pain and discomfort? There must be home remedies to try out.
Ain’t that the truth! Of course there are natural routes you can take to combat blemishes, and we’ve got ‘em outlined right here for you. No matter if it’s stress, hormonal imbalances, diet, air quality, lack of sleep, or genetics. Try these out and see what works best for your skin today.
Lemon Juice
Citrusy goodness, are you here to help my skin stay clear? Why yes, yes you are.
Take a lemon and squeeze a couple wedges worth into a small bowl. Balance the zest with a few drops of rose water and delicately dip a Q-tip or cotton ball in the liquid. Slowly pass the wet surface over the affected area, and you’ll easily see an improvement in a day or two.
This neat skincare routine trick is also great for reducing the appearance of scars and promoting glowy-ness.
Honey
It can help you fend off allergies, but can honey also make pimples disappear? One particular study done in 2017 says yes, claiming that a quick mixture of honey and cinnamon extract can actually stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
If you think about it for a quick second, honey has historically been known to treat inflammation. Why couldn’t it be used to spot treat stubborn acne?
Oatmeal
Have you ever heard someone say they were going to take an oatmeal bath? It soothes and moisturizes the skin, especially if you’re dealing with dermal conditions like eczema.
Luckily, oatmeal (2 tsp) can be combined with 1 tsp of baking soda and enough water to form a paste to help all your acne problems go away. All you have to do is smooth the paste over your face and gently rub it in. Then, rinse it thoroughly from your skin and pat the surface areas dry. Super hydrating, and has anti-inflammatory properties!
Green Tea
Did you know that green tea contains high contractions of polyphenol antioxidants – and that antioxidants help the body break down any foreign substances and waste products that could potentially damage healthy cells?
One waste product that’s heavily produced in people that breakout often is sebum. This thick liquidy substance is natural, but when overproduced, can cause unwanted buildup in the pores. Without adequate antioxidants, the skin will respond the only other way it knows how – through blemishes.
Luckily, if you up your green tea intake, you can reduce sebum production, reduce inflammation, and increase antioxidant response. Drink the delicious tea or apply extract directly to your skin; either way will suffice.
Aloe Vera
Though it’s not proven, many scientific observations lead us to believe that moisturizing with aloe vera can reduce acne flare ups. Why? Because the secretions from the tropical plant contain both salicylic acid and sulfur, two primary ingredients that are used in many OTC acne treatment creams and ointments.
What’s more is that aloe vera has been commonly used to treat things like abrasions, wounds, and skin inflammation – all can be used to describe pimples. Using the clear gel may not be a bad idea after all, as it’ll likely lead to improvement in overall skin appearance.