Don't Break Out Any Longer: Try These Natural Remedies
There has never been a good time to have a breakout, whether you’re 13 and afraid to face the kids at school, 19 and going for your first job interview, or 25 and your shoulders and back make you not want to wear a tank top to the gym or a dress to dinner. On top of that, everyone has a recommendation on their acne routine: your mom thinks you should use a toner, your best friend swears by a blackhead cream, and your sister lives by facial wipes. The truth is, pharmaceutical creams and face washes are harsh on your skin and only prolong the problem. So, with a volcano on your cheek, what do you do next? Here are eight easy natural remedies to try so you don’t breakout in ugly sores.
Aloe
Aloe is your best friend. Aloe is known to sooth your skin (especially after a sun burn), heal cuts, and reduce inflammation. The best way to use it is by cutting a small chunk off your plant, (if you don’t have one, you should invest now; they’re cheap and easy to take care of) and applying the green gel directly to the blemish. If you don’t have aloe accessible, the produce section of the super market should.
Lemon
Lemons have recently gained lots of attention in the health community due to their incredible alkalizing properties. Lemon juice contains L-asorbic acid, a natural astringent that dries out acne. (1) As an anti-bacterial, lemon juice helps to prevent new pimples from forming as well as lessen the appearance of scars. Simply cut a lemon slice and dab it onto a clean face, then rinse with water. Be careful with exposure to the sun though; lemons have a lightening effect.
Honey
Honey is a natural anti-bacterial/anti-microbial with antioxidants that work to fight acne and also lock in moisture. Many treatments can leave your face feeling a bit dry; honey is a great moisturizer and leaves your skin feeling smooth. Just apply a smooth layer to your face and rinse after 10 minutes. Make sure when choosing your honey that it is all natural and unrefined, otherwise you will not receive the full benefits.
Salt Water
This might be slightly unfair for those who do not live by the ocean, but ocean water is a great nostrum for cuts, infections, and acne. The salinity helps to fight bacteria and promotes healthy pH levels, while the natural minerals in the ocean also aid your skin. For those who don’t live near the sea, mix natural seas salt in warm water and use as a gentle exfoliator.
Diet
Everything comes down to diet. What you eat determines the nutrients your body will absorb or build a deficiency in. Fruits and vegetables will provide you with vitamins and minerals that will aid your skin. Be sure to get plenty of antioxidants as they fight free radicals and boost cell rejuvenation. Dairy has been linked to breakouts and is believed to cause oily skin; whole processed foods are chemically rich and can add stress.
Sweat
Hand in hand with diet is exercise. One of the best ways to clean your skin is to sweat out the toxins. Our epidermis is what protects us from the outside world. Likewise, pollution and free radicals in the air place a heavy toll on our skin. Therefore, it is important that our body gets to flush out those pollutants. Exercise is good for the whole body, and since the body works in unison with all its parts, this will be beneficial for more than just your acne.
Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which reduces inflammation and helps prevent the pus from forming. Rich in anti-oxidants that help in the repair of skin damaged by sun, smoke, pollution, and chemicals, papaya is a great natural remedy. Mash the papaya flesh until it can be applied to your skin as a mask. Fifteen minutes should be long enough for the enzyme to work on your skin; then rinse off with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid, a known anti-bacterial agent. While that sounds intense, ACV is very alkaline on the pH scale and balances your skin, making it hard for bacteria to thrive. With a 1:3 vinegar to water ratio, use a cotton pad to rub it directly on the affected area. No need to wash it off. It’s gentle enough that you can apply it several times a day. Be sure to wash your face before.
It’s important to remember that all bodies and skin are different. What may be the solution for one person is not necessarily the answer for you. It may take some time and trial and error before you find what works best for your skin type. Luckily, since the above are all natural, they are easy to try and not expensive.
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