Summer and dermal issues are inextricably linked. Your skin begins to respond weirdly as soon as summer arrives. Heat exposure can cause your skin to become dry, red, and irritated. In fact, increased sweating can actually cause clogged or constricted pores, which can lead to acne breakouts. How can you get rid of pimples? The answer, it turns out, is right there in your own kitchen. You still don’t believe us? Then pay attention to what an expert has to say.
Health Shots spoke to Dr Amit Bangia, Sr. Consultant Dermatologist, Asian Hospital Faridabad, Haryana, to find the solution that can help keep acne issues at bay. He has suggested some of best home remedies which can do wonders to your skin in not treating acne but enhancing overall skin health.
Aloe vera gel is a herbal magic that can help with many of the skin problems this summer. There are tons of benefits to using good old aloe vera gel. Dr Bangia says, “It’s a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory with soothing properties with very little chance for irritation or side effects.”
To use it, simply add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to a bowl. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth paste. Apply it to your skin regularly. All these ingredients have antibacterial and soothing action. When combined together, they complement each other and act as a useful remedy for acne.
Turmeric is an amazing spice. When it comes to skin, its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content can help reduce acne. In fact, it can also help fade the appearance of blemishes, scars, and dark spots by adding a glow to your face.
To use it, in a clear and dry bowl, add a small pinch of organic turmeric powder and mix it with one tablespoon of honey. Mix well and then add 3-4 drops of castor oil. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down, and then apply it to your face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off your face.
Apple cider vinegar acts like a “Shakalaka boom boom magic pencil”! Well, because it can do magic. Dr Bangia says, “ACV contains organic acids like citric acid, which have been found to kill propionibacterium acnes and acne causing bacteria, but you have to be careful with the product as it can cause irritation in certain individuals.” So always do a patch test first. And make sure to dilute it with water before applying it topically.
For generations, neem has been used as a skin-healing remedy. Neem is high in vitamin E, calcium, antioxidants, and antibacterial qualities, making it an excellent choice for preventing breakouts during the summer. Not only that, but it’s also a natural antibacterial and helps moisturize the skin, increase collagen production, and can add a healthy glow to your face.
To use it, simmer a handful of neem leaves on a very low fire in 5 cups of water for an hour. Leave it overnight. The next morning, strain the water and make a paste of the leaves. Apply it to the affected areas. And keep it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Guess what? Tea tree oil is an excellent antibacterial for acne prone skin. According to Dr Bangia, “Tea tree oil can be used as a spot treatment for acne. The advantage of tea tree oil is that it’s nearly as effective as some of the other topical acne medications without the chance of bacterial resistance and other unwanted side effects like irritation.”
Make a paste with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil, 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil, 10 drops of rose water, and 4 tablespoons of aloe vera. Blend the ingredients together. Then apply it to your skin, and keep it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Sandalwood paste can be used to treat pimples, acne, and boils. It is rich in antioxidants that fight the damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, sandalwood is known for its healing properties that can help you get rid of scars, blemishes, dark spots, and eczema. You can also use it to remove skin impurities and to get an even skin tone.
To use it, combine 3 tablespoons of sandalwood powder, one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon methi seed powder, lemon juice, and a few drops of honey to produce a paste. It needs to be a sticky paste. Only apply it to pimples or acne and let it on for a few hours or overnight.
Your good morning drink, green tea, can also be a useful adjunct in the treatment of acne as it contains polyphenols which are antibacterial and anti inflammatory. Green tea, of course, can be taken orally or its extract can be applied topically. Dr Bangia says, “Topically applied green tea extract decreases sebum production and, in turn, acne because of the antioxidant content present in it.”
Definitely, these home remedies can be the best to use in order to get rid of acne or pimples. If the breakout is severe, prescription medicines are the best treatment for it. They can also be supplemented with home remedies for lasting results, but consult with a dermatologist first.
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