Majority of women suffer from skin problems like acne, blemishes, blotchy skin, patches and blackheads. While some of them find their solutions in the medicines and the cosmetics sold at the retail counters and the pharmacies, others always believe in the immense benefits of natural remedies. Here are some of the commonly used natural remedies for the several skin problems.
1.Honey
Known to be natural sweetener, honey has been immensely used in the beauty and therapeutic industry.
How it works
Honey works best against skin blemishes. It contains natural sugars such as glucose and fructose, along with natural alpha hydroxyl acids that exfoliate the skin, evens the skin tone and makes the skin smooth and radiant. Honey is hydrophilic. Hence, it attracts water from the atmosphere and keeps it sealed within the pores. Thus, the skin remains hydrated. Hydrogen peroxide in honey also acts as anti microbial agent.
How to use
Wash your face with the help of a gentle face-wash or a cleanser. Next, pat the face dry with a dry and clean towel putting focus on the blemished areas. Never prick or rub the blemish in the process. Dab a drop of honey on the area and tilt your head to prevent it from dripping. Keep it like that overnight by covering it with a piece of cloth. Wash the face next day.
Do’s and don’ts
- The honey smeared blemish must be covered well to prevent attraction of dirt and dust.
- Do not be miser when you apply honey as it is a great anti microbial agent. So, it will work all through the night in curing your blemishes.
2. Tea tree oil
One of the essential oils with a strong aroma, it is a functional alternative medicine.
How it works
Tea tree oil has been accepted as a great product for skin problems. Thus, it cures problems like acne, skin lesions, yeast infection and chronic cysts. Tea tree includesTerpenin4-ol, which is renowned for its anti microbial properties. It is also well popular as a natural anti fungal and anti bacterial agent. It gets absorbed inside the skin quickly and cleanses it of its infections. Tea tree oil combines with the natural oil of the skin when applied locally and creates a barrier for the skin infections.
How to use –
Firstly, dilute tea tree oil, combine it with the suggested ratios of water or aloe vera gel as per your skin type. For normal and oily skin, water should be used and for sensitive skin aloe vera gel is recommended. Wash the face with a gentle facial cleanser and pat dry. Now, soak cotton in the tea tree solution and dab over your acne and pimples. Let it dry completely and follow up with a coat of light, water based moisturizer. Repeat the process at bedtime too for best results.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do not apply the oil directly onto your skin as it will burn the skin
- Always have a skin test done before applying tea tree oil concoctation on the skin or you may face dire skin conditions, like reddening, itching, extreme dryness, etc.
3. Lemon juice
The most commonly used natural product from the kitchen vegetable basket, the citrus fruit works wonders for skin problems.
How it works
Lemon is another great product, known to improve the skin. It is rich in anti oxidants and Vitamin C which can effectively combat the signs of premature aging. It also acts as a strong astringent and controls excessive oil secretion from the sebaceous gland that ultimately retard the occurrence of blemishes. The anti bacterial properties of lemon prevent the occurrence of skin infections.
How to use
Wash the face scrupulously with anti bacterial face wash. In a bowl, squeeze lemon juice. Dab clean cotton into this juice and pat over the acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and any other sorts of skin problem. Let it dry completely. It is best if you can apply lemon juice on the skin problems overnight. Rinse off the following morning with plain water and repeat the process again in the daytime.
Do’s and don’ts
- Never apply lemon juice directly into the skin if you have sensitive skin.
- Avoid using lemon juice when you step out in the sun during daytime. It results in the formation of white patches on the skin.
- Although lemon juice is recommended for the face, lemon peel can create irritation and itching of the skin.
4. Sandalwood powder
It is one of the most traditional medicine used so far, sandalwood is known as a common ingredient in beauty products as well as medicines.
How it works –
Sandalwood is one of the best natural medicines for your skin. It is rich in anti fungal and anti microbial properties that make it effective in treating skin problems. It also acts as natural coolant and calms irritated skin.
How to use
Wash the face with a herbal face wash. Thereafter, pat it dry with a towel. Next, make a paste of sandalwood powder with water. Use a flat brush and cover the whole face with that paste, excluding the eye contour and the mouth area. Allow it to dry and wash off with plain water after that. For spot application, dab drops of sandalwood paste on the acne, pimple and other problem prone areas.
Do’s and don’ts
- You can add other essential oils or natural ingredients too with sandalwood paste to increase its efficiency.
- Never leave the mask overnight as it can dry the skin excessively and create wrinkles.