Your skin is with you for the long haul, so a good skin-care regimen is important. You want smooth, glowing, healthy skin, but despite your best efforts, acne sometimes rears its ugly head (usually at the most inopportune moments). Use any of these home remedies to treat and prevent acne. Your skin will thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Contains malic and lactic acids that help balance the skin’s pH, reduce red marks, and prevent future breakouts. Whip up a DIY toner by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Shake well and apply to skin with a cotton ball.
Banana
We don’t eat the peels, but we can still use them. They contain lutein, a powerful antioxidant that reduces swelling and inflammation and encourages healthy cell growth. Rubbing a banana peel on affected skin can reduce redness and any discomfort.
Cucumber
Cucumber comes with some pretty amazing benefits. One is preventing inflammation. Add cucumbers to your diet – or place fresh peeled slices on blemishes for 15-20 minutes – to help clear your complexion.
DIY Masks
Hydrate and heal your skin with an easy to make yogurt and honey mask. Mix one tablespoon of raw honey with one tablespoon of yogurt. Apply to face, hairline, jawline, and other acne prone areas. Relax for 10 minutes, then gently remove the mask with a damp cloth.
Exfoliation
Get rid of dead skin and excess oils and bacteria with a good scrub. You can look for a chemical-free product at the drug store or make your own! Sea salt or oatmeal combined with coconut oil or honey is a great place to start.
Honey
One of nature’s miracle foods! Its antibiotic properties help treat acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Apply directly to your skin where needed.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
They have anti-inflammatory properties that encourage acne to heal more quickly. Adding salmon, albacore tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your diet can do wonders for a healthy complexion.
Tea Tree Oil
A strong ally to fight bacteria and inflammation. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil (diluted) with a teaspoon of coconut oil and lightly apply to problem areas.
My Prescriptions for an acne free complexion.
- When choosing apple cider vinegar, opt for organic and raw.
- Avoid the temptation to pick blemishes or over-cleanse with harsh chemicals.
- Treat and prevent acne from the inside out with a healthy diet and proper hydration.
The light in me honors the light in you. Namaste. – Dr. Nandi
