“Fine girl o what is happening to your face?”
“Are you still using anything on our face? Your pimples got worse.”
“This boy is fine sha but pimple wan spoil im face.”
There is nothing so frustrating than waking up to see that the sun was not the only that rose in the morning.
Zits. Pimples.
Every girl (and guy) has had to deal with them at one point in time. What’s more annoying is that these attention-seeking eruptions have a knack for appearing at the most inconvenient of times.
First date? Bam, the little critters come out to play.
Business meeting? One conveniently appears on the bridge of your nose come morning.
Have a wedding to attend to and they come out all red and in their Sunday best.
And do you know the worst part? Stressing out about it makes the outbreak worse.
Thankfully, there are some treatments that effectively cure acne and leave your skin flawless and fresh. Want to know the best part? All these substances can be found in your home!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Yes, this bottle of fermented goodness is not only used for pickling veggies. It contains different organic acids that kill Propionibacterium acnes, P.acnes, (which causes acne), and reduces scarring. One of these organic acids is Succinic acid which suppresses inflammation caused by P.acnes. In addition, ACV reduces excess sebum production and also tones the skin. It is always advisable to use ACV that contains “the mother” when treating acne. A notable example of this is Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar.
How to Use
Mix 1 part of ACV to 3 or more parts of water, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Use a cotton ball to apply to freshly cleansed skin.
Let sit for 2-15 minutes, rinse, pat dry, and moisturize.
Repeat the process 1-2 times daily.
Caution: As ACV can cause burns and irritation, always use small quantities of ACV and ensure it is adequately diluted before applying on affected areas.
2. Cinnamon and Honey Mask
This yummy combination is packed full of antioxidants that fight bacteria, remove acne from the root, and reduce inflammation.
How to Use
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to form a creamy paste.
Wash skin with warm water to open pores and apply the paste.
Let it sit for 10-30 minutes.
Rinse and complete the rest of your toilette.
3. Aloe Vera
Our list would be incomplete without this prickly beauty. For ages, Aloe Vera has been used as a potent topical acne treatment. Its gel is usually the main ingredient in many creams, gels, lotions, and soaps due to its moisturizing and rejuvenating properties. It contains Salicylic acid and sulfur which kill P.acnes bacteria. It reduces scarring and can also double as a moisturizer.
How to Use
Scrape out the gel from the aloe plant with a fork or spoon.
Apply directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
Repeat twice daily.
Caution: If you’re using the refined Aloe gel, ensure it is 100% Aloe Vera gel and free from preservatives and perfumes as these can worsen your outbreak. A very good brand is Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel.
4.Cucumber
Due to its cooling properties, cucumber is able to soothe and bring relief to inflamed skin. It contains Vitamin A, C, E, and other nutrients that help in acne prevention and cure. When used religiously, it can stop the future outbreak and regulate oil production.
How to Use
Option 1
Blend cucumber together with plain unsweetened yoghurt and half a cup of oatmeal till a smooth consistency is obtained.
Apply the mask and rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
Option 2
Apply grated cucumber to the affected area and wash off after 30 minutes.
Option 3
Blend cucumber together with two tablespoons of avocado.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric, two teaspoons of lemon juice, and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to the paste.
Apply to the face like you would do a regular mask and rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
For best results, use the mask twice daily. It can be kept in the refrigerator for at most 5 days.
ALSO READ: Get Rid of Acne and Acne Scars With This Paste
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon has acidic properties that help in fighting acne-causing bacteria. It is also rich in Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps expunge the skin of impurities. There are refined varieties of lemon juice but it is always better to opt for the fresh form.
How to Use
Dip a sterile cotton ball in lemon juice and apply to affected areas
Leave overnight and wash off with warm water by morning
Caution: If you have sensitive skin, wash off after 30 minutes.
6. Tea tree oil
This sweet-smelling essential oil which is made from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia, has strong antibacterial properties that enable it to combat acne and P.acnes. It also effectively removes blackheads and whiteheads. Some good brands of tea tree oil are: Now tea tree oil, Spring Valley tea tree oil, Nature’s Bounty tea tree oil, The Body Shop tea tree oil, My DNA life tea tree oil, etc.
How to Use
As a Spot Treatment
Dip a cotton ball in a small amount of tea tree oil and apply directly to affected areas.
Rinse off after 15-30 minutes.
As a Mask
Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel.
Apply generously to the affected area.
Rinse off after 25 minutes and complete your toilette.
7. Green Tea
In addition to its slimming and rejuvenating benefits, green tea is also effective in fighting acne. What makes it special than all the other remedies is that it provides a two-dimensional approach to fighting acne as it can be applied topically and can equally be ingested for added measure. So you better start chugging down some cups of this liquid miracle. Due to its rich reserve of antioxidants and its antimicrobial properties, it not only clears your skin but also helps one maintain a youthful appearance by slowing down the skin’s aging process and preventing damage due to free radicals. This is one beauty regimen that the Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese swear by and their age-defying physiognomy and skin is testament to that.
How to Use
Steep a bag of green tea in hot water and refrigerate afterward.
Use the cool tea bag on your face.
You can alternatively wash your face with the cooled cup of tea.
Drinking at least one cup of green tea a day also helps to significantly reduce outbreaks.
Tip: Green tea rinses strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Cooled tea bags can also be used to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.
8.Turmeric
Another veritable enemy of P.acnes and other acne-causing bacteria. This spice has a lot of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat existing breakouts and prevent future eruptions. It also tones the skin, helps fade dark spots, and treats hyperpigmentation.
How to Use
Option 1
Mix 3 tablespoons of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of milk and 4 tablespoons of raw honey to form a smooth paste.
Cool for some time in the refrigerator before applying to the affected areas.
Option 2
Mix 1 teaspoon of yoghurt and half a tablespoon of turmeric.
Apply the resultant paste to freshly cleansed skin.
Rinse off after 30 minutes.
Tips: Always wear old clothes when doing a turmeric face mask as it can leave a ghastly orange tinge on the clothes. Avoid using processed honey; Manuka honey or plain raw honey is best.
9. Toothpaste
Clear skin is just a squeeze away! Toothpaste works like your regular face mask by drying up acne outbreaks and absorbing excess oil when applied. However, this is only effective for people with milder forms of acne. It does little to nothing for those with cystic acne and other serious forms of acne.
How to Use
Cool and soothe your pores by applying an ice pack to affected areas.
Apply the toothpaste directly to the pimples.
Rinse off after 30 minutes.
Caution: Do not use gel or whitening toothpaste. They contain hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
Bonus: When using the following home remedies, use mild shower gels or toilet soaps. Avoid all medicated soaps, glycerin products, and other anti-inflammatory products that can dry out your skin.
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