Home Remedies for Pimples
An increase in the production of testosterone coupled with over active natural oil glands located all over the body, are two of the main reasons teenagers are prone to the formation of pimples. Stress, psychological disturbances, irregular living habits, oily food, junk food and the onset of menstruation can also bring on pimples.
While pimples are basically a temporary dilemma (non life-threatening) they can have an adverse affect on teenagers who already have a tendency to feel awkward and self-conscious. In severe as well as prolonged cases they can lead to poor self-esteem and a general lack of confidence.
One of the best home remedies we can not only practice but teach our children is to keep the skin clean. Use a mild cleanser each morning and evening, and avoid scrubbing the skin. Avoid the repeated touching of your face as it only passes dirt and bacteria that can trigger acne. Refrain from squeezing, pinching, or picking at the face without washing your face and hands both.
When planning meals remember food has a lot to do with the health of the skin. Drink water throughout the day. There is nothing like the hydration of the skin to keep it clear and acne free. It also helps to keep the body flushed of toxins that can have an adverse effect on the skin. Keep your pillowcase, washcloths and other personal items washed or changed frequently to avoid the possible transferring of germs.
Make fruits and vegetables the main part of your diet—particularly apples, cherries and tomatoes. They will keep the skin glowing. Foods such as corn, soybeans, sunflower, safflower and others that are rich in essential fatty acids help to curb all types of acne and blackheads. Avoid oily, spicy and/or junk foods whenever you can.
Vitamin A and E, zinc as well as niacin are all supplements commonly used for healthy skin and the cure of all types of skin problems. Get the necessary vitamins and minerals from whole foods, such as raw whenever possible or whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink it down every morning.
Eat lemons and tomatoes all through your breakout. And then get more to quarter and rub on your face every evening before you go to bed. Wash face in the morning. Both of these fruits kill germs as well as help with inflammation and can also improve the overall circulation of the body for improved cell care and ultimate skin tone and appearance.
Pastes can be very beneficial in treating pimples. They can be created from a variety of herbs and botanicals on their own or in conjunction with others. A paste made from fenugreek leaves can be applied each night to the face and then washed off in the morning. Orange peel can be ground or pound, mixed with water and applied to the affected areas to work in much the same manner.
You can rub raw garlic on affected areas several times a day to clear up your skin. Garlic has antibiotic properties and helps to purify the blood. Along with pure water consumed throughout the day garlic will help keep the system cleansed of toxins if left on skin about 15 minutes before being washed off.
Dabbing grated cucumber over the affected areas for 15-20 minutes works not only as a treatment of pimples but blackheads as well. For tough cases a paste of cinnamon and honey can be applied to pimples before going to bed. This can be used as often as possible.
A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is also an excellent remedy for pimples as is a paste of fresh mint leaves applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Or try a mixture of tomato juice with honey or lemon juice with honey for clear and shiny skin. Many women like combining ground nutmeg with milk for pimple removal.
When removing any dried paste or mask for the treatment of pimples sprinkle either warm or cold water on area and slowly remove. If it will soften and blend work it in before removing. If you have recurring bouts with pimples it might be better to steer away from heavy make-up. Actually avoiding it altogether would be best. Be sure to read labels for make-up that is hyper-allergenic or made of natural or organic ingredients.
Dabbing toothpaste on pimples will help dry it out acne—though gels, that do not contain the same ingredients, do not work as well. Calamine lotion has the same drying effect. The beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in aspirin is a pretty potent defoliate which can aid in unclogging pores and keeping the face clear of acne. It may sound crazy but an aspirin mask can be made up and applied weekly not only for acne but to help in removing scars.
A hot Epsom salts bath several times a week is believed by many to ease all types of acne and blackheads. Witch hazel has also been proven to not only fight acne but work as an astringent once the face has been cleansed before going to bed. If you thought toothpaste was an unusual aid for acne mouth wash can also be used as an astringent as well.
Tea tree oil which is obtained from a tree in Australia has been proven to be quite effective against pimples because of its bacteria-fighting properties. Because acne is caused by bacteria the properties either kill the bacteria or weaken them so they can be destroyed by the protective antibodies of home remedies such a lemon.
Aside from any of the above, exercise is another key element in clear skin. Along with water and diet, exercise is essential for getting the nutrients distributed to each cell throughout the body. It does this by aiding the whole digestive tract as well as the body’s natural immune system. Yoga has been proven to be very effective in overall skin health.