Dermatologists recommend handy skin care products.
When acne appear systemically on the face leaving behind dark pigment spots, your first impulse may be to get your wallet out and go to the store. But what if the secret to healthy, glowing skin can be found in your kitchen? Seriously, you'd be surprised how many magical skincare elixirs you can make with just a few simple ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and turmeric.
However, licensed esthetician Morgan Rackley advises caution when doing self-treatment. «Often they can do more harm than good», she says, adding that the concentration of the ingredients can be too high for topical application, and they can even burn the skin.
But if If you are interested in trying natural remedies, there are a few things to consider. Whether you're looking for an anti-inflammatory product, a DIY exfoliator, or a blackhead remover, there are great home remedies that are as easy to make as breakfast.
Ice for skin care
It may seem too simple, but ice can be a very useful tool in your daily skin care routine. «My favorite home remedy is to use ice to reduce acne inflammation and general puffiness», says Rackley. «I think ice is a vastly underestimated resource».
Here's all you need to do to heal a pimple: «Take an ice cube and rub it gently on the inflamed area for two minutes,» says Rackley, adding: «Don't put or hold, ice must be in constant motion».
When it comes to puffiness, ice can be used in the morning after cleansing. «Personally, I like to take an ice cube out of the freezer, wait one minute, and then apply it to the skin», says Rackley. «Using it straight out of the freezer can be too cold and rough on the delicate eye area». If ice is too much for your skin, cold water can help too.
Oatmeal Face Mask
This humble grain is more than just a healthy breakfast. The natural soothing properties of oatmeal make it a great skin health product, especially for acne-prone skin. Use this cereal when you are looking for an exfoliator, a natural oil absorber, or a clean way to treat age spots.
Oatmeal can be used in a variety of ways on its own, but this one is the most effective: mix a handful of oats, a few drops of honey, and a few drops of lemon juice in a bowl (don't overdo the lemon, or you'll burn the skin). Mix well and then apply on the face. Gently rub the oatmeal into your skin, moving your fingers in circular motions all over your face as you exfoliate. Leave the mask on your face for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Facial yogurt
Yogurt has long been promoted by nutritionists and moms around the world as a healthy way to start their day, but it's also a natural skin care solution. «Using plain yogurt as a mask, because it contains a small amount of lactic acid, can gently exfoliate the skin, giving it a pleasant glow», says Rackley. However, she says, «I would not recommend this to anyone with acne». For self-guided adventures, ditch the flavored fruit yogurts and opt for the unsweetened, simple option instead.
Essential oils
In addition to tea tree oil, several other essential oils can be used to help clear the skin, especially on the body. Using essential oils can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive skin or certain skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation, but they can still be effective. A few essential oils that can help with acne include thyme oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil.
There are several ways to use aloe to treat breakouts, and one of the easiest is to apply a small amount directly to the pimple as a spot treatment. Another option is to replace your moisturizer with raw aloe, which will give you a powerful dose of this ingredient's natural moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Or try adding serum to your morning and evening routine. A good skincare option as a daily moisturizer and reduce redness.
Rose Water
One surefire way to take care of yourself is to use rose water, a soothing ingredient on its own or in combination with other skin care products. Try using it as a toner or spray it as a facial moisturizer to soothe redness and inflammation.
Olive Oil and Turmeric
You can use turmeric when you cook your favorite meals, but this powerful spice isn't just for you. in the kitchen. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it a great choice for evening out skin tone and keeping it radiant. But I want to warn you that turmeric can and will stain the skin, so it's good to combine it with a pigment-removing oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
If you're mixing ingredients, add enough turmeric to the oil to get a bright yellow color, but keep the consistency closer to butter than paste. Leave the mixture as a mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.