Pimples, blackheads and cysts are the bane of many an adolescent’s existence, but they don’t just occur during puberty. Studies show that about 50 percent of adults get acne as well and more than half of all women, regardless of age, get pimples or blackheads.
The causes of acne vary, from hormonal changes that lead to increased sebum production and plugged sebaceous glands to sun exposure, medications and oil-based cosmetics. Long before people sought a solution to unsightly blemishes at the chemist, pimples were treated with a range of masks and tinctures made from active natural ingredients. But remember: don’t squeeze pimples or you could be left with scars.
Home Remedies
- Apply a healing masks. Combine 3 tablespoons of fuller’s earth (see page 75) with an equal amount of water to produce a thick paste. Apply it to your face, leaving plenty of space around your eyes. After 30 minutes, rinse off thoroughly with warm water. Use three times a week.
- Or try this recipe: combine 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey and spread it on your face and neck. The yogurt has a cooling effect and honey disinfects. Rinse with warm water after 30 minutes. Apply three times a week.
- Dilute tea tree oil with water in a 1:4 proportion and apply with a cotton ball to heal pimples and blackheads quickly.
- Make a refreshing astringent with antimicrobial herbs. Steep 2 teaspoons of dried comfrey leaves, calendula and thyme in 200ml of witch hazel for 2 weeks and then strain. Apply with cotton ball.
- Drink one or two cups a day of nettle tea (available from health-food stores). It detoxifies blood and promote skin healing.
- Have a chamomile facial twice a week to open pores. Pour boiling water over chamomile flowers and positions your face over the steam for 5 minutes.
How to Cleanse the Skin
- Soap is too harsh for acne-prone skin but soap-free cleansers with a pH of 5.5 (which matches the skin’s acid-protection coating) can soothe and protect.
- Follow up by treating oily skin and acne-prone areas of your face with small amounts of a facial cleanser, such as a facial toner containing alcohol.
Papaya Mask Recipe: Homemade face masks cleanse your skin and leave it toned.
- Peel a papaya, remove the seeds and purée the fruit.
- Stir 2-3 tablespoons of plain yogurt into the puréed.
- Apply the purée to a compress, place it on your face and leave for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off the blemish-fighting papaya mask with warm water.
Before trying out any anti-acne treatment, make sure to consult and get help first from the most trusted skin & beauty experts today in Australia today.