Lemon and oatmeal for acne relief

Acne can attack people of all ages, but is most common in teenagers because of their body’s increased hormone levels. Other acne triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, wrong eating habits and a hectic lifestyle.

Acne can occur anywhere- on the face, scalp, back or chest. Though there is no definitive cure for the condition, there are some easy and natural cures available using common ingredients available at home. They are safer to use than the many available over-the-counter treatment options for acne.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a gentle skin exfoliant which helps unplug pores and remove dead skin. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and regulates the skin’s pH level. All you need to do is make and apply a paste of one or two teaspoons of baking soda and some water and rinse off after a few minutes. This remedy should be used only once to twice a week and not more.

Another baking soda remedy involves mixing two tablespoons of baking soda, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, five tablespoons of honey and the juice of half lemon and applying the paste on your face. Wash off after five minutes. This too should be used only once or twice a week.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal helps reduce acne as it can cleanse your skin pores and absorb any excess oil on your face. In addition to this, it also exfoliates your skin. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of honey and juice of half a lemon with a cup of cooked oatmeal. Then rub this mixture on your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and do this once or twice a week.

Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s Earth helps in treating acne as it absorbs the oil on your skin without over-drying it. It also unclogs pores and improves your complexion. To use it, mix equal proportions of Fuller’s earth with sandalwood powder and rose water and apply the mud pack to your face. Wash it off once it dries up and use this pack once a week for glowing skin rid of acne.

Lemons

Lemons are helpful in treating acne because of its acidic property. Lemon juice not only cleans out dirt which had accumulated in the pores, but also hardens the sebum. Though it’s possible to use lemon juice on the skin every day, if you find it too drying for your skin, use it every 2-3 days.

You just have to rub a slice of lemon on the affected region and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing off. If required, you can mix lemon juice with rose water in equal amounts and use the mixture to thoroughly wash the affected region.

There are many more home remedies you can try out for your acne problem. Just wait for the next post to learn about them.