Expert Skin Care

Acne is a chronic skin disorder whereby the skin pores become clogged resulting in eruptions and outbreak of cysts or nodules commonly called pimples.

Teenagers are commonly affected by acne. However, it is not confined to any age group. Though not fatal, acne can be quite distressing as it might leave a permanent scar on the affected area.

Before indulging in home remedies, you must try to correct your diet and food habits. Make sure you drink plenty of water and cut down on oily foods to flush out the toxins.

Time Tested Home Remedies

1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.

2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil-free without aggravating the acne.

3. Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and wash with warm water. This will prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

4. Place strawberry leaves on the acne; the alkalinity helps to reduce the swelling.

5. Extract juice of one lemon and mix with equal quantity of rose water. Apply this mixture all over the face and let it stay for about half an hour. Wash

the face with fresh water. Follow this routine for 15 days to check acne, pimples and reduces blemishes and scars.

6. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.

7. Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and acne .

8. Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

9. Prepare a mix of ground drumstick pods and leaves mixed with fresh lime juice, and apply on pimples. This is also good for blackheads and dark spots.
Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and wash with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

10. Mix groundnut oil with an equal amtount of fresh lime juice and apply on face. Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash. It may be applied daily to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples (acne).

11. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling pimples or acne.

12. Apply fresh lime juice mixed to a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.

13. Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

14. Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on acne pimples and keep upto 1 hour, then wash.
Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomgranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils,acne, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads.

15. Home face wash for acne: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding essential oil of geranium for women and essential oil of rosewood for men. Mix with 300mls of water. Shake before use, as the oils will float on top of the water during storage. Dab affected areas with cotton wool two or three times a day. The oils will clean and unclog giving antibiotic-like protection to the skin.

11. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.

12. Add 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes. Cool, and apply with cotton ball.

13. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts- one of the best acne home remedies.

14. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.

15. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.

16. Nettle Tea is another solution. This tea has a herb which has some curing power and really works wonders on skin problems. Drink four cups a day to get the full benefit of one of the most powerful acne home remedies.

Suntan is a recurring problem, especially in Asian countries. People spend lots of money to buy multiple cosmetic products but overlook some simple ingredients available at home. Check out some of the home remedies for suntan.

1. Mix sugar with lemon juice and glycerin and rub lightly in circular motion on the affected area. This will not only lighten your complexion but also lend smoothness to the skin.

2. Mix 1 teaspoon potato juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it to the affected area.

3. Soak lentil in milk overnight and grind it the next day for a smooth paste. Also add turmeric to the paste. Use this pack at least twice a week for a brighter and blemish free complexion.

4. Sandalwood powder is known to be one of the best agents for tan removal. Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. You can honey if your skin is dry. Wash off when dry and follow it up with a good nourishing lotion or moisturizer.

5. Apply fresh coconut water in case your face shows blemishes.

6. Rub cucumber slices with milk on face. Wash off when dry.

Given below are home treatment suggestions to help you overcome the discomfort of dry skin.

• For very dry hands, try this for a night: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and wear thin cotton gloves to bed. (Dry feet may benefit from similar treatment.)
• If dry, brittle nails are a problem, use lotion on your nails as well.

Avoid scratching, which damages the skin. If itching is a problem, try the following:

• Keep the itchy area well moisturized. Dry skin may make itching worse.
• Try an oatmeal bath to help relieve itching.
  • Wrap 1 cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth and boil as you would to cook it. Use this as a sponge and bathe in tepid water without soap.
  • You may also try a commercial product, such as Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal bath.
• Try a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream for small itchy areas.
  • Use the cream very sparingly on the face or genitals.
  • If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger cream.
• Try a nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, or Benadryl.
• Cut your nails short or wear gloves at night to prevent scratching.
• Wear cotton or silk clothing. Avoid wool and acrylic fabrics next to your skin.