The skin is undoubtedly one of the most important organs in the human body. It's your body's first line of defense against elements such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution, germs, and physical harm. As a result, your skin is vulnerable to superficial injuries and symptoms caused by irritations and infections.
Whilst completely normal, having bad skin may diminish your self-confidence and adversely affect your quality of life. To make matters worse, commercial skincare products may contain harmful chemicals that could lead to unwanted side effects - not to mention they'll cost you a lot of money in the long run.
This is one of the main reasons why more women are resorting to natural remedies and habits when dealing with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and excessive oiliness or dryness. Without further ado, below are some of the best skincare tips that utilize items you already have in your kitchen:
Adult Acne
Most people will experience acne at one point in their lives. Some, however, get to deal with acne for far longer. According to statistics, the demand for private acne treatments increased by more than 200% in recent years - a third of enquiries were made by people over the age of 35.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda has numerous benefits that can help people who suffer from adult acne. It can reduce inflammation, help exfoliate the skin, and has mild antibacterial effects.
The simplest way to use baking soda for acne is to mix it with water and apply it to the affected areas. Don't worry about measurements and just try to achieve a pasty consistency. Leave the mixture on for about 30 seconds or until the mixture dries completely before rinsing. In case of excessive dryness, tone down your use and always moisturize - preferably with another natural ingredient.
2. Honey
Organic honey is a popular natural remedy for acne as well as other skin conditions like dryness and irritations. It's packed with powerful antioxidants, has mild antibacterial properties, and can help restore the natural moisture of your skin. You can also apply honey on wounds to promote healing and prevent scarring.
Applying honey directly on acne-prone skin will feel icky at first. Due to its consistency, it will also tend to drip if you move too much. That said, try mixing honey with baking soda to form a mask and let it sit for a few minutes. On a personal note, I find Manuka honey to be the most effective in terms of cleansing.
3. Turmeric
Out of the three acne remedies mentioned in this list, turmeric is probably the least well-known. Still, the spice has a number of health benefits that not only treats acne, but also digestion, liver, and heart problems.
Using turmeric for acne is the same as using baking soda. All you need to do is to mix the powder with water or honey and use the mixture as a face mask. Although it's quite mild on the skin, try not to use this remedy more than two times a week.
Dark Spots
Dark spots on the skin can be the result of sun damage, acne, and surface wounds. Regardless of the cause, they're unattractive and can last a while without proper care. Other than wearing sunscreen, you can also use the following natural ingredients to quickly restore your natural skin tone:
4. Potatoes
When deep fried, potatoes can lead to skin disasters. But when sliced and applied directly onto the skin, it can help rapidly fade dark spots. This is due to the enzyme catecholase, which is known to have lightening effects on dark spots.
To maximize the effect, add a few drops of lukewarm water and gently rub the potato slices on the affected areas. You can also grate the potato, mix it with honey, and use it as a face mask.
5. Lemon
Using lemons is a popular remedy for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. They contain citric acid, which acts as a natural bleach and mild exfoliant. Simply apply the freshly-squeezed juice on the affected areas and leave it for at least 10 minutes.
Some alternatives to lemon in terms of treating PIH are other citrus fruits such as lime and calamondin. Fortunately, both are just as cheap and easy to find.
Rough and Dry Skin
To make the most out of your clear and even-toned skin, it must also be smooth and soft to touch. Manuka honey is one of the best natural ingredients you can use for this. You may also try the following alternatives:
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties. The best way to use it is to gently massage it all over the body after showering until completely absorbed. It's also preferable to heat solidified coconut oil and use it while it's still slightly warm.
7. Fresh Yogurt
Lastly, you can apply yogurt to leave your skin feeling soft, refreshed, and silky smooth right after washing. It can also soothe itchiness and irritations. But since you'll need an ample amount of yogurt to cover your entire body, you can try mixing it with ingredients such as lemon juice and honey.
Conclusion
Having great skin is one of the little things that can provide you with the much-needed confidence boost, especially with summer looming just around the corner. Truth be told, every person has different needs when it comes to skincare. The tips above, in particular, happen to be effective for me personally. Still, they should be low cost and safe enough for you to try.