Acne or pimples are eruptive skin condition of the face occurs usually during adolescence
due to
huge hormone surge in the body. Almost every teen faces this problem at least
once. The skin becomes oily, pores get blocked resulting in blackheads and
infection and is very painful and awful looking.
Here are a few common home remedies for acne:
- Chana dal flour (split chickpea flourm, also known as besan): It has good de-greasing properties and keeps your skin oil-free and dries up acne. Coarsely grounded and use as a paste (mixed with turmeric and honey). It is a good exfoliating scrub to open the pores and get rid of blackheads. It
softens the skin and can be used as a daily cleanser.
- Turmeric (haldi): With good qualities of disinfectant, it kills the bacteria responsible for acne. Fresh roots pounded to a paste are preferred than dry powdered turmeric. Caution: Apply only for 10 minutes. Before using it, test if your skin is sensitive to turmeric.
- Curd: It has lactic acid which again is an exfoliator and hydrates the skin,
keeps dryness away caused by strong anti-acne medications. Caution: Use skimmed milk curd as high fat curd can actually increase the oiliness of skin.
- Sandalwood (chandan): The best way to use it is by rubbing a block of the
wood on a stone slab adding drops of water till you got a paste. Then apply this on your face and let it dry and then wash it off with rosewater. Alternatively, you can buy sandalwood powder or reconstitutable face packs from the market.
- Fuller's earth (multani mitti): It reduces oil secretion and blocking of skin pores. Use it in combination with rosewater and sandalwood paste. Caution: Use only twice a week - frequent use can cause irritation on the skin.
Not to do:
- Avoid using things like garlic, onion juice or caustic soda.
- Avoid highly acidic substances like lemon juice, tamarind, vinegar or orange peel.
- Milk, cream, ghee etc are to be avoided on acne-prone skin.
Do try to consult your dermatologist before using any home remedies. The best therapy for acne is the proper treatment under a dermatologist. However, home remedies can be good adjuvant to this therapy. Home remedy are good skin-cleansers and a cheap and easily available method of treatment
in the early stages of acne.
Dr Parul S Kolhe is an MBBS and holds a DDV & DNB in dermatology.
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