Teenage years make us overly concerned about our looks. We look in front of a mirror for hours, hoping to be told that we are the most beautiful in the world. But the Brothers Grimm didn’t warn us about acne. Those tiny dark bumps that show up on teenagers’ skin are more terrifying than a fictional evil stepmother. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies to get rid of those painful blackheads or whiteheads.
1. Take
Neem or Indian lilac has long been used as a traditional herbal remedy to treat acne. Acne is a condition where skin oil, dead skin, and bacteria fill our hair follicles. Blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples begin to break out on the face, shoulders, chest, and back. Neem has antibacterial properties that help clear the infection in the follicles.
2. Sandalwood and Camphor
Like neem, sandalwood extract is used for skin applications in Indian households. It has antibacterial properties that help fight acne infections. Similarly, white camphor oil also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that help reduce the puffy spots on the skin. A herbal blend of sandalwood water and camphor is often used to treat acne.
4. Steam therapy
Superficial skin problems are often treated with steam as it opens the pores of the skin. Steam helps loosen the pores around the painful lesions. Steam therapy makes it easier to treat the pimples with ointments and also reduces the chance of more acne lesions developing. You can also soak clean towels in heated water and place them on the affected skin areas.
5. Ice therapy
Both heat and cold can be used to treat acne. Ice reduces inflammation and is effective in treating acne lesions and ugly red sores around pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
6. Aloe Vera
It is a medicinal plant that is grown in most Indian households these days. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for treating acne.
Acne can also develop into cysts that require medical intervention. Hence, it is ideal to consult a dermatologist.