Imagine having to wake up with a colossal zit at the tip of your nose; doesn’t paint a pretty picture, now does it? One day, it’s a zit; the next day, it’s blackheads. In no time you’ll find yourself clawing at your face. As annoying as it is, there’s no ‘one-kind’ of skin problem. Pimples, acne, blackheads, scabs or even dry skin are basically a by-product of stress, weather change, unhealthy food habits, as well as pollution. You can’t possibly chuck out everything from your diet, nor can you bring about a change to your atmosphere. However, in the age of YouTube and DIY remedies, you can find plenty of ways to shoo away these skin woes.
First things first…
DON’T PICK, TOUCH OR SCRATCH. As bad as it looks on its own, it’s going to look 10 times worse when you end up bloody or scarred. Moreover, constantly touching them will result in infections, redness and inflammation due to the use of nails or any other medical tools. Additionally, with oily fingers and dirty nails, you’ll be giving birth to more redness.
Pesky pimples
Having pimples may seem like the end of the world, especially when you’re prepping for a shindig and you’ve got one nice little bump on your forehead saying, “HI!” Keep calm and dab some ice on it. Yes, ice is known for reducing the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. It helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area, and in tightening the skin pores and removing dirt and oil that builds up under the skin. Wrap it in a piece of cloth and hold it on the affected skin area for a few seconds; wait a few minutes and repeat the process.
Atrocious acne
A close cousin of the pimples, the acne, isn’t on the surface of the skin but under the layer. So, it’s no surprise that aside from being a hideous bump it can also be quite a pain at times. To combat this monstrosity, you need a remedy that’s loaded in both antibacterial and antifungal properties. And apple cider vinegar is your best bet! Start by diluting a few teaspoons with half cup water or 1/4 cup water as directly applying it might irritate your skin. Make sure to use apple cider vinegar that’s raw and unfiltered and labelled as “with the mother,” which has the most nutrients.
Blistering barnacles
Anyone who’s prone to blisters knows how much of a nuisance it can be. But luckily for the blistered population, tea tree oil comes as a godsend. Studies suggest that it’s an effective antiviral treatment. What’s more is that it may also help speed up the healing process and prevent plaque formation. Start by adding diluted tea tree oil to a cotton ball. Dab it on the sore spot several times per day, and continue treatment until your skin is completely healed. You can also look for therapeutic-grade tea tree oil online.
Brash blackheads
Eggs might smell terrible, but they work like a charm for your skin, especially for blackheads. Egg whites form an easy mask that can be used to tighten pores, thus minimising the chance of blackheads creeping up in future. Make a mask by separating the yolk from the white and rinse your face. Pat your face dry and then apply a thin layer of egg white over your skin. Place a strip of facial tissue or toilet paper over the wet egg white and press it onto your face gently. Allow the first layer to dry. Carefully apply a second layer of egg white over the tissue. When the mask is dry, your face will tighten up. Peel the tissue off, and then gently wash your face; pat dry and moisturise as usual.