Honey and Baking Soda Face Mask

Everyone yearns to have smooth and glowing skin. Girls are more concerned about their looks than boys. Cosmetic world knew this open secret, so they’re striving to come up with an effective cream. But unfortunately they add chemical ingredients to preserve and for aroma.

These chemical ingredient products may turn dangerous to your sensitive skin, so beauty experts prefer natural remedies as they don’t have any side-effects. Honey and baking soda face mask is one such innate home remedy that is cost effective and makes your skin supple.

The earth’s oldest sweetener honey is renowned for its healing properties. Even religious books include exceptional benefits of honey. Apart from consuming it, you can topically apply it over face or skin to enhance its healthy functioning.

Honey and Baking Soda

honey and baking soda face mask

Raw honey alone is sufficient to make your skin free from skin ailments; but you can optionally add baking soda for serious skin disorders. Abrasive property of baking soda helps to clean dirt and dead cells piled over the face.

While humectant properties in honey lock moisture around the skin, nutrients in baking soda or sodium bicarbonate exfoliates dead cells.

Approximately, you shed one million dead cells in 24 hours. All these cells accumulate over your skin along with other impurities from the surrounding. Excess sebum gets clogged with these impurities to form blackheads. So, baking soda face mask helps to exfoliate your skin.

As properties residing in baking soda can wipe moisture around the skin and make it dry, its recommend to limit its use or apply natural moisturizer after treating with this face mask.

  • Exfoliants in baking soda removes dirt (oil, dead cells and pollutants) accumulated over your face.
  • Moisturizing agents in honey hydrates your face and enhances collagen production. It also helps to get rid of dry itchy patches over the skin.
  • Antiseptic agents residing in raw honey fight bacterial and fungal infection.
  • Antioxidants in honey thwart free radicals and anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne inflammation.
  • Assorted properties packed in honey stimulate fast healing of minor burns, injuries and other skin ailments.
  • Baking soda regulates pH level of the skin and controls excess production of sebum.
  • Together baking soda and honey can exfoliate your skin and treat acne blemishes.

How to Make Honey and Banking Soda Face Mask at Home

Ingredients in this face mask are available right now in your kitchen. Regularly using this face mask can make your skin free from infections. Apart from treating acne and other ailments, this face mask turns your dull skin to bright. All these benefits come for very cheap price.

Prefer raw or organic honey over processed honey and limit baking soda as it may make your skin sensitive.

  • Take 4 table spoons of pure baking soda in a clean container.
  • Add 1 table spoon of raw honey to it and mix thoroughly.
  • Optionally add water to make paste like consistency.
  • Wash your face and pat dry before applying this mask.
  • Using your clean fingers topically apply the face mask avoiding eye and nostrils.
  • Let it dry for few minutes and then rinse it off or wipe with wet cloth.

Optionally, apply natural moisturizer like olive oil or jojoba oil to hydrate the skin.

Honey and Baking Soda for Acne

Antimicrobial and bleaching properties housed in lemon juice can restrain P.acnes and lighten acne scars. Acidic nature of lemon can make your skin dry, so limit its use if you see dry skin.

  • Pour 2 table spoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
  • Mix 1 table spoon of honey and 2-3 drops of lemon juice to it thoroughly.
  • Now, wash acne affected area with lukewarm water or expose it to steam. Clogged acne pores open up.
  • Apply the face mask over the skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Apply this face mask 2-3 times a week. Stop using this mask if you see allergic reaction over the skin.

Is Honey Good for Acne?

Benefits of honey are documented in many religious books. Though it is mostly considered for losing weight, raw honey can make your skin glow and supple when used topically.

Its nutritional benefits enticed cosmetic world to incorporate it into their pricey products. However, most of them are processed or refined. Experts recommend raw honey because it is packed with high nutritional values. So next time you visit a store, see for raw labeled on the bottle.

Honey is good for acne because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These agents restrain bacterial growth, controls excess sebum production and stimulate fast healing. There is no single honey mask recipe for acne; you can add different natural ingredients to raw honey.

Before dwelling deep into benefits of honey for acne, lets checkout the causes of acne.

What Causes Acne?

honey for stretch marksMostly the age groups between 12 – 25 are seen with acne vulgaris. Experts hold inflammation to be main cause behind these lesions. Sebaceous glands secrets sebum (natural oil) to keep the skin moist and smooth, but due to hormonal imbalance in puberty excess sebum is produced that clogs at pores with dead cells accumulated over it. Bacterial infection takes this to next level by increasing inflammation.

So, excess sebum production, bacteria and dead cells are main causes of acne or pimples.

Cosmetic creams include chemical ingredients, which may stripe natural oil covering your skin and they can’t reach the root level of acne vulgaris.

Whereas, on the other hand natural remedies are inexpensive and they can penetrate deep into the skin to treat acne. It may take more time when compared to creams, but the result last for long time.

Why Is Honey Good for Acne?

Raw honey is packed with assorted nutrients that make it an excellent remedy for acne. This is why many anti-acne products include honey as vital ingredient. Apart from treating acne, humectant property in honey locks moisture over your skin.

  • Antioxidant activity of honey kills free radicals that damage cell membrane.
  • Antibacterial property restrains acne causing bacteria and condemns its infection.
  • Inflammation around acne lesions can be reduced by anti-inflammatory activity of honey.
  • Further, its antiseptic property stops fungal and bacterial infection over busted pimples.
  • Sticky nature of honey face mask attracts dead cells and impurities piled over your skin.
  • Probiotic agents in this remedy stop further acne breakouts.
  • Humectant property prevents excess production of sebum and hydrates the skin from outside.
  • Vitamins like B2, B3 and C residing in this homemade honey face mask can stop wrinkles and enhance collagen production.
  • Minerals including Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Selenium works to improve your skin texture. (source)

You can eat honey to treat acne and other skin ailments. Apart from this, internal use of honey can decrease cholesterol level, as minerals in this innate remedy improve digestion and metabolizing fatty acids.

Sugar in honey can be easily absorbed in blood, thus it improves digestion. Although it has many health and beauty benefits, you’re advised to take not more than 10 table spoon of honey every day.  (However, the quantity may alter depending on your life style.)

How to Use Honey for Acne?

There are different types of honey available in the market, prefer raw honey or manuka honey to treat acne. As they are packed with more nutrients compared to other types.

You can directly apply honey over acne lesions but to make it more effective you can optionally add other natural ingredients. Let’s now check out various recipes that prove honey is good for acne.

1. Raw Honey

  • Wash affected area with lukewarm water so that clogged pores open up.
  • Pat dry and topically raw honey using cotton ball.
  • Apply evenly all over the face and on forehead.
  • Leave it to dry naturally for 15-20 minutes and then risen it off.

Best time to apply honey is before going to bed.

2. Honey and Nutmeg Face Mask

  • Mix equal quantity of honey and powdered nutmeg in a clean bowl.
  • Expose your face to steam or wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply the mask over affected part and leave it to dry naturally.
  • Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

3. Cinnamon and Honey Face Mask for Acne

Cinnamon powder has wonderful aroma and packed with antibacterial properties. It’s helps to dry acne lesions and unclogs clogged pores.

  • Mix equal quantities of honey and powdered cinnamon in a bowl.
  • After mixing thoroughly apply it over washed acne blemishes.
  • Rinse the mask with water after 20 minutes.

4. Honey and Oatmeal for Acne

Oats can be used to exfoliate dead cells and impurities accumulated over face. It also helps to control excess production of sebum.

  • Mix finely grounded oatmeal with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1/4 cup of water.
  • After washing the face with lukewarm water apply the face mask.
  • Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Optionally, you can apply natural moisturizer after face mask treatment to hydrate your dry skin.

5. Lemon juice and Honey for Acne Scars

Lemon is renowned for antibacterial properties and lightens dark spots. Scars left after treating acne blemishes fades if treated regularly with this face mask.

  • Take 2 table spoon of raw honey and add 2 drops of lemon juice.
  • Mix thoroughly and apply it over prewashed face.
  • Rinse it off after 20 minutes.

6. Honey and Turmeric Face Mask

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric powder can help to treat and fade acne scars.

  • Mix 1 table spoon of raw honey to 1 pinch of turmeric powder in a clean bowl.
  • Wash your face and pat dry.
  • Now, apply the face mask evenly using your clean fingers.
  • Rinse it off after 20 minutes.
  • Decrease the quantity turmeric powder if you want to avoid yellow stains. Anyhow, those stains fade in few hours.

7. Honey and Sugar Face Scrub

  • Mix raw honey with brown sugar thoroughly.
  • Apply this mask over face to remove impurities and shed dead cells.
  • Rinse it off with water.
  • Avoid this mask if your pimples are painful.

You can use honey and olive oil for fading acne scars and avoid further acne lesions. Olive oil has abundant nutrients that can make your skin functioning healthy.

Avoid pressing or scratching on pimples, it may increase the infection. Once you see positive results, don’t stop using the honey for acne. Massage your face with olive oil or jojoba oil before going to bed.

  • Honey good for acne only when you decided to use it consistently and follow a healthy lifestyle. Drink as much water as you can and give yourself good sleep.
  • Stay away from chemical filled soaps and creams.
  • All the home remedies take long time to see positive results.
  • Avoid foods that can trigger acne inflammation, like sugar, dairy products, coffee, soy, bread, coconut oil and peanuts. (source)
  • Cleanse your face twice to wipe impurities and millions of dead cells piled over your face.

Is honey good for acne, what’s your take on this article? Share your valuable views in comments.

honey good for acne

Oatmeal Face Mask for Acne and Scars

Oats are popularly known to reduce cholesterol level in the body. Apart from being a healthy breakfast, oatmeal face mask has abundant benefits for skin. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties residing in oats aid to get rid of itching and acne.

Experts say that acne is mainly caused due to inflammation; oatmeal face mask for acne exfoliates your skin and wipes off the impurities that clogs skin pores. Assorted nutrients residing in oats enhance healthy functioning of the skin.

Benefits of Oatmeal Face Mask

  • oatmeal and honey face mask for acneSaponins, a compound present in oatmeal exhibits cleansing property.
  • Starchiness of this mask will lock moisture and lighten dark spots on face.
  • Antioxidants in oatmeal thwart free radicals that are damaging skin cells. This feature avoids premature aging wrinkles.
  • Vitamin B1 aids to improve blood circulation and makes your face glow naturally.
  • Anti-inflammatory property reduces acne inflammation and kills acne causing bacteria because of its antimicrobial property.
  • Oats are packed with zinc that can avoid many skin ailments including acne.
  • Apart from treating pimples, oatmeal mask can efficiently lighten acne scars.
  • Copper in oats improves your skin and fade wrinkles.

Homemade Oatmeal Face Mask

To reap all the benefits listed above, you’re advised to make your own oatmeal face mask at home. Depending on your skin type and ailment, you can add other innate ingredients to oats. Before that, let me share a simple recipe with which you can make your face clean and supple.

  • Take 5 table spoons of oats and cook it by adding required amount of water.
  • Cool it down and add water if needed to make smooth paste.
  • Before apply the mask, wash your face and pat dry with soft cloth.
  • Use your clean fingers to apply the mask topically all over the face.
  • Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
  • Optionally, you can apply natural moisturizer after wiping the face mask.

Lemon, Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask for Acne

Though oats are packed with exceptional properties that are enough to treat acne blemishes, you can add lemon juice and raw honey to make the mask more effective.

  • Citric acid in lemon juice lightens dark spots and anti-bacterial agents kill infectious bacteria.
  • Raw honey is renowned for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and humectant properties. These agents can effectively treat acne and fade scars.
  • Excess use of lemon juice can make your skin sensitive, so limit its use if you’ve sensitive skin.

Ingredients include 2 table spoon of raw honey, few drops of lemon juice and finely grounded oats.

Grind the oats and add honey and lemon juice to it. Optionally, you can add tea tree oil or other essential oil for aroma.

Wash your face with lukewarm water and massage it with jojoba oil (optional) before applying the face mask. So that blocked skin pores open up.

Add this face mask cream to your beauty regimen to use regularly. (Face mask recipe source)

Related post: Lemon for acne scars

Honey, Yogurt and Oatmeal Face Mask for Acne Scars

Probiotic enzymes in plain yogurt will nourish and fight acne lesions on the skin. And honey locks moisturizer and enhances collagen production to lighten the acne scars.

  • 1 table spoon of finely grounded oatmeal
  • 1 tbsp of plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp of raw honey or manuka honey

Mix all ingredients in a clean bowl and apply it over your prewashed face. Don’t stop using the face mask after treating acne lesions; continue it until it gets clear skin.

7 Benefits of Neem Oil for Skin, Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis

In Southern India, you’ll find a bunch of neem trees in every village. I used to visit my grandmother twice a year, where I get to see numerous neem trees and unfortunately once I had to taste its bark, which was horrible. But, after trying it for 2-3 times my taste buds got adapted to its bitterness.

My mother-in-law recently diagnosed with diabetes, along with medicines she started chewing fresh neem leaves. It may sound weird for those who’re unaware of its Ayurvedic benefits.

Neem oil, seeds, fruits and bark exhibits unbelievable medical properties, so you can use neem oil for acne, eczema, psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases. Neem leaves are also renowned to treating chickenpox and measles.

Short Note on Neem Tree

Known as Margosa Tree in English, neem tree is native to India and other parts of Asia. From thousands of years neem has got significant role in Ayurveda. Neem tree belongs to meliaceae family, which is renowned for fast growing and drought resistance. Its dense evergreen shade lasts for about 150-200 years. (1)

Vedas referred neem tree with different names, like AristaNimba and Pinchumada. Curative activities of neem are found in Arthashastra, which belongs to 4th century BC. Ayurveda books documented neem as Sarva Roga Nirvarini (universal cure for all ailments). (2)

Southern Indians treat neem as The Holy Tree, it has got significant role in traditional ceremonies. Neem oil is derived from neem seeds and fruits. Though it taste bitter, neem oil is packed with fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid that can hydrate your skin.

Nutritional Value of Neem Oil for Skin

neem oil for acne, skin, eczema and psoriasis

Modern researches carried out on neem conclude it as a pack of exceptional medical properties. More than 140 compounds are isolated from different parts of neem. It has got extensive use in Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy treatments.

  • Neem oil is packed with anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties. These curative properties can effectively treat skin infections and other ailments that may damage healthy functioning of the skin. (3)
  • Antimalarial agents in neem oil help to restrain malarial parasites.
  • Its Hypoglycemic activity decrease blood sugar levels in the body.
  • It’s shown that Immunostimulant property in neem oil helps to enhance immune mechanism of the cell.

Assorted nutrients in neem oil can thwart infectious bacteria, fungi or virus and makes your skin smooth and supple.

Awesome Benefits of Neem Oil for Skin

Like mentioned above, neem oil has exceptional role in ancient medicines. Even today most cosmetic industries incorporate neem into their creams and lotions. Along with health and skin benefits, neem oil can be used for healthy hair. Chronic skin infections like eczema, psoriasis and acne can be treated using neem oil.

But, reach an expert (grannies) before playing with this Ayurvedic medicine.

1. Neem Oil for Acne

Studies conclude that acne is triggered due to inflammation and hormonal imbalance, which stimulates over production of sebum. This excess sebum gets blocked at skin pores with dead cells. (Your skin sheds millions of dead cells everyday).

  • Anti-inflammatory activity in neem oil can effectively treat pimples or acne lesions by reducing inflammation and redness.
  • After treatment, acne scars can lighten with regular use of neem oil.

Mix few drops of pure neem oil to any essential oil, as high concentration of neem oil may irritate your sensitive skin. Alternatively, you can use honey to lighten the acne scars.

Recommended: Green clay face mask for acne

2. Neem Oil for Eczema

neem flower for acne

Main cause of eczema is unknown. Anyhow, expert hold hereditary as the cause of eczema flare-ups. Dry skin triggers itching, which can worsen the eczema situation. Unfortunately, you can’t completely treat eczema, but medicines like neem oil can relive its symptoms.

  • Antiseptic property in neem oil thwarts infectious fungi.
  • Fatty acids and other assorted nutrients in neem oil will penetrate into skin to form a protective layer and lock moisture round it.
  • Nimbin compounds residing in neem helps to reduce redness and swelling of the skin.

Also read: Coconut oil for eczema and psoriasis

3. Prevents Aging Wrinkles

Rich concentrations of antioxidants packed in neem helps to fight free radicals, which may damage the cell and promote wrinkles. Vitamins and fatty acids packed in neem oil, enhance elasticity to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Wash your face with cold water and pat dry. Then apply diluted neem oil over wrinkles.

Recommended: Shea butter for wrinkles

4. Fights Fungal Infection

Infections like ring worms, nail fungus and athletes foot are triggered by fungi. Neem oil has powerful anti-fungal properties that can kill fungi. Research carried out shows that neem oil can fight 14 different types of fungi.

Compounds in neem oil, namely gedunin and nimbidol play crucial role in fighting infectious causing fungi.

5. Moisturizes Your Dry Skin

As mentioned above dry skin is the main cause of most skin disorders. When natural oil striped from your skin, it gets invaded by various infectious bacteria.

Fatty acids in neem oil penetrate into deeper layers of the skin to hydrate it from the outside and to get rid of dry skin.

Must read: Potato face mask for dry skin

6. Neem Oil for Hyperpigmentation

Alarming levels of pollution and impurities gets piled over your skin. Also excess exposure to UV rays, increase production of melanin leading to pigmentation.

Neem oil has cleansing properties that will wipe impurities off the skin. Also the melanin production is slowed down resulting in fairer skin.

Must read: Mango facial mask for skin whitening

7. Neem Oil for Psoriasis

Just like eczema, mere cause of psoriasis is unknown. Psoriasis is accompanied by vigorous itching and dry skin. Moisturizing these dry itchy patches will relieve you from psoriasis symptoms.

Before trying neem oil on skin, conduct a patch test. Or mix neem oil with any other natural oils. Topically applying neem oil will instantly relieve you from itching and hydrates itchy patches.

You can find neem oil from local store or through online store.

Important Note:

  • Refrigerant activity in neem oil can decrease your body temperature, so use it with caution in cold. If you see nausea, vomiting and loose stools reach your physician immediately.
  • Though neem oil is not associated with any serious harmful side-effects, high concentration of neem can be toxic. Especially, children, pregnant women and sensitive skin people are recommended to limit the use of neem oil.

 Image source: 1, 2

Benefits of Cinnamon for Pimples/Acne

Pimples/Acne breakouts occur due to inflammation and excess production of sebum. Increasing levels of hormones in teenagers stimulate over production of oil by sebaceous gland, because it is sensitive to hormonal reaction.

Apart from hormonal imbalance, other factors like hereditary, chemical filled cosmetics, drugs and smoking can cause pimples.

Acne is the most common skin disorder; to help you many cosmetic industries came out with pricey and effective creams. Yes, they work. But, when you can treat acne using your own kitchen remedies, why waste money? Instead spend it over the needy.

Benefits of Cinnamon for Treating Acne

cinnamon for pimples-acne

Cinnamon for pimples is an affordable and effective home remedy, which most of us ignore. This spice is derived from the inner barks of Cinnamomum tree. Before using it for culinary purpose, barks are dried to form cinnamon sticks, which are powdered to spice curries in India.

  • Antioxidants protect your health from free radicals, preserve food, aids in treating metabolic diseases and age related problems. Luckily, cinnamon is packed with antioxidant agents, which can enhance healthy functioning of your health. (source)
  • As mentioned above inflammation is the main culprit behind pimples, anti-inflammatory property residing in cinnamon can help you to reduce acne inflammation when you apply it over the skin.
  • P.acnes, the bacteria which worsen the acne lesions can be restrained using antibacterial effect of cinnamon powder.
  • Its assorted properties will help you to treat acne lesions and fade acne scars.

Unlike chemical filled creams, natural remedies like honey, turmeric, lime and cinnamon take 2-3 weeks to completely treat acne blemishes, but they thwart the bacteria from its root. You can add other innate ingredients to cinnamon powder to make it easy to apply.

1. Cinnamon and Honey Face Mask

Cinnamon is mainly of two types, Ceylon cinnamon (also known as true cinnamon) and Cassia cinnamon (which we normally use). Experts recommend selecting Ceylon cinnamon, as it is lower in coumarin, a compound that may be harmful when used in large dose.

Coming to honey, all over the web and ancient books are filed with extolling benefits of this natural remedy. I love honey for its sweet taste, ancient people used honey to treat health and skin disorders.

Ingredients: Take 1 tbsp of cinnamon powder and 3 tbsp of raw honey.

I personally recommend manuka honey for acne, as it has more nutritional properties when compared to other types of honey. Anyway, mix the listed ingredients in a clean bowl. Prior to face mask application, wash acne lesion with lukewarm water or expose it to steam and pat dry. Then apply cinnamon face mask evenly all over the face, you can also use it as a spot treatment for blemishes.

Also read: Honey and cinnamon face mask

2. Cinnamon and Milk

milk and honey for face

Though in some cases consuming milk and dairy products may trigger acne blemishes, topically using it over the acne lesions can help your reduce inflammation.

Mix equal quantities of raw milk and cinnamon powder in a bowl, then apply it over prewashed face. Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.

3. Lemon Juice and Cinnamon for Acne

This mask will lighten acne scars and help to treat hyperpigmentation. Squeeze few drops of lemon juice in 1 table spoon of cinnamon powder and mix thoroughly. Apply the mask and rinse it off after 15 minutes.

Limit the use of lemon if you’ve sensitive skin.

Important Note:

As mentioned above, excess Cassia cinnamon may include harmful compounds. If you see any allergic symptoms, then immediately consult your physician. Pregnant women need to discuss with doctor before using cinnamon.

Image source

Tomato Face Mask for Acne Scars and Acne

tomato face mask for acne scars

Tomato is a fruit, though we use it as a vegetable in salads, sauce, dishes and in drinks. This fruit is rich in Lycopene, an antioxidant compound that has enticing health benefits. Consume or topically apply it over the skin, assorted properties housed in tomato will rejuvenate your skin and postpones aging wrinkles.

Natural acids packed in tomato regulate oily skin, thus making it an excellent remedy for pimples. Apply tomato face mask for acne scars or acne topically, and the soothing properties will start affecting your skin. But, remember to use regularly. Let’s have a brief look on its nutritional profile.

  • While vitamin A and B fade dark spots and slows down aging process, vitamin C stimulates collagen production and enhances the elasticity, resulting in wrinkle free skin.
  • Tomato seed oil has light viscosity and easily absorbed. (1) Cooling properties in tomato will soothe minor sunburns and astringent agent tightens the skin pores.
  • Potassium and calcium in tomato works on removing dead skin cells and hydrating outer layer of the skin.
  • Like B-vitamins, magnesium thwarts aging wrinkles.

Vitamin A and C that are commonly found in acne treating ointments are packed in tomatoes. Topically apply and they will help you to treat scars and blemishes.

Homemade Tomato Face Mask for Acne and Acne Scars

As long as you know what you’re doing, you can add any innate home available ingredient to this face pack/mask. After research I found these recipes effective, because of the natural ingredients in them.

Note: Do patch test (under the elbow) before trying any face mask.

1. Honey and Tomato Face Mask for Acne

We already heard extolling benefits of honey from our grannies and through historical as well as religious books. Almighty God packed honey with such unmatched nutrients that it has abundant benefits for health, and skin is no exception. Antioxidant, anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties housed in honey restrains acne causing bacteria and aids in regulating oily skin.

Refined honey lacks above mentioned properties, prefer raw honey.

Ingredients:

  • Ripe tomato – 1/2
  • Raw Honey – 1 tbsp

Blend ripe tomato to obtain smooth puree. Add 1 tbsp of raw honey to this paste. Mix it well, on other side prepare your face by washing it with lukewarm water or expose it to steam. Pat dry with cotton cloth and topically massage it with fingers. Avoid pressing pimples, leave the face pack for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Add it to your beauty regimen and use it regularly, it can also be used to fade acne scars.

[Related post: Manuka honey has more nutrients than other types of honey]

2. Tomato and Lemon for Acne Scars

Antibacterial properties in lemon juice develop an unfriendly environment for infectious germs. Natural astringent agent tightens skin pores and lightens acne scars and dark spots.

Note: If you’ve dry skin, limit the use of lemon juice. Or, follow with a moisturizer after face mask treatment.

Ingredients:

  • Lemon juice – 1/2 tbsp
  • Ripe tomato – 1/2

Just like in above face pack, blend ripe tomato till you get puree. Mix lemon juice obtained from fresh lemon slice. Stir thoroughly and apply it on prewashed face. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse it off. If you feel dryness, then apply jojoba oil or olive oil after washing your face.

Conclusion

To benefit from abundant nutrients of tomato, eat it raw or topically apply over the skin. Unlike pricey creams tomato face mask for acne scars may not show instant result, but this inexpensive remedy will affect slowly and gradually with no or less side-effects.

Image source

Green Clay Face Mask Recipe

After rediscovering minerals, medicinal and cosmetic benefits of clay, popular skincare creams are incorporating clay to their beauty products. Depending on mineral content, clay is of different types. Green clay or French green clay is one such type.

Renowned for its absorbent quality, you can use green clay face mask as a remedy for acne, dark spots, oily skin and for exfoliating dead cells. This greenish clay gets its color from decomposed plant matter and it also contains glut of skin care elements like, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, selenium, silica and montmorillonite.

Let’s dwell into green clay face mask benefits for skin.

  • A remedy for Acne: Hormonal imbalance triggers excess sebum production, which gets clogged over skin pores along with dead skin cells. Green clay face mask absorbs excess oil and impurities in the skin.
  • Removes Dark Spots: Topically applying this face mask, draws impurities from the deeper layers of the skin, and improves blood circulation.
  • Exfoliate Dead Cells: Fine particles in this clay will exfoliate dead skin cells.
  • Thwarts Toxins: Along with impurities assorted properties in green clay draws toxins from the skin, which is responsible for infection.
  • By improving blood circulation it tightens skin pores, makes your skin smooth, supple and wrinkle free.

First application may increase dark spots, because it draws all impurities from deeper layers of the skin to out layer. But repeated application will remove dark or brown spots. So, don’t be alarmed to see darker spots on the face on initial use.

DIY Green Clay Face Mask Recipe

To make sure the face mask won’t dry your skin, mix moisturizing elements like jojoba oil or aloe vera gel to it. Or use it post face mask application. Anyhow, here are few recipes that I found useful.

1. Yogurt, Honey and Green Clay Face Mask

honey, yogurt and green clay face mask

Extolling benefits of yogurt and honey have been documented in many beauty magazines and books. Honey is well known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to treat assortment skin diseases.

Ingredients

  • Honey, prefer raw honey – 1 tbsp
  • Yogurt, prefer Greek yogurt – 1/4 cup
  • Green clay, you can get it from local store – 1 tbsp

Mix all the mentioned ingredients in a bowl. I recommend applying a thick layer over face avoiding eyes and lips. Let the natural ingredients settle for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.

Important: Before you apply green clay face mask, prepare your face by cleansing it or washing it with lukewarm water.

[Related post: Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask]

2. Green Clay Face Mask for Acne (Jojoba Oil or Aloe Vera gel)

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba oil) is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has an excellent quality of controlling excess sebum production, which is the main cause of pimples. Aloe vera gel is popularly known for its moisturizing effect. If you’ve dry skin I recommend aloe vera gel and with oily skin add jojoba oil.

Ingredients:

  • Jojoba oil – 5 drops (if you’ve oily skin)
  • Aloe vera gel – 1 tbsp (if your skin is sensitive)
  • Green clay powder – 1/4

Take green clay powder in a bowl and pour water in it. Leave it for 2 minutes and start mixing, avoid lumps. Experts suggest using wooden or plastic spoon and to avoid metals. If need add more water or clay to make thick paste. Add jojoba oil or aloe vera gel with respect to oily or dry skin. Now, prepare your face by cleansing it with warm water.

Using your fingers, apply thick layer of green clay face mask avoiding lips and eye area. Leave it for about 20 minutes then wipe with water dipped cloth or rinse it off with water.

After pat drying, follow with natural moisturizer, like shea butter or olive oil.

[Related post: Aloe vera face mask]

3. Oats and Green Clay Face Mask Recipe

Take 2 tbsp of grounded oats, 1/2 cup of clay and mix it thoroughly. Then add 1 tbsp of raw honey and 1 tbsp milk to the mixture. After mixing it, you can refrigerate it for future use.

Mean while; wash your face to remove impurities accumulated with cleanser. Pat dry and when the face is still damp apply thick layer of clay face mask evenly. Leave it for about 15 minutes and wipe it warm water dipped cloth. Follow with a natural moisturizer.

Conclusion

Exceptional properties in green clay make it an innate remedy for various skin infections. To see the results beauty experts suggests to regularly using it. Try it 2-3 times a week depending on your skin type. If it’s drying your skin limit its use and apply moisturizer. As mentioned you can use any natural ingredient with it, so let us know your green clay face mask recipe.

Turmeric Face Mask for Acne and Acne Scars

turmeric face mask for acne and acne scars

Turmeric for acne is a miraculous remedy. Indians use this golden spice as a medical herb and in almost every food. Because of its antiseptic and antibiotic properties we use it as a first aid for minor injuries. In marriage ceremonies turmeric face mask for acne scars is used as a ritual. It’s less in calories, cholesterol and rich in fiber, iron and vitamin B6.

Enticed properties of turmeric powder made scientific experts to carry out research, which concluded that turmeric has a compound called curcumin that is responsible for all the exceptional qualities of this yellow powder. However, percent of curcumin in turmeric powder is very less, around 3%.  So experts suggest, taking extract that contains compelling amount of curcumin. (1)

Why Turmeric Face Mask for Acne and Acne Scars Works?

“Stop extolling and show me how or why it works for pimples?”

OK, let me put this in bullets so you can easily scan its properties. 🙂

Before that allow me to reveal the main cause of acne, it’s untrue that P.acnes are mere cause of acne blemishes. According to experts, inflammation is the main cause of acne and Medicalnewstoday.com quotes that, hormonal imbalance causes acne vulgaris. (source)

  • As mentioned above research conclude, curcumin is the main compound in turmeric that is responsible for exceptional qualities of the powder.
  • Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory effect, just like a drug. Anti-inflammation reduces red swollen pimples. Studies show that curcumin fights inflammation at molecular level. (2)
  • It’s also a strong antioxidant agent, which thwarts free radicals and also boosts antioxidant levels in the body.
  • Antiseptic and antibiotic properties make it a natural remedy for minor injuries and scars.

How to Use Turmeric Face Mask for Acne?

Now you’ve an idea about the ability of this golden yellow spice, you must follow suggested tips else you may end up with surprising yellow stains.

1. Turmeric and Honey for Acne

turmeric and honey for acne

Benefits of turmeric and honey are documented in historical and religious books. Like turmeric, raw honey is packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Topically applying honey or honey face mask will fasten healing process.

If you’re serious about our skin, then we recommend you manuka honey for acne (expensive).

Things you’ll need

  • Raw honey – 3 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp
  • Milk – 1 tbsp

Procedure

Thoroughly mix the ingredients in a bowl. Before applying, prepare your face by cleansing it with warm water or expose it to steam, so that pores open up and pat dry after this.

Take mixed paste and apply evenly all over the face. You can mix gram flour if the face pack is not thick. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wipe it off with warm cloth, then rinse with water. Follow with moisturizer. Don’t be alarmed if you see stains on face, it will fade in few hours. Likewise, to remove acne scars you must repeatedly use this face mask.

[Also read: 5 Proven Reasons Why Lemon and Honey for Pimples Works]

2. Sandalwood powder and Turmeric Face Mask for Acne Scars

sandalwood powder and multani mitti for acne scars
flickr.com/kinshuksunil

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents housed in sandalwood powder make it an excellent remedy for acne scars, pimples, wrinkles and zits.

Things you’ll need

Procedure

Mix sandalwood powder and turmeric powder in a bowl and add curd or milk to make a smooth paste. After washing your face evenly massage, especially on acne scars. Rinse it off or wipe it with warm cloth.

Repeat the process twice weekly. Follow moisturizer post application.

3. Turmeric and Yogurt Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin

yogurt yeast infection

Not all skin types are same. Treatment for dry skin differs from oily skin. If you’ve oily skin then use yogurt with turmeric. It will also decrease chances of stains on your face.

Things you’ll need

  • Turmeric – 1 tbsp
  • Greek Yogurt – 1 tbsp
  • Honey – 1 tbsp

Process is same like mentioned above. If you’ve dry skin, then replace yogurt with olive oil or other essential oil.

Note: Never use pure turmeric and water, though it makes your skin healthy, as it leaves stains over your face. Mix it with other natural ingredients listed above.

Turmeric face mask for acne scars is cost effective home remedy, did you ever used it?