Exfoliation is a key factor when it comes to removing blackheads and preventing acne flare-ups. There are many products available in the form of face packs and face washes. While chemical products can be more harmful with continued and regular use, organic products are expensive. A combination of home remedies and face packs can reduce the impact of acne over a period of time. Regular use of these remedies can also dull acne scars. By using homemade face packs, you do not have to depend on rough scrubs and chemical cleansers to remove acne and acne scars.
Many of the ingredients in homemade face packs are used in regular cooking and can be found in your pantry. These have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that soothe the skin. While using any face pack, remember to apply it evenly on the face and neck, and wash it off with warm water. It is advisable to pat your face dry with a soft textured cloth as opposed to scrubbing your face dry. This can be counter-productive as it tends to irritate the skin.
Here are some recipes for face packs that help reduce inflammation and acne and nourish your skin.
Face packs for oily skin
Oatmeal and honey
- Method
Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered oats, 2 teaspoons of organic honey and 1 tablespoon of rosewater, water or milk. Apply it on your face and keep it on for about 15 minutes. After the face pack dries and hardens, wash it off with warm water. Repeat this procedure twice a week.
Tree tea oil and clay
- Method
Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of any clay suitable for cosmetic purposes with 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil, and 2-3 teaspoons of rosewater. Make a paste and apply it on your face. You can apply it just where your acne is or on your entire face. Pat your face dry with a soft towel and repeat this process twice a week.
Almond and egg white
- Method
Mix aloe vera gel and juice of fresh lime. Apply it evenly and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash your face with warm water and apply some moisturizer after patting your face dry.
Orange peel
- Method
Mix 1 teaspoon of dried orange peel powder with milk and apply it evenly on your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and peel it off. Orange has the power to control sebum production and, hence, can control the acne.
Face packs for dry skin
Cream and gram flour
- Method
Mix some buttermilk or fresh cream with gram flour. Apply the mixture and leave it on for 20 minutes. Once the face pack hardens, gently massage the skin so that the pack acts as a face scrub. Following that, wash the remnants with warm water and pat your face with a cloth.
Cocoa and coconut
- Method
Mix ½ tablespoon cocoa powder, two teaspoon coconut milk, one teaspoon oatmeal, and ½ teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the face and once it is dry, wash it off with cold water.
Essential oils and acne
Essential oils have been a quintessential part of skincare for ages. Some of the essential oils that help control acne and remove acne scars are thyme oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil, rose oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, bergamot, and lavender oil. Never use or apply essential oils directly. Combine it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it directly to the acne-prone area. Try this method regularly to achieve healthy-looking skin.