Banish pimples with these 6 home remedies

We often spot a pimple on our face when there is an important event to attend such as a party or someone’s wedding. Popping them isn’t the best thing to do but you can certainly manage pimples in a better way by using these six herbal remedies.

Lemons contain vitamin C and phytonutrients called flavonoids that have a strong antioxidant as well as antibiotic action. Free radicals generated during the metabolic reactions within the body can damage the healthy cells of the body, causing inflammation and swelling. The antioxidants in lemon restrict the action of these free radicals and this makes lemon juice an excellent remedy for pimples.  A word of caution regarding lemon juice – it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and therefore, do not venture out in the sun when you have applied it on your face.

Steps:

• Squeeze out the juice from a freshly-cut lemon and dab a little directly on to the pimple.
• Leave it on overnight and wash the next morning.
• Mix a tablespoon of groundnut oil into an equal quantity of freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply over the entire face.
• This provides long-term preventive action against blackheads that may later turn into pimples. 

Garlic

Garlic is one the wonder foods of India that has remarkable medicinal properties ranging from digestive and antibiotic action to fighting against high cholesterol levels. Garlic is also said to have the action of cleansing toxins from the blood, resulting in blemish-free, glowing skin free from pimples.

Steps:

• Remove the outer skin of garlic and rub a single clove on the spot where the pimple has sprouted to see immediate results.
• Grind a few cloves of garlic, mix with a little curd and use this face pack on the area where you see the pimples. 
• Also get rid of dandruff with garlic.

Tomato pulp

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and applying their pulp to the pimple causes the skin to dry and the pores of the skin in the region get tightened. This means there is a lesser chance of sebum leaking from the pores to cause pimples. Tomato is also rich in antioxidants and applying the pulp to the face reduces inflammation and damage of the skin.

Steps:

• Cut a tomato in half, squeeze out a little of the pulp or the juice and apply on the pimple.
• If this causes you pain or drying of the skin, dilute the tomato pulp with a little water and use.
• Do not do this more than once or twice a day because it may lead to excessive drying of the skin which can be quite painful. 

 Cinnamon and honey pack

Cinnamon or dalchini is a common spice used for adding a distinct aroma and flavour to food but the essential oil it contains also has strong anti-microbial properties. Honey does not contain a lot of moisture which can promote the growth of microorganisms. Considering that pimples often arise from an infection within the pores of the skin, combining cinnamon with honey is an effective remedy.

Steps:

• Mix a little cinnamon powder with a little honey to make a paste; avoid adding water because it will destroy the action of honey.
• Dab a little of the paste on each pimple and allow to remain overnight.
• Wash off with lukewarm water the next morning.
• Repeat for a few days if necessary.

 Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi has multiple benefits – not only is it helpful in keeping blood glucose levels low in diabetics, it also helps remove blackheads and prevent pimples from erupting. For skin application, it is best to use the leaves of the methi plant rather than the seeds.

Steps:

• Grind a few leaves of methi with a little water to make a smooth paste.
• At night, apply this paste to the area of the face that shows evidence of blackheads and wash off with warm water the next morning.
• Dry a few neem leaves in the sun and grind to a fine powder. Mix equal quantities of this powder, turmeric powder and a little rose water to form a paste.
• Apply this to the pimples, leave it on for around 20 minutes or so and then wash your face

Turmeric

Remember how your grandmother always insisted on sprinkling a little turmeric on your wounds saying it would help it heal? Well, medical researchers are now finding that turmeric contains ingredients that make it a powerful antimicrobial. No wonder then that women in India have always been using turmeric paste claiming it keeps their skin healthy and glowing. Although you can apply turmeric paste directly to skin, consuming it with a little warm milk is also said to be an effective remedy for flawless skin.

Steps:

• Mix a little turmeric powder with a little coconut oil and apply directly onto the pimples at night.
• Next morning, wash your face with water to remove the paste.

Whatever you do, do not pop pimples as that will leave a scar behind which is even difficult to get rid of. If your acne problem persists despite using these remedies for a few weeks, see a skin specialist.