10 Natural And Inexpensive Remedies For Frustrating Skin Conditions
Jun 05, 2018
Skin conditions can be as uncomfortable and worrisome as they are unsightly and embarrassing. And, there are a lot of reasons the skin can develop a problem - from psoriasis, and eczema to an allergy - making it difficult to determine how best to treat the problem at its root, especially considering many consumer products are labeled for a specific remedy and cost a fortune to gamble on results.
Now, for the good news! Natural remedies can be used to treat the symptoms of itching, burning, inflammation, redness, and pain and to alleviate whatever the root cause is in many cases. No added chemicals and no high-dollar packaging.
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1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal does more than just lower cholesterol. You’ve might’ve even noticed a lot of top-end brands carrying soaps and lotions containing oatmeal, but the reality is that nothing beats unadulterated oatmeal in price nor value. Oatmeal is binding, providing a protective barrier over the skin to soothe as it keeps further irritants away. Water-binding polysaccharides act as an emollient to keep moisture in, too. From everyday dry skin, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, to eczema, oatmeal has been studied in an array of topical skin conditions, and the results are almost universal that oatmeal is an invaluable asset to skin healing and maintenance.
Eating oatmeal daily can provide essential nutrients for even, clear, acne-free complexions.
For existing skin ailments, add a cup or two of raw oats to your lukewarm bath water. Soak for 10-15 minutes. Have a cheesecloth or strainer ready to catch the oats as you drain the water to keep it from clogging pipes.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
The uses of apple cider vinegar are endless - internal use digestion aid to a powerful disinfectant to clean your home’s hard surfaces. It’s been studied in everything from cancer prevention to a method of weight loss. In terms of the skin, apple cider vinegar works to quell inflammation and bacteria and fungus growth from rashes and acne. Alkalizing and detoxification also reduce halitosis, sunburns, eczema, psoriasis, allergies from insect bites, and contact dermatitis from poisonous plants.
Mix one ounce of apple cider vinegar with eight ounces of water; drink once or twice daily.
You can apply it directly to your skin once or twice a day with a soft cloth or cotton pad. Or try adding it to your bath water to soothe larger areas of skin (such as sunburn.)
3. Lemon Juice
This powerful citrus juice is known for its broad spectrum of use in healing and health. It’s absolutely full of essential vitamins, minerals, and oils to fight everything from inflammation to infection. Pimple-causing bacteria and oil secretions are minimized by lemon juice. Dark spots can also be benefited since lemon juice reduces skin pigmentation.
Add several drops of lemon juice to your favorite moisturizer.
Or try adding some lemon juice to each of the eight glasses of water we just hope you’re already drinking per day.
4. Aloe Vera
Yep, you’ve probably used that sticky green gel of aloe vera if you’ve ever had a bad sunburn. Its medicinal use is one of the oldest plant documentations in arid environments and for good reason that is. It keeps your skin hydrated. Complex carbs within the plant also make for an effective analgesic. Glycoproteins relieve itching, irritation, and inflammation. It’s an all-around fantastic treatment for any condition that leaves your skin, dehydrated, irritated, and itchy.
Go with fresh aloe vera. Apply the sticky goo with a cotton pad or soft cloth up to three times a day.
5. Coconut Oil
The molecular weight of coconut oil is almost nonexistent, meaning it penetrates the skin better, perhaps than any other moisturizing substance. It also bonds with skin cell proteins to stay in the game through a lot of sweat and daily activity. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory perfect to gently act on psoriasis and eczema.
Substitute butter and cooking oils with coconut oil. Aim for at least a tbsp per day.
It can be applied directly to affected skin twice daily.
6. Turmeric
Spice up your skincare routine with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Benefits include glowing skin, fewer breakouts, better healing of acne scarring, reduced growth of tumor cells, and psoriasis management.
Add turmeric spice to foods and/or take an oral supplement.
Mix the dry spice with just enough water to make a thick paste. Use it like a mask - apply, allow to dry, and wash off.
7. Honey
Any food substance that can survive in ancient Egyptian ruins for thousands of years and still be eatable deserves a gold star, right? Nectar of the Gods isn’t just a feat in remaining eatable, though. It’s also been a homeopathic remedy for thousands of years. It stimulates tissue growth and healing and disinfects, making it invaluable at treating wounds, rashes, burns, and scars.
Add it to your daily diet. A couple teaspoons per day are good.
Apply topically to affected areas, allow to harden for 30 minutes, gently wash off with lukewarm water.
8. Tea Tree Oil
This is a potent little antiseptic to treat and dry up wounds and acne. It’s also an anti-fungal for ringworms and impetigo treatment. It’s anti-inflammatory properties and essential nutrients have been proven beneficial in everything from dandruff to psoriasis and acne.
Do not ingest tea tree oil. Topical use only. For the face, it’s best to dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil or olive oil. It’s very drying and potent, which may irritate some people’s skin. Apply undiluted to funguses unless it causes irritation.
9. Tomato Juice
PH balance is crucial to healthy skin, and tomato juice helps to regulate pH levels. Tomato juice has antioxidants to help rejuvenate the skin with collagen production and skin cell regeneration. Plus, skin-health vitamins, such as lycopene, help to prevent breakouts. The results prevent itching, reduce redness, and provide relief from inflammation.
Eat plenty of fresh raw tomatoes and drink at least 8 ounces of tomato juice per week.
Fresh raw tomatoes can also be pulverized to create a face mask. To really kick it up a notch, make a face mask of tomato, lemon juice, and honey.
10. Bentonite Clay
This mineral expels toxins, reduces inflammation and redness, while also boosting immunity. It’s been studied as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent due to its ability to bind with toxins on the skin’s surface, which are then removed when the clay is removed, resulting in a powerful fight against the bacteria that causes acne and fungi that can cause fungal outbreaks. It’s also been researched as a method to help wounds heal quicker and with less scarring.
External use only. Apply as a 20-minute mask and rinse with lukewarm water. It can be quite drying. Only use once a week and follow-up with a coconut oil moisturizer directly after use.
Stress and anxiety (via hormones) play a big role in skin health. So, always remember to mentally cleanse and moisturize as your applying the above skincare remedies.
Which skincare remedies are you planning to try? Let us know how they work out for you, and, as always, please feel free to leave us any questions or recommendations you might have for us.