Are you battling with one beauty threat or the other? Don’t be too worried,everyone’s got one but you just have to take the right steps to make it(them) history in no time.
Dealing with a major forehead zit? Or cracked, dry skin? Before you run to the pharmacy for a solution, check your abode—you may already have everything you need for natural antidotes to these all-too-common conditions and others.
The problem: Acne
The natural solution: Use a mixture of three tablespoons aloe vera juice or gel and four drops tea tree oil to treat problem areas. (You can use this up to two times per day.) Aloe contains gibberellins and polysaccharides to thwart the bacteria known to cause acne, plus anti-inflammatories to soothe aggravated skin, heal scars, and stimulate new skin growth.
The problem: Dry skin
The natural solution: Mix the juice of one lemon with five tablespoons sugar and one tablespoon olive oil, then apply in the shower with a loofa or the palms of your hands before rinsing well. Lemon contains natural alpha-hydroxy fruit acids to loosen the “glue” that binds dead skin cells together, while sugar is a gentle exfoliator that cleans pores and increases cell turnover. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E to nourish and condition skin.
The problem: Dry cuticles
The natural solution: Add a few drops of coconut oil to a pea-sized dollop of your favorite hand cream, and rub generously into each of your cuticles. For enhanced benefits, wear plastic gloves for 10 minutes to let it sink in.
The problem: Ingrown hairs
The natural solution: Dissolve four aspirin tablets in 1/2 teaspoon warm water, and mix in one teaspoon honey to form a paste. Apply the concoction to the affected area, and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is a potent exfoliator. Plus, it’s an anti-inflammatory, which reduces swelling. NOTE: If you have especially sensitive skin, steer clear of this treatment.
The problem: Stained teeth
The natural solution: Mix three teaspoons baking soda with one teaspoon water to form a paste. Scoop up a bit of the mixture with your toothbrush, and use to brush thoroughly. Repeat two to three times per week. Baking soda polishes teeth and removes stains, though it isn’t recommended for daily use because it can be too abrasive on tooth enamel.
Now see why you don’t need to run a relay to the pharmacy? It’s something you can handle, even more naturally. So do it right.
Photo Credit: Halloftheblackdragon
