Your skin goes through a rough time facing dirt and pollution daily. No matter how lucrative some beauty products may sound, natural ingredients and a home-made pack are still the best solutions. Ingredients like saffron, lemon, milk and sandalwood are known to be great for your skin. Although sandalwood (chandan) is popular as a beauty remedy, very few people know about the red sandalwood. Rakta Chandana or the red sandalwood is one of the finest ingredients for your skin.

The red sandalwood tree can be found mostly in the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. The tree is prized for the rich red color of its wood. Just like regular chandan, red sandalwood is also sold in powdered form but it is a bit more coarse. It is primarily used for skin care and beauty purposes. It is very effective in reducing blemishes and treating acne. It also helps in the removal of sun tan and dullness because of its cooling properties. Here are eight ways to use red sandalwood for beautiful and glowing skin.

1. Add few drops of coconut oil to red sandalwood powder and make a paste with it. This can be applied on dry areas for moisturizing them. Wash off after 10-15 minutes. Red sandalwood powder is known to provide nourishment to the skin cells.

2. Mix red sandalwood powder with lemon juice to prepare a mask for oily skin. Apply this paste all over your face and let it dry out. Once it does, wash it off with lukewarm water. It helps in regulating the secretion of sebum and makes the pores tight.

3. Acne and pimples happen to be common skin problems faced by most people. A rose water and red sandalwood face pack helps in the reduction of acne and acne scars and also the irritation caused by acne due to its cooling properties. You can even add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric to the pack for better results.

4. A pack made with 1 tablespoon of red sandalwood and 2 tablespoons of mashed ripe papaya can help in exfoliation (removal of dead skin). This face pack helps you shed the dead skin and leaves your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

5. Use red sandalwood powder along with curd and milk to improve uneven skin tone. Mix 1 tablespoon of red sandalwood powder, half tablespoon of turmeric, 2 tablespoon of curd and milk each to make a face pack. Apply this all over and let it dry. Later wash it off with lukewarm water and enjoy radiant complexion.

6. It helps in removal of dark spots and reduces pigmentation. Prepare a simple pack with 2 tablespoons of red sandalwood and 2 tablespoon of milk and apply it everyday.

7. A pack with cucumber juice or curd with red sandalwood powder helps in removing sun tan. Mix 2 tablespoon of curd or cucumber juice with an equal amount of red sandalwood powder and apply it on the affected area. Let it dry and then wash off. You will see instant results.

8. Prepare a mask with 2 teaspoons of almond oil, 4 teaspoons of coconut oil and 4 teaspoons of red sandalwood powder. Use this regularly for soft and glowing skin.

Red sandalwood has many uses in your skin care routine, give it a permanent spot in your beauty cabinet. You'll find the best quality of red sandalwood in Kerala, so if you happen to visit it, you must buy it for yourself.

Acne, or simply known as pimples, is a common skin problem that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. It can happen any time and many reasons are attributed to the cause of acne such as stress, puberty, hormonal changes, menopause etc to name a few.

Acne can also be a genetic problem, occur due to hormonal imbalance or simply because of lifestyle issues.

Here are some simple tips you can try to keep acne at bay:


Remove all the makeup before going to bed.
One should wash face properly. It is recommended to clean your face twice a day and not more than that as it can leave your skin more oily.
Clean your face with an alcohol-free makeup remover followed by mild washing with a deep pore cleanser.
Eat a healthy balanced diet including fresh fruits, veggies, curd and sprouts.
Avoid junk foods, sugar-rich and starchy products like cakes, chocolates, white bread, fried food and sweets.
Drink lots of water as it flushes out toxins from the body and makes the skin look cleansed and hydrated.
Start practising yoga because breathing and stretching involved in the exercise ensures proper blood circulation in your body which makes the skin acne-free.
Do not use soaps as they can damage the skin by making it drier, rougher and more permeable to bacteria.
Always remember to apply sunblock as the sun has UVA and UVB rays which may worsen those pimples.
Besides following these tips, one can also prevent the skin problem by simple eating a healthy balanced diet.

Here are some foods that will help to get rid of acne:

Spinach

Add green veggies like spinach in your daily diet to get rid of acne because it is rich in Vitamin A that acts as an anti-acne agent. It also helps cleanse bacteria and toxins from the digestive tract and blood stream.

Turmeric

Turmeric helps in curing acne as it fights inflammation and brightens the appearance of the skin. It also acts as a natural remedy against internal bacteria and toxins that lead to acne.

Carrots

Eat lots of carrots daily because they are rich in Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene that work against acne.

Salmon

Salmon contains high amount of omega 3 fats, protein that helps in getting rid of acne and boosts collagen in the skin. It also help fight inflammation.

Suffering from those frequent acne breakouts? Are pimples and pimple scars driving you crazy? If yes, then fret not, we've got an easy-peasy all-natural home remedy for you. We often try to resort to various measures to get rid of acne marks; however, most of the time our efforts go in drain. People with oily skin type are more vulnerable to pimples. So, in order to keep pimple problems at bay, we give you a two-ingredient face pack, which is not only easy-to-make but may also do wonders for your skin. We are talking about lemon and honey. Both these kitchen ingredients are easily accessible and can be used in one face pack:

Ingredients Required:

Lemon Juice Extract
1 tablespoon honey

Method:

To begin with, take a bowl and add lemon juice extract to it.

Next, add honey to it and mix both the ingredients well.

Apply this mixture on your face and acne prone areas and let it sit for around 15 minutes.

Once this is done, wash it off using warm water.

Note: This lemon and honey mixture will moisturise your skin to a great extent and make it look soft and supple. This face pack is perfect for those who have an oily skin type. Why, you ask? It is because lemon helps clean the skin and eliminates dead skin cells, which further helps in reducing oil secretion; whereas, the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey help in reducing the oil secretion.

So, what are you waiting for? Bring together these two humble kitchen ingredients and say bye-bye to pimples and acne scars.

Searching for the best, fastest, and the most effective home remedies for acne is not as simple as some people think. In most cases, it may turn out to be a trial-and-error process.

For example, baking soda has made it to the list of most commonly used acne home remedies for years. Unfortunately, people with sensitive skin often find their acne problems turn from bad to worse after using baking soda.

Truth be told, there’s no such thing as the ULTIMATE home remedy for acne. One solution may work for some people but might bring the opposite effect to others. And if you’re in a hurry to clear your pores from pimples, this might depress you a bit.

So what are the best acne home remedies to clear your zits overnight?

After searching for a while, NurseBuff has come up with five home remedies for acne that have been proven to be safe and effective for most people. And, yes, that includes folks with uber sensitive skin. So without further ado, here are ten home remedies to help you get rid of acne the fastest but safest way possible:

1. Garlic

Garlic has antiseptic properties that can fight off bacteria invading your skin. In addition to that, it also contains natural components like sulfur known to quickly heal acne. To use it as an acne home remedy, slice a garlic clove into two. You can then rub the garlic and its juice directly to your pimples. Leave it for five minutes before washing with lukewarm water. Repeat as desired or when the skin shows no signs of sensitivity.

2. Cucumber

Cucumber has long been known as a natural remedy to soothe skin. It is also a rich source of different nutrients that can help in acne healing and prevention. These include Vitamins A, C, and E. When used regularly, cucumber can prevent the development of oily skin and eventually, acne breakouts.

There are three different ways to use cucumber as an acne home remedy:

Option # 1: Apply grated or sliced cucumber to the affected area and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing.

Option # 2: Cut the cucumber into pieces. Let them soak in a bowl of clean water for at least one hour. During this process, the nutrients from the cucumber including chlorophyll will slowly transfer to the water. Strain the solution and use the water either as a drink or as a facial wash.

Option # 3: To make a facial mask, mix grated cucumber with one cup of oatmeal. You can then combine this mixture with some amount of plain yogurt to give a smoother consistency. Apply the mask for about 30 minutes before rinsing with a lukewarm water.

3. Toothpaste

Toothpaste basically works like your ordinary facial mask. If applied directly to the affected area, the toothpaste will help in drying up the pimples and absorbing excess oil. This is a very effective acne home remedy for people suffering from mild forms of acne like whiteheads or blackheads. However, toothpastes made from gel or those containing whitening properties should be avoided at all cost. These products contain hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals that can harm sensitive skin.

Before applying toothpaste on your skin, apply an ice pack to the affected area just to soothe your pores. You can then apply small amounts of toothpaste to the pimples and let it stay for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

4. Honey

Honey may be sweet for your taste buds but for your skin, it can act as an amazing antimicrobial and wound-healing remedy. Manuka honey, for instance, has been a popular acne remedy in New Zealand where the Manuka bush is indigenous.

To use as an acne home remedy, dip a cotton swab in the honey and then apply it to the affected area. Leave it for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon contains Vitamin C and has acidic properties to fight off acne-causing bacteria. But in using it as an acne home remedy, it’s best to use natural fresh lemon juice. Those that are commercially sold in bottles often contain preservatives that may bring more harm to the skin than good.

There are two ways to use lemon juice as an overnight acne home remedy:

Option # 1: Dip a clean cotton swab in lemon juice. Apply it to the affected area and let it stay overnight. Wash it with a lukewarm water the following morning.

Option # 2: Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to create a mask. Apply it to the affected area and leave it overnight. Wash it with a lukewarm water the following morning. Note: This may not be recommended for people with sensitive skin.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar can also help tone down your breakouts. It works as a natural astringent that can make your skin feel smoother and your zits less inflamed and obvious.

ACV can absorb excess oil to make sure that it doesn’t end up clogging your pores. It can restore your skin’s pH level, too. This ensures healing and prevents further damage.

Apple cider vinegar is best used for spot treating acne. Simply dab a few drops of diluted ACV on your pimples overnight and you’ll be able to see a huge difference the morning after.

Aside from pimples, this remedy works great on age spots and acne scars as well.

7. Tea Tree Oil

With its ability to reduce redness and dry out pimples, tea tree oil is one of the most effective natural remedies you can use. It has antibacterial properties which help eliminate acne-causing bacteria from your skin. It also works well in eliminating blackheads and whiteheads so you can get the clear skin you’ve always wanted.

Using tea tree is pretty simple. You just need to dip a piece of cotton ball in your choice of tea tree essential oil. Dab the cotton ball on the affected area and wait for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Another way you can try is mixing the oil with a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture on your blemishes and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to rinse it off.

8. Green Tea

Green tea isn’t just well-known for its health benefits; it’s also famous for its ability to fight acne. With a potent antimicrobial property, this tea can help heal your acne in no time. It even has antioxidant compounds to slow down premature skin aging and free radical damage.

To use green tea as an acne remedy, simply lay a cooled bag on the affected area. You can also use a cooled cup of green tea as your face wash.

9. Mint

One of the most common causes of acne is clogged pores. This is where mint can help you.

It contains a great amount of salicylic acid which is the same active ingredient you can find in most skin care products for acne. The acid helps loosen dead skin cells to make them easier to shed.

In addition to that, mint also has vitamins A and C as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It’s loaded with antioxidants, too.

As a remedy for acne, you can combine crushed mint leaves with just the right amount of honey to create a paste. Apply the mixture on the affected areas on your face and leave on for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and don’t forget to moisturize after.

10. Aspirin

What makes aspirin effective as an acne remedy is its salicylic acid content. It can dry up pimples and tone down inflammation quickly, making it a really effective overnight acne treatment.

To get its full benefits, you need to mash the aspirin and mix it with a small amount of water. Mix the two until you’re able to create a paste. Apply the mixture on your acne spots and leave it on overnight. If your skin is sensitive, you can rinse off after a few minutes.

Acne Vulgaris, or more commonly known as acne or Pimples, is a skin condition that develops when the hair follicles get clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells.

Types of Acne:

1. Black or white pimples; these blackheads and whiteheads are called comedones. Blackheads are surfaced on the skin while the whiteheads form just below the surface of the skin. Besides these two heads, inflammatory lesions may also give rise to scarring.

2. Papules are raised and small red bumps that may be caused due to infected or inflamed hair follicles

3. Pustules are red pimples, with pus on their tips

4. Nodules appear just below your skin surface and are usually painful

5. Cysts are larger lumps that contain pus

Causes
The main cause of acne is the blockage of hair follicles, which are made of hair and the sebaceous gland. When these tiny hair follicles plug themselves with excess sebum and dead skin cells, it results in acne. Your skin is rendered soft and lubricated by the sebum. This lubrication process may be hindered for any of the following reasons:

1. Excess production of oil by the hair follicles

2. Accumulation of dead skin cells

3. Bacteria buildup in the pores

Reasons behind Pimples

1. Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy


2. Side effects of certain medications such as birth control pills or steroids

3. Pimples can be hereditary as well

4. Consumption of foods laden with refined sugar, simple carbs and Deep fried and oily items.

5. Dandruff also can cause acne / pimples, more so on the forehead and back

Home Remedies

The following are the home remedies that can be used to treat this condition:

1. Remove excess oil and dirt by cleaning the skin with a mild soap

2. Shampoo your hair on a regular basis

3. Use water-based cosmetics

4. Avoid squeezing pimples which otherwise would spread the excess oil and bacteria

5. Avoid the use of tight headbands or hats

Medications

1. Acne gels and creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide dry out the existing pimples, prevent the formation of new ones and kill bacteria that cause acne.

2. Sulfur, one of the major ingredients of lotions, masks and cleansers, is one of the best medications for acne.

3. Resorcinol removes the dead cells.

4. Salicylic acid, contained in soaps, prevents blockage of pores.

It’s always desirable to get the pimples treated by a Skin Specialist/ Medical Cosmetologist