A common conundrum that the majority of us face at some point is — “How to get rid of nasty pimples?” While reaching for the hot-selling products in the market can work wonders, there’s nothing the miraculous ingredients nestled in our grandmother’s beauty recipes can’t do.
Ayurvedic remedies are just as powerful as over-the-counter products available on the market. Known for their myriad beauty benefits and spectacular therapeutic properties — the kitchen’s fail-safe ingredients are balanced by nature and contain the vibratory energy to provide an unparalleled level of purification and nutritional boost to nurture the skin. With just the right Ayurveda-inspired home remedies, one can alleviate all the pimple concerns and get the extra glow for the next Saturday soiree invite.
The Channel 46 talked to Founder of Indulgeo Essentials Supriya Mallik, who shares Ayurveda-inspired home remedies that work like magic potions for treating pimples.
1. Neem Leaves
All of you out there cribbing about gnarly pimples need to learn that neem is enriched with almost unparalleled medicinal virtues in the realm of Ayurveda skincare. Hence, it only makes sense that you must make it your BFF. Imbued with antibacterial properties, the magical ingredient has long vied for a top spot to help balance skin’s oil production, minimise pimples, and reduce post-pimple scars and skin inflammation. The choice is yours — whether you wish to use it in the form of oil, paste or powder, neem just won’t disappoint.
2. Haldi (Turmeric)
With famous actresses like Priyanka Chopra vouching for herbal packs made of turmeric, it is undoubtedly becoming a favourite addition to every skincare regime. Due to its antibacterial and antiseptic benefits, it’s a magic healer that purifies oily skin and prevents future breakouts.
This all-encompassing spice mixed with besan (gram flour) and neem powder makes for an incredible pack that helps prevent pimples, zits and acne scars.
Read: 10 Turmeric Face Mask Recipes For That Ultimate Glow
3. Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
Not only does the freshness of this ingredient rejuvenate your soul, but its wholesome energy enriched with magnesium chloride helps get rid of pimples and prevents breakouts. Mixing Multani mitti with neem powder and rose water, gives a pack that dries out inflamed pimples, reduces excess sebum, and proactively works to treat breakouts with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Read: 8 Must-Try Multani Mitti Mud Masks
4. Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera)
It’s easy keeping breakouts at bay with aloe vera. All the hype around the cooling effects of this leaf is well deserved due to its active ingredient, salicylic acid. It is one of the best ingredients that reduce pore-clogging and inflammation caused due to active, painful zits. To reduce acne, apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera on your entire face, leave it on all night and rinse it off in the morning. Repeated nightly use of pure aloe reduces swelling, kills bacteria and alleviates soreness.
5. Pudina (Mint)
This Ayurvedic healer has solutions for not just pimples but all skin woes. Apart from rendering the freshness of a Pina Colada in the summers, mint leaves are a rich source of vitamins A and C, both essential for clear skin. They also contain Salicylic acid, an AHA that helps clear clogged follicles. Apply crushed mint leaves emulsified with rose water to get the best results.
6. Jaiphal (Nutmeg)
The kitchen staple is spiked with skincare benefits that can make you forget over-the-counter products. Boosted with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it opens up congested pores and prevents pimples from popping up. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and copper, it is a cocktail blend the skin desires for a million-dollar natural glow.
The best way to create a pack is by adding vinegar and water to a teaspoon of nutmeg powder. Apply the paste to the skin and let it dry. Once dried, dab some water and gently exfoliate it before rinsing.
7. Sauf (Fenugreek Seeds)
Fenugreek seeds make an excellent skin purifier. When the seeds are ground into a fine powder, the tiny granules penetrate the pores and remove all the oil and impurities, leaving the skin looking clean and fresh. They can also be used as a wonderful mild exfoliant. To make a smooth paste out of some seeds, soak the seeds in water overnight. Scrub yourself clean with this paste.
8. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
If this superfood isn’t already a part of your daily diet, it’s worth adding it. Amla is a vitamin C-rich ingredient emerging as a fearless pimple battling player. For healthy and flawless skin, mix amla with turmeric powder and some lemon juice. Apply the paste to your face for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. Dilute it with water if you have sensitive skin.
9. Shahad (Honey) & Dalchini (Cinnamon)
Cinnamon is one ingredient that can make pimples a part of your past. The anti-acne remedy of honey and cinnamon is fabulous for stimulating the blood arteries, which in turn improves circulation. Cinnamon renders its anti-inflammatory properties while honey kills the bacteria with its powerful microbial property. Apply the mixture every day for 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water until the pimples clear up.
10. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
“Tulsi is a rockstar Ayurvedic ingredient that works on many levels”, says Supriya.
Tulsi leaves help to get rid of acne-causing germs as well as acne scarring. Some of the best ingredients that pair well with tulsi are yoghurt, turmeric, Multani mitti, and lemon juice, resulting in some simple DIY face masks that you can try at home.
11. Papita (Papaya)
Papaya is a wonder ingredient not just to add to your diet but to your skincare routine as well. Antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene are abundant in papayas, which protect the skin from acne flare-ups and help in toning the skin evenly. Applying raw papaya juice regularly shields the skin from pimples and fades away blemishes.
Jump on the Ayurveda wagon without giving it any further thought. It is essential that one root the skincare origin right to make the most of it. Go for skincare products that are finely-rooted and enriched with only the best — just like your grandmother’s skincare remedies.
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