As anyone who suffers from adult acne knows, it can be frustrating when nothing works to clear your skin. You try so called “miracle” remedy after remedy and you get nothing. I myself did the rounds of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide and OTC remedies for years. They made a big dent in my bank account but did nothing for my acne.
Finally after 20 years, when I was far past the age at which I should have officially outgrown acne, I decided I was going to cure my acne on my own and was going to do it using diet and natural methods.
So I spent time doing my own research into why some people suffer from acne way past their teenage years. I got to know that acne is a sign that the inflammation levels in the body are high. Antibiotics and ointments may provide a respite for a while but they are not a long term cure. During my experiments in the next few years I discovered that the very spices I had in my kitchen could help me in my quest for clear skin. Here are 3 powerful spices that can do much more than color and spice up your foods.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used in Indian cooking. In addition to that it is also used as a medicine for anything from cuts to colds. If any older Indian woman hears you sniffling she will tell you to have haldi (turmeric) with milk. She might just make it herself and make sure you drink it under her watchful gaze.
Not surprising as turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are incredibly useful in the treatment of acne. It is also anti-bacterial, that means it kills the bacteria that cause acne. It also has elements that help in wound healing and help reduce the appearance of scars. Turmeric applied topically helps reduce the inflammation, swelling and redness caused by acne.
However, be warned that turmeric applied directly stains anything it comes in contact with, including your skin. So mix it with a base like honey or avocado and use it as a face mask. Use 2 teaspoons of honey or half an avocado (mashed) and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of organic turmeric. Apply to your face and wash off with warm water after half an hour.
You can add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm water and drink it. Taken internally it will bring down the inflammation in your body and help fight acne from the inside. Turmeric can also be added to soups, stir fries and scrambled eggs.
2. Cinnamon
Like turmeric, cinnamon also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it another powerful spice to fight acne with. However cinnamon is a strong spice and should not be applied to your skin directly. Make sure you mix it with a creamy base like honey or milk. It is best when mixed with honey as the honey will gently moisturize your skin while healing it.
You can also add a pinch of cinnamon powder to your coffee or tea. This helps bring down your blood sugar and will decrease the inflammation in your body which will also mean less acne.
3. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is an antioxidant. When applied topically it boosts the appearance of the skin and helps keep it healthy. Like the spices above, nutmeg helps reduce inflammation, irritation, redness caused by acne and leaves your skin looking smooth and even. It also promotes skin healing so it works well to reduce scarring. It helps acne heal without leaving a scar. As with most spices it is best to mix freshly grated nutmeg powder with honey and use it.
You can make a powerful face mask with all the above 3 spices. Applied regularly this mask will not only heal your acne but also help reduce scarring left by acne and fade old acne scars. In addition it will moisturize your skin and even out your skin tone.
As with anything else do a patch test before you use it. Take 2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey in a small container. Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cinnamon powder to it. Mix well and apply it on your face. Leftovers can be saved for later use.
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