10 Natural Treatments For Common Skin Conditions You Can Do at Home
So often a skin condition can flare up or catch us by surprise. Whether it’s an itch, a burn or dryness, unless our skin is comfortable, it is very difficult for us to feel comfortable. That’s why we have put together this list of common skin conditions and easy home fixes you can use to help treat any issue that arises, naturally.
Acne
This is probably one of the most common skin conditions. From when we are teenagers, until old age, acne can strike at any time. This is definitely one of the handy solutions you want to have on hand.
What to use: Baking Soda. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling.
Method: Make a mask using baking soda and water. Just use a little water, enough to make the baking soda form a paste. Spread evenly over your skin and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Skin Tags
These dangling skin tags can be pretty obnoxious, especially when they appear in obvious places like the neck or face. Whilst we know they are harmless, we still don’t want them hanging off our skin. This easy-to-use method helps to remove them easily.
What to use: Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Remove skin tags with tea tree oil for a natural solution to this common skin issue.
Method: Put a few drops of Tea Tree oil onto a cotton ball and apply it directly onto the skin tag. Hold it in place for long enough for the skin to absorb the Tea Tree Oil. Repeat this process several times a day, placing a Band-Aid on the skin tag after each application.
Warts
Many people are affected by warts, especially considering their contagious nature. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and can appear in their different forms anywhere on the body.
What to use: Garlic – One of the most powerful natural antivirals, garlic is used to treat many different conditions and diseases.
Method: Peel and slice a clove of garlic. Places the slices of garlic to cover the wart and place a Band-Aid over it. Change the garlic and Band-Aid daily and after about a week, the wart should just fall off.
Scars
As much as we try to prevent it, scarring is inevitable. One of the most common forms of scarring is acne scarring. It’s understandable that after all your effort to treat acne, you want to minimize the scarring as much as possible.
What to use: Apple Cider Vinegar – A really handy staple to have in your pantry. Apple cider vinegar is not only a natural disinfectant; it also removes dead skin cells, helping to reduce scars.
Method: Thicken a serving of apple cider vinegar with some honey. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture directly onto the scarred area. Leave in on for 10 – 15 minutes. Repeat twice a day.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can affect anyone. They are most commonly synonymous with pregnancy for obvious reasons, but many people will find themselves dealing with stretch marks at some point. Fleshier, fatter areas of the body are more prone to stretch marks such as thighs, abdomen, armpits, and breasts.
What to use: Castor Oil – Castor oil contains a fatty acid called ricinoleic, which makes it a unique oil. This component gives it the ability to deeply moisturize the skin where it is damaged.
Method: Apply the castor oil directly to the affected area. Massage it in until you feel it is mostly absorbed. You can choose to wrap the area with a cloth or scarf to keep the oil from rubbing off. Applying some heat, such as a hot water bottle, can also help achieve results faster.
Rosacea
Usually affecting the facial area, Rosacea is a chronic condition. It causes redness, swelling, burning and thick and dry skin. In addition, it can often onset later in life, especially for those with fairer skin. It can be uncomfortable and unpleasant and having a handy home remedy to help with a sudden outbreak is imperative.
What to use: Camomile Tea – Chamomile is a renowned anti-inflammatory. It is known to reduce redness and swelling.
Method: Soak 6 or 7 camomile tea bags in some boiling water and let them steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and place the hot tea into the fridge or freezer for just long enough that it cools down. Dip a cloth into the tea and place the cloth over your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Keep the tea and repeat this a few times a day.
Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs can be such a pest! They are especially prevalent in people with curly hair. These embedded hairs can appear as a light bump and grown to a blister-like pimple. They can even cause scarring of the skin. It is best to deal with them as soon as possible.
What to use: Sugar – You have probably heard of a sugar scrub before. The sugar works as an exfoliator which helps remove the dead skin and encourage the hair to pull to the surface.
Method: In a bowl, mix ½ cup of sugar with ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil ( If you would like to use this to cover a larger area or to make for future use, double the recipe). Put in 5 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of lavender oil. Mix it all together and scrub onto your skin in a circular motion for about 5 minutes. Rinse off the scrub with some warm water. For improved results, apply heat after, such as a hot water bottle.
Sunburn
It can happen so easily. A day of fun in the sun and you forgot to reapply sunscreen and by that evening your skin is on fire and red as a tomato. Sunburn dehydrates and damages the skins, not to mention how painful and uncomfortable it can be.
What to use: Yogurt – Yogurt is a natural probiotic and works to restore the skin’s natural barriers. If you take the yogurt from the fridge, it’s cool thickness also helps to alleviate the sting of the burn.
How to use it: Use enough yogurt to cover the sunburnt area. Apply a thin layer of yogurt over the affected area. Leave it on your skin for 10 – 15 minutes and then gently wipe off with a wet cloth.
Black Heads
Sometimes blackheads are immediately obvious and sometimes it’s only when you pull up the magnifying mirror that you realize your skin needs some immediate attention to eliminate those blackheads. They occur when an open hair follicle or pore gets clogged. Thankfully we have an easy remedy for you!
What to use: Green Tea – Green tea is high in antioxidants and helps reduce any inflammation on the skin. It also helps to diminish oils in the skin.
Method: Place 2 green tea bags in a cup of hot water. Allow them to soak for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and place the tea in the fridge to cool down. After properly cleansing your face, apply the cooled green tea to your face using a cotton ball. Let the tea sit on your face for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash off with water. Apply a good oil-free moisturizer to your face to finish off.
Eczema
Those that don’t suffer from Eczema may not realize just how itchy and frustrating it can be. The burning, scaly skin can feel debilitating; especially depending on where and how large an area is affected.
What to use: Oatmeal – Oatmeal contains healthy fats which soak into the skin and help alleviate the dry itching of eczema. You can usually feel relief from the moment you apply this oatmeal paste.
Method: Place a ¼ cup of fine oatmeal in a bowl and add a tablespoon of milk or enough to form a paste from the oatmeal. Apply the oatmeal to the affected area in a thick layer. Leave it on your skin for 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.