Understanding Winter Acne
Winter does not give much opportunity for things to bloom except acne! Yes, acne is an exception here! Most individuals are known to witness a significant increase in the acne outbreak in winter. Winter acne is a term used to explain the outbreak of pimples due to dry weather causing excess production of sebum.
Causes of Winter Acne
Cold air during the winter months contains less moisture as compared to the rest of the seasons around the year. When your skin is exposed to this cold dry air, it rips away natural surface lipids that offer a natural layer of protection. This makes it easier for bacteria to make their way into the skin and cause zits.
When skin is ripped off its natural oils, it leads to excessive dryness and also decreases the ability to fight off bacteria. The skin produces excess sebum to strike a balance which results in acne. Additionally, the ritual of layering up skin with dollops of moisturizers also makes it a strong breeding ground for winter acne.
Tips to Prevent Acne
Luckily, there are a number of ways you can adopt to keep winter acne at bay. Cleansing skin the right way is the first step toward the mission.
- Choose a cleanser according to your skin type and keep the skin clean to avoid winter acne.
- Exfoliate wisely to scrub the dead skin cells off.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep skin hydrated and dryness away.
- Avoid using perfume laden cosmetics or going overboard with moisturizers.
- Additionally, exercise is also important to ensure proper blood circulation within the body and skin glowing from within.
Natural Remedies for Winter Acne
Apply Fresh Papaya Pulp
Papaya works really well on acne-prone skin. It contains papain, a protein dissolving enzyme that serves as a natural exfoliation on the skin and speeds up the process of cell turnover. Vitamins A, B, and C will act as soothing agents on red zits and inflamed skin.
Recipe: Apply mashed-up papaya on clean skin and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Wash with cold water. You will have soft and clear skin.
Tomato Pulp and Lemon Mask
Tomato contains powerful antioxidants and is a rich source of vitamin C. Zeaxanthin and Lycopene (antioxidants) are anti-radical in nature and therefore, help to clear skin from acne.
Recipe:
Add 4-5 drops of fresh lemon juice into a pulp of fresh tomato and half a teaspoon of dried lemon peel powder. Mix well and apply on the face. Do not rub. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes. You will have smooth acne-free skin!
Egg Whites
Egg whites are naturally mild astringent and are known to have a tightening and toning effect on the face. They can shrink large pores and reduce excess sebum. Rich in lysozyme, eggs can effectively treat acne. This enzyme digests the walls of acne-causing bacteria to kill them.
Recipe:
Simply, whisk an egg white until fluffy. Now, apply evenly on the face. Let it dry and wash with lukewarm water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is widely renowned for its burn-relieving properties. The gel from fresh aloe leaf can also promote healing and fight the infection off. Also, Regular application of aloe gel will reduce winter acne and the appearance of scars.
Recipe:
All you need to do is scrape the gel from an aloe plant out. Now, crush it and apply it immediately to affected areas. You should also dab the gel on to blemishes or spots. In the end, wash after 15-20 minutes with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel to treat winter acne.
Strawberries and Yoghurt
Alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid work well on acne. These are found in strawberries and yogurt too! Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Vitamin C, and salicylic acid in strawberries penetrate deep into the pores. Moreover, these exfoliate dead skin cells gently without removing excess sebum.
Recipe:
Smash 3-4 fresh strawberries and add 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Whisk these ingredients well and apply them evenly on the face. Then, leave it on for twenty minutes and wash it off with warm water.
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