Fight acne by going natural

Go green to eliminate red spots from your face. Natural packs made of fruits, herbs can help in getting rid of acne.

Chandrika Mahendra, senior research scientist, R&D, The Himalaya Drug Company, shares few home remedies for treating acne.

Aloe Vera-turmeric pack: Aloe vera is rich in enzymes, polysaccharides and nutrients that exhibit antibacterial and antifungal action. Aloe Vera acts as a natural barrier against toxins, and nourishes and softens the skin and maintains its natural moisture balance.

Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent. The herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe your skin gently. It helps minimise scars and inflammation and even enhances your skin tone and complexion.

You can mix a table spoon of turmeric, honey, milk and a few drops of rosewater. To this mixture, add aloe vera gel. Apply the paste on the acne affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently wash your face with plain water.

Citrus fruits pack: Owing to the astringent properties in citrus fruits like lemon, orange and tangerines, they tone the skin, eliminate bacteria and whiten skin.

You can gently apply the fruit pulp or the juice on your face or just rub the rinds and leave it on for around 15 minutes. You can also mix a few drops of lemon juice with Fuller's earth and water. Fuller's earth naturally prevents the growth of acne. Apply the mixture till it dries and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

While these natural ingredients are harmless as they don't have chemicals, Mahendra advises use them on the basis of skin type.

Milk: It is a good ingredient for dry skin as it contains fat. Applying milk on oily skin is not recommended as it intensely moisturises the skin and can make the skin more oily.

Citrus fruits: If used on dry skin, can remove moisture, drying it out further. Hence it is prescribed for oily skin to help control oil secretion. People with normal skin can apply lime juice in its diluted form.

Honey: It acts as a great moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types.