All-Natural, At-Home Remedies to Clear Your ‘Maskne’

Unfortunately, masks have become an essential part of our lives. This accessory has brought safety and comfort (to most), but also a pesky little problem  known as “mask-ne,” AKA mask acne. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 83 percent of health care workers in Hubei, China, are suffering from skin problems on the face. And I think many of us can relate. The moisture-rich environment underneath a mask practically welcomes bacteria, while pandemic-induced stress wreaks havoc of its own. But skin flare ups shouldn’t require you to dish out money on costly products—many are filled with ingredients that irritate the skin more anyway. Here are seven all-natural remedies to clear up that maskne right from your kitchen. Sip on Spearmint Tea A comforting cup of tea can work wonders for your skin, and spearmint tea is a science-backed sip proven to clear the skin. Out of whack hormones are at the root of acne, especially adult acne which appears along the jawline (exactly where maskne makes its debut). Drinking spearmint tea twice a day can significantly lower testosterone levels, thanks to it’s anti-androgenic effects. The mere act of drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, so it’ll ease the mind and the skin. Boil some to sip on during your skincare routine or while you watch The Queen’s Gambit. Cleanse With a Homemade Honey Face Wash After a day of mask-wearing, there’s sure to be a buildup of bacteria. Prevent your skin from harboring harmful grime by giving it a good wash. Making your own cleanser will give you complete control over the ingredient list, often reducing the risk of extra irritation. This homemade face wash combines the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant power of honey with the gentle cleansing action of castile soap. It’ll gently kill the bacteria that contribute to inflamed pores all while leaving your skin feeling baby soft. Apply a Turmeric and Yogurt Mask Post-cleanse, go the extra step with this DIY mask that requires nothing more than a trip to the kitchen. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient that can brighten skin through its yellow tint (goodbye scars and dark spots!). Yogurt adds to the mask’s anti-acne benefits, since it contains lactic acid, a compound that reduces unevenness and discoloration while shrinking pores. And of course, some more honey for an additional antibacterial boost.  Steam Your Face As your mask sets in, draw out any last impurities by adding some steam. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper disinfection. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration increases circulation, which will breath new life into your skin. After a steam, your glowing skin will be squeaky clean and ready to soak in some products. No need to invest in a machine. Steam over a bowl of boiling water or use a soaked, hot towel. Moisturize with Aloe Vera An aloe vera plant which adds life to a room, is perhaps the most helpful of all home decor (you can also easily buy it at the grocery or pharmacy). When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds (like bleeding pimples) and fight inflammation. Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, two clear skin saviors. Simple scrape the gel from your aloe plant out with a spoon and apply it directly to clean skin as a moisturizer. Not only is it anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it’s also deeply moisturizing because of its high water content. An all around winner and a great way to avoid the many pore-clogging moisturizers on the market.  Spot Treat with Tea Tree Oil Once your skin is clean and moisturized, it’s crucial to spot treat. Both an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, tea tree oil will aid in the healing of existing blemishes by keeping them free from new bacteria. Keep in mind that the magic ingredient is super strong and potent, so it should be used sparingly. Our best tip? Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water to ensure it’s safely diluted, then dab it only onto pimples. Plus, prevent new pimples by applying the solution to the inside of your mask using a spray bottle. Let it work while you wear it. Don’t Sweat It This last one is less of an actual step and more of an important reminder. While good to treat, skin issues are not worth stressing about. The stress effect is real: worrying destroys your skin, not to mention your emotional well-being. Instead, see your new skincare routine as an activity to look forward to- a time to nurture yourself. A healthy shift in mindset may be just the thing your skin needs. Now, for a new mask to keep that skin happy and healthy. We recommend you go for a 100% cotton mask that doesn’t hug your face too tightly. Find your perfect fit here.   (photo credit: Shutterstock)

The Best Natural Remedies for Acne, According to a Dermatologist

By April Dupee Clear skin seems like it’d be easy enough to achieve—but much like limitless energy, good sleep, and work-life balance—it can feel like an impossible feat for some people. And contrary to popular belief, acne does *not* stay where you left it in high school. Adult acne is 100 percent a thing, and if you have it, you want it G. O. N. E., like yesterday. Problem is, traditional acne treatments often come with high price tags or unpleasant side effects like dryness, redness, or irritation, which is why many people want to add natural remedies to their acne-fighting routines. RELATED: 5 Foods That Prevent Acne Naturally Where to start? Well, the next time you’re tempted to poke at a blemish, try reaching for one of these natural remedies—courtesy of Michele Green, MD, New York City-based dermatologist—for an easy and affordable acne treatment instead. (Note: It’s always a good idea to see a derm to find the best acne treatment for your skin type, but these are solid options for lots of people. And start slowly: Natural doesn’t always mean gentle—nature is powerful, people!) Tea Tree Oil Have a pimple that just won’t budge? This essential oil extracted from the leaves of an Australian tree may be the spot treatment you need. With powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Green says tea tree oil can be highly effective at reducing acne. Dilute a few drops and dab onto blemishes for an easy at-home treatment. (Photo: Shutterstock) Green Tea You already love matcha lattes for their antioxidant content and earthy flavor—and we’ve got another reason to sip up…Turns out, green tea’s antioxidants can help reduce oil production and inflammation when applied directly to skin. Simply steep some green tea, let it cool (no burns, pls!), and apply to your face after cleansing. RELATED: 7 Teas That Reduce Bloating the Natural Way (Photo: Shutterstock) Apple Cider Vinegar You’re definitely going to want this one in your natural acne-fighting arsenal. Apple cider vinegar “contains many organic acids that have been proven to kill P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts,” says Dr. Green. It also removes the excess oil that causes breakouts. Just be sure to dilute it with water—as in, add three times as much H2O—since the acidity can cause irritation, redness, or burns when applied directly to the skin. Apply with a cotton ball, let it dry, and then rinse with water. (Photo: Shutterstock) Honey Good news: The same sweetener you add to your cuppa can double as an effective acne treatment since honey contains powerful antioxidants that can help reduce oil production. A few tablespoons of honey + a teaspoon of cinnamon = your next self-care Sunday mask. How sweet! (Photo: Shutterstock) (Featured Photo: Shutterstock)

5 Foods That Prevent Acne Naturally

Clear skin involves hydration, proper cleansing, and many other practices, but preventing the pimples we all despise also starts on your plate. That’s right, acne-fighting foods do exist. No, adding them to your regular diet won’t be like waving a magic wand over your every zit and watching them immediately disappear. But these foods, listed below, contain compounds that contribute to banishing breakouts by addressing some of acne’s root causes, like inflammation and cell turnover. RELATED: 3 Important Inflammation Triggers That Aren’t Foods Eat them in place of inflammatory foods that are linked to breakouts, and you’ll be one exfoliation closer to a clear complexion (and will hopefully be able to use fewer chemical creams, too). 5 Acne-Fighting Foods To Eat Now 1. Brazil Nuts Brazil nuts are loaded with the mineral selenium (which is also great for mood). Just one to two fulfills your need for the entire day—really. Selenium is important when it comes to skin health because it acts as an antioxidant, helping to decrease inflammation, which is known to cause acne. Eat these flavorful nuts as an on-the-go snack or chop them into pieces to top your oatmeal or Greek yogurt. RELATED: 5 Creative Ways to Dress Up Your Yogurt 2. Carrots Carrots contain healthy doses of both vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can reduce inflammation and encourage cell turnover (like a natural exfoliation). These acne-fighting foods also help strengthen your skin’s defenses against bacteria that can cause flare-ups. One study found an association between lower vitamin A levels and more severe acne. And it’s easy to work them into your diet: they’re the perfect crunchy snack to dip in hummus, or you can throw them in a soup or salad. 3. Pumpkin Seeds Pepitas (a fun, fancy name for pumpkin seeds) are rich in phytonutrients and minerals like  manganese, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Zinc, in particular, has strong antioxidant properties. It’s also been shown to reduce sebum, which can cause acne when too much is produced. Use the crunchy, nutritious treats to top a salad or bake them into healthy muffins to start your morning. RELATED: 3 Edible Seeds That Make Awesome Snacks 4. Green Tea Green tea is a great source of acne-fighting antioxidants —polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins—and it’s also great for hydration, which improves cell turnover, meaning you have more healthy new cells to boost your complexion. Dehydration can also cause swelling and puffy skin and a slowed response to acne medication or skin treatments. Brew a cup during the afternoon slump for both an energy and skin pick-me-up, or marinate your fish in it for a delicious, breakout-banishing dinner. 5. Tomatoes Tomatoes are not only good for your immune system, they’re also amazing for skin thanks to nutrients like vitamin C and bioflavonoids that have powerful antioxidant properties. Start popping tomatoes instead of pimples by adding a few slices to a collard green wrap or making a chickpea and broccoli rabe salad, the perfect make-ahead lunch for the week.