People will go to great lengths to get good skin, often spending hundreds of dollars on skin products and dermatology appointments.
But when it comes to skin care, you don’t have to look very far to find natural remedies that can reverse and prevent acne.
The Canadian Dermatology Association explains that the condition “occurs when hair follicles become clogged by a combination of an oily substance (produced by the skin) called sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells.”
As they become clogged, the skin may begin to appear red and swollen and discharge maybe excreted by the mound (1).
Contrary to popular belief, bacteria doesn’t directly cause acne, but it may play a role in its development (2).
The Miracle of Banana Peel
Banana peels contain vitamins A, B, C, E, as well as potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese (3). These nutrients can calm inflamed skin and reduce acne outbreaks (4).
The texture of the peel helps exfoliate skin to remove dirt and oil from your pores to fight the cause of your acne. Banana peel is also extremely high in antioxidants hat fight skin aging and cell damage (5).
The peel even has antibacterial properties that fight bacteria before and after a pimple emerges (6).
As with any other beauty treatment, it’s important to wash away any dirt, oil, or makeup on your face before applying any of the treatments below. It’s also important to select a banana that’s ripe, but not too ripe, to get the best results.
1. Simply Banana Peel
All you need is a simple banana and a few minutes of time.
- Wash and prepare your skin
- After eating a fresh banana, keep the peel and cut it into small pieces.
- Use a small piece of the skin to gently massage your skin in a circular motion.
- As the piece turns burns, replace with a fresh piece.
- Continue massaging for 10 minutes.
- Leave the banana residue on your skin for the rest of the day before rinsing it off at the end of the day.
- Repeat the process at the end of the day.
- Continue every day until your skin clears completely.
2. Banana Peel with Oats
Oats with a gentle and effective natural exfoliant that clears up your pores, but you don’t want to rub too harshly or you may end up with sore, red skin.
- To make this miracle paste, pulse together 1 banana peel (without the stem), 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal, and 3 tablespoons of raw sugar.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, adding a bit of water if necessary to make it into a paste.
- Gently massage the paste into your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, pat dry and apply coconut oil.
- Repeat daily as needed.
3. Banana Peel Turmeric Scrub
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds that work together to reduce the appearance of acne and improve the overall appearance of your skin (7). It also works against redness and overall irritation caused by acne and other skin conditions.
- Mash the peel of one banana into a thick paste, using a blender if necessary.
- Add equal parts peel and powdered turmeric.
- Pour into a bit of water and combine until you have a fine paste.
- Use the paste as a spot treatment on each spot of acne and leave for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and pat dry, and follow up with a bit of coconut oil.
- Use daily.
4. Banana Peel and Lemon
The natural acidity of lemons helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne, brighten skin, and even skin tone. It also has the power to heal scars and diminish their appearance (8).
- Once again, turn a banana peel into a paste.
- Add equal parts paste and fresh lemon juice, using a fork to whisk it together.
- Gently pat the paste onto your skin using clean hands or a clean face towel. Leave on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and repeat one a day.
5. Banana Peel with Baking Soda
Baking soda gently digs into your pores to extract unwanted dirt and oil. It also helps balance the pH level of your skin and removes dead skin.
- Place a banana peel in a blender and a bit of water to turn it into a paste.
- Measure out 1 tablespoon of banana peel paste with 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Combine until it forms a paste, adding more water if necessary.
- Gently massage the paste into your skin and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Quickly rinse away and gently dry your face with a clean towel.
- Apply coconut or olive oil onto the skin.
- Repeat daily.
6. Banana Peel with Honey
Of all the guest items on this list, honey is by far the most hard-working and beneficial. Honey has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and it helps moisturize distressed skin. Honey also promotes wound healing and diminishes the appearance of scars (9).
- Combine a tablespoon banana peel paste and 1/2 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Massage the paste onto your face in a circular motion.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse, pat dry and apply your favorite natural moisturizer.
- Repeat once a day as necessary.