Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It can develop as a result of bacteria, clogged pores, dead skin cells and oil production, and there are many factors that can make it worse, such as hormones, certain medications, diet and stress. Acne can be frustrating, embarrassing and difficult to treat, but without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin.
There are tons of different acne treatments available, but many of them may end up breaking the bank, while others come along with unwanted side effects. If only there were an inexpensive, natural treatment for acne... Good news, there is! Instead of throwing the peel away the next time you snack on a banana, you might want to keep it and use it as a natural acne-destroyer.
Here's why banana peels work:
- Banana peels contain vitamins A, B, C and E, all of which contribute to healthy skin.
- Banana peels contain zinc, manganese and iron, which help calm inflamed skin.
- Banana peels work as natural exfoliants to remove toxins from pores.
- Banana peels are anti-septic, so they're able to prevent bacterial infections that cause acne.
- Banana peels are rich in antioxidants that fight the germs that cause acne.
- Banana peels contain enzymes that hydrate skin, heal scars and prevent new acne from forming.
- Banana peels contain starch that helps dry out the excess oil clogging pores.
1. Banana Peel
- Wash your skin with cool water and a milk cleanser, then pat dry with a clean towel.
- Eat a banana then cut the peel into small pieces.
- Massage skin with the inside of the banana peel for 10 minutes.
- If a piece turns brown, discard it and start with a fresh piece.
- Wait 20 minutes for skin to absorb nutrients.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times a day.
2. Banana Peel with Oats
Oatmeal works great as a natural exfoliant for the skin!- In a blender, mix 1 banana peel with 1/2 cup of oatmeal and 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Blend until smooth and pasty.
- Massage the paste onto the affected skin and leave on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily to get rid of acne.
3 Banana Peel Turmeric Scrub
Turmeric is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling and redness, while working to kill the germs that cause acne.- Mash a banana peel into a thick paste.
- Mix equal parts mashed banana peel and turmeric powder.
- Add water and stir until you create a fine paste.
- Massage onto skin as a spot treatment and leave on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water then pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily to clear acne.
4. Banana Peel and Lemon
The natural acidity of lemons helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne, while working as a natural bleaching agent to reduce the appearance of scars.- Mash a banana peel into a paste.
- Mix equal parts banana peel paste and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the paste onto the affected skin.
- Massage gently and leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat daily.
5. Banana Peel with Baking Powder
Baking powder helps to remove toxins from the pores.- Mash a banana peel until it forms a paste.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of banana peel paste with 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder.
- Add water until the mix turns into a fine paste.
- Use a cotton ball to massage the paste onto the skin using circular motions.
- Leave on for 2 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily.
6. Banana Peel with Honey
Honey is an antibacterial and it naturally moisturizes skin.- Mash a banana peel into a paste.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of banana peel paste with 1/2 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Use a cotton ball to massage the paste onto the affected skin in circular motions.
- Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Apply an oil-free moisturizer.
- Repeat daily.