BY ANJALI SINGH

Acne has been the most frustrating skin problem over the decades. In case you’re wondering what causes acne? What is acne? What were the methods used during ancient times to reduce it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Oil and dead skin cells clog your pores, leading to acne. When oil and cell are overproduced, it plugs the pore and causes the growth of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This bacteria produces chemicals and leads to skin inflammation and acne. Genetics, diet, stress, hormone changes are all possible contributors to acne development. So please be happy and maintain a healthy diet to get poreless skin. There are many forms of acne like whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, nodules, and pustules. 

In ancient times, acne problems were as common as it’s today. Although, their methods to treat acne were very different from what we do now. After some research, I came across a few ancient methods used to deal with acne breakouts. To know what those methods were, just keep scrolling.

1. Sulfur Baths

Ancient Romans believed that soaking in the hot mixture of water and sulfur can clear the pores.

A sulfur bath was used as a form of acne treatment. Sulfur reduces bacteria and so skin inflammation. A sulfur bath can provide countless health benefits, not to mention a great way to relax. 

2. Sour Milk And Patchouli

Patchouli is a sweet-scented flowering plant, the leaves of which Ancient Egyptians used to use for the treatment of acne breakouts. It has medicinal and antiseptic properties. It also balances the oil production and strengthens the skin tissue. All these properties of patchouli make it a perfect remedy to treat skin inflammation, scars, bacterial and viral infections, etc. 

Sour milk is another method that was used by ancient Egyptians to treat acne. As we know lactic acid is present in sour milk. It is a great exfoliant, removes dead skin cells present on the skin that helps in treating acne problems and also reduces the signs of aging.

3. Feces Of Nightingale

It may sound gross to you but the truth is Koreans used nightingale droppings to heal acne, during the Heian Period. Also introduced to the Japanese. As birds have a single opening called the cloaca, they excrete fecal and urine waste from the same opening. Because of this, the waste combination has high concentrations of urea, guanine, and amino acids. It is believed that it also helps with acne scars. The nightingale facial rejuvenates the skin and is still very popular in Japan. It’s very expensive and loved by many A-list celebrities. Would you spend dollars on this bird poop facial?

So, these were some ancient methods to treat acne and what’s interesting is that they are still effective. Another rumoured recipe for poreless skin is brown rice, fish and loads of antioxidants.

Also, if you have excess acne it would be best to connect with a dermatologist. Medicinal approaches to treat acne is also as effective as Cleopatra’s methods.

For similar articles on acne, check out this link : https://browngirlgossip.com/does-drinking-milk-increase-acne/