Loving Your Skin – 10 Essential Natural Topical Treatments

By Varya Kapran

Today I will be addressing a topic that is very dear to my heart: skin health.

Having struggled for 10+ years with terrible acne and eczema (did I say terrible?!?), I feel very blessed now that I wake up with clearer skin as a result of my healing journey. As you can imagine, that difficult time was a never ending cycle of dermatologists, monthly antibiotics, hydrocortisone creams, holistic practitioners who were unable to help (it’s all about finding the right person), layers upon layers of conventional makeup, and poor self esteem. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle against my skin and my body.

Once I began to find the answers I was looking for, it was akin to self discovery, and I began to feel more confident and more in tune with myself. It has been a long journey getting here, but worth every effort. Nowadays, I honour and listen to my skin. It has so much to share with me about the health of my body overall, and if I take the time to pay attention and react accordingly, then I am rewarded with radiance and clarity.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”110028″]

Here are some of my favorite natural topical skin treatments. Before we begin, please remember that your skin is one of the four main elimination channels of your body, and so its state indicates:

(a) your body’s toxicity level and health overall (endocrine health, stress level, etc.)

(b) the health and function of the other elimination channels (colon, lungs, and kidneys) as well as the liver.

(c) exposure to chemicals or toxins, or food sensitivities etc. that cause an immune reaction

Therefore skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. are symptoms rather than causes in their own right. For this reason, no matter how effective or nourishing the topical approaches, or how strong the medications you take, if the underlying internal and lifestyle aspects have not been addressed, you will only see temporary relief or minor improvements.

But do not despair! Remember that your body has an incredible capacity to heal. It’s your partner in your health journey and goals – and you can learn to work with it rather than struggle against it.

You may need to experiment and find which strategies work best for you, and which are effective in specific situations. This post is meant as a guide to help you on your way. If you think that you may have a serious skin condition or infection, please speak with your healthcare practitioner prior to embarking on a new skincare routine.

10 Natural Topical Treatments

Let’s get started: I try to keep my skin treatments varied, but simple in terms of accessibility, cost, and time. This is a long list – I will use one or two a day, and a few a week as needed/depending on what is going on health wise.

1. Castor Oil

– Anti inflammatory, improves circulation overall specifically lymphatic function. Not to be used for those who are undergoing or have undergone treatment for cancer.

– Great for spot treatments, particularly cystic type acne. Also good if skin is persistently dry/cracking ie. after a cold. It can also be mixed with coconut oil if you would like to decrease redness while addressing listed issues. Like all oils, this is best applied when the skin is damp – wash face, and pat dry pior to applying oil.

– Apply a little on the finger tip, and rub into affected areas prior to bed. It may stain pillowcases, so consider placing a towel on the pillow.

2. Coconut Oil

– Anti inflammatory, anti fungal, improves circulation. Decreases redness and puffiness.

– Great for daily use, can be applied to the whole face/area or just specific spots. Can also be used as a makeup remover, though I prefer my castille soap for that purpose. Can be mixed with castor or other oils for desired effect. Like all oils, this is best applied when the skin is damp – wash face, and pat dry pior to applying oil.

– Take a little coconut oil (solid – it will melt in your hands), and rub into skin prior to bed. Again be aware of the pillowcase. It will absorb faster than castor oil.

3. Other Oils – ie. myrrh, rosehip, sweet raspberry & cinnamon

– Have specific effects depending on the oil. Generally help with regeneration of skin cells, decrease age spots/damaged skin, stretch marks/wrinkles, etc. Rosehip oil specifically will help minimize scars.

– My latest personal favourite is myrrh oil, it stimulates circulation to the applied area, and simply leaves skin radiant. One drop or two will suffice per use/per night. Mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or castor.

– There are more expensive, but you will only need a tiny dab per use, so do not be discouraged. Like all oils, these are best applied when the skin is damp – wash face, and pat dry prior to applying oil.

– Apply tiny dab to finger tip, and rub into affected areas prior to bed. I recommend more spot treatment with these oils rather than applying to the whole face. These will absorb quickly, so no need to worry about the pillowcase.

4. Bentonite Clay

– Very anti inflammatory, will help decrease puffiness or irritation due to immune/allergic reaction (for myself, upon extended exposure to mold). Very inexpensive and effective. I bought a jar for $7 when I was in Boston in August and I have barely used an 1/8 of it. Ensure the product you purchase just has one ingredient.

– Apply mask 1-2x a month so as not to dry out the skin/strip the natural oils too much. Can be done more often if you have a big flare up or an event to attend.

– *Always follow with a nourishing oil as this mask will be drying!* I usually use coconut oil.

– Prior to bed, with the skin damp, pair the bentonite clay with any of the options below (mix 1tbsp:1 tbsp), and apply all over the skin. Let sit for 15 min or until dry, wash off with warm water, and apply oil of choice.

(a) pair with water: for a simple mask

(b) pair with coconut oil: if you are very inflamed and the skin is very red and puffy

(d) pair with apple cider vinegar: if skin is dry or presents itchiness

(e) pair matcha: if skin is “dull” and inflamed

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”110030″]

5. Liquid Castille Soap

– Great daily morning/nightly treatment, and as a makeup remover. Clears pores and revitalizes skin. Does not dry skin out as it consists mainly of coconut, olive, and palm oils, particularly when paired with your regular oil routine.

– My favourite is peppermint castille. It can also help clear the sinuses a bit if you are stuffed up after a cold.

– Squeeze about a coin’s worth onto your palm, and rub into face with lightly warm water (do not use hot water when cleansing) until it foams. Wash off, and pat dry the face. Follow with your morning or nightly routine.

6. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

– Anti inflammatory. Will decrease redness, and itchiness due to an allergic reaction/rash or dryness.

– Can be mixed with other products – ie bentonite clay mask. Generally, use as a toner.

– Pour 1 tbsp or so into a small bowl, add 2 tbsp of water, and apply to skin using hands. Let evaporate.

7. Matcha (powdered or tea)

– Antioxidant, anti inflammatory. Helps to decrease “dullness” of skin.

– Mix with desired ingredient (about 1 tbsp:1 tbsp), and apply to skin. Let sit for 15 min, and wash off with gently with lightly warm water. Pat dry. Can be done in the morning or before bed, depending on the pairing.

(a) pair with water: for a simple clarifying treatment

(b) pair with apple cider vinegar: if you suffer itchiness or redness

(d) pair with bentonite clay: for a mask (refer above for details). *Always follow with oil.*

8. Lemon Juice, Orange Juice & Witch Hazel

– Natural “chemical” peel, clears pores, helps lighten dark spots/age spots/etc. Lemon juice may dry skin slightly. Orange juice is very clarifying. Witch hazel is inflammatory and works as a great toner.

– Can be used individually or paired as listed. Mix 1 tbsp:1 tbsp if pairing, and apply to skin.

(a) lemon juice/orange juice/witch hazel: To decrease redness and even out skin tone. Apply to skin, let sit for 15 min, and wash off with warm water or allow to absorb overnight.

(b) lemon + orange juice: To decrease redness and clarify/brighten skin. Apply to skin prior to bed, and just head to sleep. Wash off in the morning.

(c) lemon/orange/witch hazel + baking soda: To clear pores. Mix 1:1, apply to skin, let sit for 15 min and wash off prior to bed.

9. Baking Soda

– Decreases inflammation, clears pores and removes blackheads, .

– Can be used on its own or paired with lemon juice/orange juice. If used on its own, mix 1:1 with water, either apply and let sit for 15 min, and rinse gently.

10. Sugar Scrub (with coconut oil and optional essential oil)

– Helps to exfoliate without completely drying out the skin.

– Use once a week or once every two weeks.

– Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil, and mix with 1-2 tsp of raw sugar, and scrub into face. Let sit for a few minutes, and wash off. Pat dry.

3 Other Effective Treatments

As a bonus today, here are 3 effective all-natural treatments for other parts of the body.

1. Salt Foot Soak – for the feet

– Improved circulation, specifically lymphatic function. Effective if you had a reaction to a chemical/food and need to clear the effects faster from your system.

– Helps to decrease redness/puffiness overall. Improves sleep and recovery.

– An epsom salt bath is also an option. Mix salt of choice, add hot water, and let feet soak until water is just lightly warm prior to bed. If you are a multi tasker like me, choose another skin treatment to do during.

2. Oil Pulling (with coconut oil) – for the mouth

– Ayurvedic treatment, helps to improve the balance of flora in the mouth (thereby can address some systemic effects of dysbiosis)

– May be effective for some but not others. I love it, it helps my skin and it helps whiten teeth. What else would you want. Usually 1x/wk is sufficient as a maintenance strategy.

– Use 1/2 tsp coconut oil, and swish in your mouth for 10-15 min. Do NOT swallow mixture, spit it out immediately as it will contain flora you do not want to be re-absorbing. If it’s your first time trying it, do your best and just swish as long as you can. It will feel less strange the next time.

3. Castor Oil Packs – for the liver, kidneys and colon

– Avoid this if you are in cancer treatment.

– Helps support the body’s other elimination pathways via the function of the castor oil and the warmth – improved circulatory and lymphatic function.

– Rub castor oil into area (ie around liver), and using a heat pack/hot water bottle, sit and read a book. Best done before bed as it is very relaxing.

– Effective done 1-2 month, or if you are experiencing any digestive or other difficulties due to food sensitivities or stress.

I hope this was helpful to everyone!

What are some of your favourite treatments? Do you use some that I have not listed? Please share in your comments below!

Wishing you all radiant, healthy skin.

Love, Varya

Also by Varya Kapran:

About the author:

Varya Kapran is a wellness coach whose mission is to help people reconnect with their bodies through holistic nutrition, herbalism, movement, and neural re-education. She works with clients worldwide supporting them in their quality of life goals through a combination of cutting edge research, alternative therapies, and other techniques.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”110027″]

10 Natural Topical Treatments

3 Other Effective Treatments

You may also like