External Me: A Skincare Guide

By Pirate Medz

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against the outside world. This guide is designed to help you naturally address common skin conditions while caring for your body with gentle and effective remedies.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. It can range from mild irritation to severe dryness that results in cracked, open sores.

How to Treat Eczema Naturally

To soothe and protect eczema-prone skin:

1. Beeswax as a Barrier:

Beeswax is an excellent option to lock in moisture and protect the skin from infection. However, because beeswax is naturally hard, mix it with softer oils to make it easier to use:

• For Body: Combine beeswax with olive oil or coconut oil.

• For Hair and Scalp: Blend beeswax with avocado oil for added nourishment.

The combination of beeswax and oils helps cover severe dryness and prevent infection in open sores.

Pore Cleansing for Acne or Infections

Blocked pores and infections on the skin can cause swelling, irritation, and discomfort. Proper pore cleansing is essential to address trapped oils and prevent scarring.

Natural Pore-Opening Toner

You can create a natural toner with common ingredients:

• Vinegar (apple cider vinegar is ideal)

• Alcohol (like rubbing alcohol)

• Camphor (if available)

• Lavender essential oil

How to Use It

1. Mix the ingredients to create your toner.

2. Apply it to the skin to gently open pores.

3. Once pores are open, gently squeeze out any trapped oil without breaking the skin.

Pro Tip: Opening your pores first prevents bruising, scarring, and dark marks. Always be gentle!

Boils and Wounds

For boils, cuts, or open wounds, cleanliness and air exposure are key to proper healing.

Steps for Care

1. Clean the Area: Use rubbing alcohol or a similar disinfectant to sanitize the skin around the wound or boil.

2. Apply Triple Antibiotic Ointment: Ensure it’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic to cover common bacteria.

3. Let it Breathe: Avoid covering the wound with bandages unless absolutely necessary. Airflow helps wounds heal faster by preventing bacteria from multiplying in damp environments.

Warts

Warts are caused by an overgrowth of skin cells due to a viral infection. Treating warts requires a consistent drying approach to reduce excess skin layers.

Natural Wart Care

1. Use vinegar to dry out the wart.

2. As the wart reduces in size, you’ll notice the trapped core (or “root”) of the wart.

3. Once the wart is small enough, gently squeeze out what’s trapped beneath the surface of the skin.

Pro Tip: Be patient and avoid aggressive removal methods to prevent scarring.

What Is Debridement?

Debridement is the medical removal of dead or damaged skin to promote healing. In home care, gentle exfoliation or the application of natural astringents can help with minor skin issues like infections or severe dryness.

How to Debride at Home

• Use vinegar or other natural solutions to soften the area.

• Gently clean and remove buildup to reveal healthy skin beneath.

This guide is meant to educate and empower you to care for your skin naturally and effectively. Always be gentle with your skin and pay attention to how it reacts to treatments. If a condition worsens, consult a professional.

Emmanuel!