What Are the Ingredients to Make an Acne Face Peel?

What Are the Ingredients to Make an Acne Face Peel?
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The American Academy of Dermatology encourages the use of pore-tightening treatments such as facial peels to help clarify and revitalize the skin. Over time, dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin’s surface, clogging pores and creating unsightly blemishes and lesions. Natural facial peels remove impurities and debris within the pore to expose healthy, younger skin without the expense of commercial products or associated chemicals.

Gelatin

A gelatin-based homemade facial peel uses 3.4 oz. unflavored gelatin in 1 1/4 cups of boiling water as the base component. Gelatin is a natural thickening agent that propagates even distribution of additional ingredients when applied to the face. It is comprised of hydrolyzed collagen procured from animals, which helps strengthen and moisturize the skin, according to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Fruit Juice Mask

Natural facial peels utilize a variety of organic, unrefined fruit juices, depending on your skin type. Individuals with acne-prone dry skin should add 1/2 cup of apple juice to the gelatin. Apple juice helps heal cracked or irritated skin associated with acne. It is also a mild hydroxyl acid, which eliminates dead skin cells and impurities that clog pores.

For acne-prone oily skin or for those with uneven skin tones, add a 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the heated gelatin. Lemon juice is much stronger than apple juice and should be left on no longer than 15 minutes. It’s intense acidic nature and bleaching qualities help to reduce the appearance of pimples, discoloration and fine lines.

Herbal Mask

In lieu of juices, individuals with acne-prone sensitive skin can use herbs such as chamomile and green tea. Chamomile is naturally soothing to the skin and quells inflammation, redness and swelling associated with acne or irritated skin, states the Drug Information website. The antioxidants in green tea help protect sensitive skin from external toxins, such as air pollution, that cause breakouts. It also helps prevent damage caused by the sun. These herbs require at least 10 minutes of steeping in water before adding to the gelatin.

References

Article reviewed by V. Mac Last updated on: Jul 5, 2010

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