Blemishes, also called acne, zits or pimples, are caused when the pores of the face are blocked by sebum, a natural oil, and dead skin cells, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Bacteria gets trapped in pores as well, making blemishes painful and unsightly. Home remedies for acne consist of cleaning the skin, moisturizing it and closing the pores to prevent further blemishes from forming. Home remedies are not a substitute for professional care. If you are concerned about blemishes on your skin, speak to your doctor or dermatologist.
Cleanse
Step 1
Run a washcloth under hot water. Wring excess water from the washcloth. Place the washcloth on your face. The steam from the washcloth helps to open your pores, according to spa expert Barbara Close, author of “Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics."
Step 2
Mix sea salt and water together to form a fine paste. A mixture of 75 percent salt and 25 percent water is a good starting place. Add more water for a less abrasive feel, if desired.
Step 3
Apply the paste to your face, rubbing in small circular motions. This sloughs off dead skin cells that may clog pores and lead to blemishes. Sea salt is purported to have antibacterial properties, according to Sandi Brenner, author of the beauty reference manual “Beauty and the Budget.”
Step 4
Rinse your face using warm water. Cold water closes your pores, which isn't desirable when working with home remedy routines to clear blemishes. Don't use overly hot water, as this can be too drying to skin.
Moisturize
Step 1
Remove the stem and leaves from two strawberries and mash them. Strawberries contain salicylic acid, an active ingredient in many over-the-counter acne remedies.
Step 2
Mix the two mashed strawberries with 1.5 tbsp. honey. Mix thoroughly, ensuring an even consistency--you may wish to use a blender to mix these two ingredients. Honey, a natural moisturizer, also has antibacterial properties, as outlined in a 1999 study led by Dr. Rose Cooper of the University of Wales Institute and published in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine." Bacteria mixed with dead skin cells forms blemishes or aggravates existing ones.
Step 3
Apply the mixture to your face, concentrating the majority of the mixture on the driest areas of your skin. Moisturizing after cleansing is essential, according to the Mayo Clinic, because over-cleansing and dry skin can lead to an excess production of sebum.
Step 4
Allow the strawberry-honey mixture to remain on your face for five to 10 minutes. If the mixture becomes dry to the touch, mist with water to rehydrate the ingredients.
Step 5
Rinse the mixture from your face using warm water. Use your fingers to remove stubborn deposits of the honey and strawberry mixture–leftover moisturizer can make your skin too moist, which also can contribute to blemishes.
Tone
Step 1
Mix four drops of tea tree oil in 2 tbsp. of water. Tea tree oil is a proven antiseptic ingredient, notes Brenner, and is also suggested as an alternative treatment by the staff at the Mayo Clinic. It also acts as a toner, tightening the skin's pores to prevent dead skin cells and bacteria from forming blemishes.
Step 2
Dissolve one aspirin tablet in the tea-tree-oil-and-water mixture. Add more water to the mixture–a thick liquid consistency is desirable. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that contains a derivative of salicylic acid. It also functions as an analgesic, soothing any aches or pains you may experience from blemishes or the home remedies to treat them.
Step 3
Dab the mixture onto a washcloth, and spread it onto your skin, concentrating on the areas with blemishes and areas that are most prone to excess sebum buildup.
Step 4
Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes and mucous membranes. Tea tree oil and aspirin sting when accidentally applied to these areas. In the event of accidental exposure, rinse the affected area with cool water for 15 minutes.
Step 5
Rinse your skin with cool water immediately after applying the natural toner.
Things You'll Need
- Sea salt
- Water
- Strawberries
- Honey
- Misting water bottle
- Tea tree oil
- Aspirin
- Washcloth
- Blender--optional
References
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close; 2005
- "Beauty and the Budget"; Sandi Brenner; 2006
- "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes"; Sue Dolan; 2009
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2006
- PubMed: Antibacterial Activity of Honey Against Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus from Infected Wounds
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