The Acne Resource Organization recommends imploring a basic treatment that interferes with the development of acne to minimize its appearance. The emergence of unsightly blemishes occurs when sebaceous glands secrete an excessive amount of oil, which mixes with natural skin bacteria in clogged pores. Using a cleansing, toner and pore treatment regimen made of natural ingredients helps to minimize acne without the harsh effects of chemicals associated with commercial beauty products. Although herbs are popular medical alternatives, there still lacks sufficient evidence linking its benefits to acne. Never begin a new skin care program without consulting your dermatologist.
Daily Facial Scrub for Acne-prone Skin
Step 1
Combine the 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tbsp. of evaporated milk and 1/4 cup of pureed strawberries in a bowl. Oatmeal acts as gentle exfoliant to lift away dead skin cells, impurities and other debris that can clog pores. Additionally, it contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness, drying and irritation associated with acne, states the RN Guide to Skin Care website. Evaporated milk helps to cleanse the skin while hydrating skin tissue, according to the Organic Facts website. Strawberries contain natural alpha hydroxyl acids helpful in revealing fresh skin and minimizing the appearance of acne and scars, reports the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Step 2
Mix the ingredients until the strawberries uniformly moisten the oatmeal and evaporated milk.
Step 3
Apply directly to the face in upward, circular movements to lift away impurities and debris. Rinse with warm water. Use this gentle scrub once a day for dry skin and up to three times a day for oily skin, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology.
Daily Lemon-Lime Witch Hazel Toner for Acne-prone Skin
Step 1
Squeeze the juice from 1 lime into a glass container. Add 3 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup of witch hazel into the container. Lime and lemon juice are naturally acidic with bleaching qualities that help even skin tone that is often blotchy due to acne scarring and pimples, asserts the Natural Beauty Care Guide website. The Drug Information website reports that witch hazel is an effective astringent conducive in cleansing the skin without stripping it of essential oils that can cause breakouts, although no concrete evidence links its effectiveness on acne.
Step 2
Stir the toner for 20 seconds to ensure that the lemon, lime and witch hazel evenly combine.
Step 3
Apply to a cotton ball and rub over the face and neck. Do not rinse. Use this toner daily after your cleanser.
Weekly Egg-White Face Mask
Step 1
Whisk 1 egg white in a bowl, adding 5 drops of peppermint oil. Egg whites contain over 40 different proteins, where lysozyme digests bacterial cell walls that can cause acne, states the Vanity Clinic website. Peppermint oil retains antiseptic qualities helpful in nourishing the skin with moisture while warding off infections, according to the Drug Information website. It also contains menthol, which helps soothe irritated skin. Nonetheless, significant data is lacking that illustrates peppermint's effect on acne.
Step 2
Apply a thin layer of the mask to the face. Allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3
Rinse with warm water followed by a cold rinse. This closes the pores to prevent impurities from entering. Use this mask once a week for dry or combination skin, and twice a week for oily skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of peppermint oil, you can use tea tree, lavender or thyme oil, which retain the same medicinal qualities.
- Test the skin on your elbow before applying different masks to your face.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1 tbsp. evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup pureed strawberries
- 2 bowls
- 3 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 lime
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- Glass container
- Cotton balls
- 1 egg white
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
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