Acne can appear on any skin type, including dry, combination and oily skin. If you have both oily skin and acne breakouts, you may think it's necessary to treat your skin by applying heavy-duty benzoyl peroxide creams. Unfortunately, using benzoyl peroxide regularly is overly drying to skin, often causing the skin to overproduce oils in order to compensate for the dryness. To clear acne on oily skin types, it is important to regulate the oil production, remove dead skin that could block pores and use a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide to spot treat acne breakouts.
Olive Oil Cleanser
Olive oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores when applied to the skin. Olive oil bonds to the sebum and bacteria inside pores, effectively allowing the impurities to be removed much more easily than with soap. Because the skin is properly hydrated when olive oil is used as a skin cleanser, the overproduction of oil begins to cease, resulting in fewer acne breakouts. To apply olive oil as a cleanser, massage 1 to 2 tsp. onto your skin for a few minutes, then drape a very hot washcloth over your face. The steam from the cloth will open your pores to let the oils and bacteria escape along with the olive oil. After the washcloth cools, use it to wipe off the oil. Cleanse with olive oil twice per day.
Baking Soda Skin Scrub
Baking soda, a mildly abrasive substance, will effectively remove dead skin and bacteria that could clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. When the dead skin is removed, oil can exit the pores more easily, and the skin will become more clear and radiant. To use baking soda as a skin scrub, combine 1 tbsp. baking soda with 1 tsp. water, making a loose paste. Massage the paste onto your skin for two minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat up to three times per week.
Tea Tree Oil Spot Treatment
Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial and antibacterial oil that is often used as an effective alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil does not overly dry out skin as benzoyl peroxide can, but will kill off acne-causing bacteria just as effectively. According to the Department of Dermatology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, tea tree oil should be diluted to a concentration of 5 percent. To dilute properly, pour 4 oz. water into a bottle, then add 10 drops of pure tea tree oil. Soak a cotton swab in the solution, and dab the diluted oil onto acne breakouts up to three times per day.
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