Acne pustules and scarring can cause your skin to appear blotchy and unhealthy, and can be exacerbated by applying chemical skin care products that contain harsh chemicals. There are methods for reducing acne breakouts and scarring on your face that involve applying natural substances that won't irritate your skin. Know which natural treatments are effective in treating acne and scarring, how long it takes for them to work, and which side effects may occur.
Types of Cleansers
A few different methods can be used to cleanse acne-prone skin naturally. You can use a natural, chemical-free soap--available at any health food store--to cleanse skin twice a day without causing irritation. Another alternative is to apply a pore-cleansing oil, such as castor oil, which can flush out your pores and soften scar tissue. Massage 1 tbsp. oil into your skin for three minutes, focusing on the areas that are the most affected by scarring or acne. Place a steaming washcloth over your skin, leaving it on until it cools down. Then use the washcloth to remove the oil. For cleansing and scar softening, apply oil to your skin twice a day.
Types of Spot Treatments
Spot-treating acne breakouts with a natural substance, such as tea tree oil or calamine lotion, dries up the pustules and kills off acne-causing bacteria without irritating your skin like a chemical acne cream would. To use tea tree oil, it must first be diluted in water. Fill an empty bottle with 8 oz. water, then add 10 drops of tea tree oil. Dip a cotton swab into the diluted oil, then apply the oil directly to your acne breakouts up to three times per day. Calamine lotion dries pustules and cysts without irritating your skin, and can be applied full strength using a cotton swab up to three times per day.
Methods for Reducing Scarring
To reduce scarring caused by acne, your skin can be softened using a non-comedogenic oil, such as castor oil, then exfoliated to remove the softened scar tissue by applying a baking soda scrub. To apply a baking soda scrub to discolored skin, combine 1 tbsp. baking soda with 1 tsp. water and massage it onto your skin for two minutes. Rinse off your skin well with water, and reapply the baking soda scrub up to three times per week.
Warnings
If your skin becomes red or inflamed from using a natural soap, tea tree oil, castor oil, calamine lotion or baking soda, stop using the substance and check with a doctor or dermatologist.
Time Frame
Natural acne and scar treatments can take longer to work than chemical acne products but are just as effective over time. Use natural acne and scar treatments for at least five weeks in order to give them time to clear your skin and return your skin to its naturally smooth appearance.
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