Acne breakouts are often swollen, painful and can be filled with irritating pus that can drive many people to squeeze and pop the blemishes. Unfortunately, popping breakouts on the skin leaves behind skin discolorations and hyperpigmentation that can take weeks to months to diminish from the skin fully. To remove hyperpigmentation from the skin effectively, it is important to soften and loosen scarred and discolored skin cells, exfoliate the loosened cells and increase the rate at which new skin cells are developed.
Step 1
Soften the skin with olive oil, which is non-comedogenic and will not clog the pores. Massage 1 tbsp. olive oil into the skin with your fingers. After three minutes, fill a bowl with nearly boiling water. Lean 12 to 18 inches over the bowl, and cover your head with a towel to make the steam cover your face. After five minutes of steaming your skin, use a damp washcloth to wipe off the oil. Repeat once per day.
Step 2
Exfoliate the skin with baking soda, which will remove softened scarred cells without irritating the skin. Pour 1 tbsp. baking soda into your hand, and drizzle 1 tsp. water into it. Spread the mixture onto your skin, and use your fingertips to massage it in gently for two minutes. Rinse off the skin with water, and repeat once per day.
Step 3
Tone the skin with lemon juice, which will help the skin develop new skin cells faster. Fill an empty spray bottle with concentrated lemon juice. Spray the skin liberally after it has been softened with olive oil and exfoliated with baking soda. You can either let the skin air dry, or rinse it off the skin after 10 minutes. Repeat up to three times per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Olive oil is a highly emollient oil that can be used to soften scarred and hyper-pigmented skin without causing the pores to become clogged or the skin to become irritated. Baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance that gently sloughs off dead skin cells that have been softened, enabling the skin to become more balanced and evenly toned. Lemon juice is high in Vitamin C, which increases the skin's ability to slough off dead skin cells, while helping the skin create new, more evenly toned skin cells.
Things You'll Need
- Olive oil
- Bowl
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Water
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Empty spray bottle
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