Acne affects most people at some time in their lives, but most commonly occurs during periods of hormonal fluctuation. Acne can be both painful and embarrassing, and can lower self-esteem if left untreated. In order to prevent acne from affecting your daily life, it is important to follow a routine that avoids irritating or inflaming the skin and that will allow the skin to clear quickly. This routine will cleanse the skin without irritating it, exfoliate pore-blocking skin cells and oils, and treat the acne pustules.
Step 1
Cleanse the skin properly using a sensitive-skin soap. Wet your face with water and lather up your hands using a sensitive-skin soap. Apply the lather to your face, and spread it around gently until the entire area is covered. Rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a day.
Step 2
Exfoliate the skin with a gentle yet effective skin scrub. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. raw ground oats, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 2 tbsp. honey. Mix the ingredients well. Spread the mixture onto wet skin, and massage it around for one to two minutes using circular motions with your fingers. Rinse with warm water. Repeat two times a day.
Step 3
Spot-treat the active acne breakouts using an antibacterial oil, such as tea tree oil. Dip a cotton swab into pure tea tree oil, then dip it again into water. Dab the diluted oil onto the active acne blemishes, allowing it to soak into the skin. Repeat up to three times a day. Discontinue use if the oil causes the skin to itch or become red, which could indicate an allergy.
Tips and Warnings
- Cleansing the skin with a sensitive-skin soap will enable the skin to be cleansed without irritating it with chemical additives, such as artificial perfumes, dyes or preservatives. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing skin-care products into the skin, which can exacerbate breakouts and inhibit acne from clearing. Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells that can block the pores and cause acne. In a study conducted by the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, tea tree oil was found to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in clearing acne. Tea tree oil must be diluted to a 5 percent concentration in order to be used directly on the skin with irritation.
Things You'll Need
- Sensitive-skin soap
- Baking soda
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Raw oats
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton swab
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