Blemishes are caused by the pores becoming clogged with sebum, oils, bacteria and other impurities. In order to effectively heal acne blemishes, it is important to follow a system that reduces inflammation, increases skin cell turnover and kills off bacteria and microbes that cause acne. Although over-the-counter acne treatment products can dry up acne quickly, the acne can return if you don't keep the skin free of acne-causing elements.
Step 1
Soothe irritation by applying an oatmeal mask. Pour 1/2 cup of raw, rolled oats into a bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the oats. Wait until the oatmeal has cooled completely, then spread the oatmeal onto your skin. Allow the oatmeal mask to remain on your skin for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water. Repeat once per day.
Step 2
Increase skin cell turnover by applying a lemon juice compress. Place five cotton pads into concentrated lemon juice. Squeeze out the excess juice with your fingers. Drape the pads on your skin. Place one pad on your chin, one pad on each cheek and two pads onto the forehead. Leave the pads on your skin for at least 15 minutes. Remove the pads and let the skin dry. Repeat up to three times per week.
Step 3
Kill acne-causing bacteria and microbes by applying tea tree oil. Soak the tip of a cotton swab into pure tea tree oil. Dip the end of the swab again into water to dilute it. Gently apply the diluted tea tree oil to active acne breakouts, allowing the oil to soak into the skin. Do not rinse off the oil. Repeat up to three times per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Oatmeal is soothing to the skin and can reduce redness and swelling when applied as a mask. Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which helps increase the rate at which skin cells are sloughed off, while encouraging the skin to develop new skin cells. This helps prevent the pores from becoming clogged and helps flush out impurities that are already existing inside the pores. The Department of Dermatology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suggests tea tree oil can eliminate acne-causing bacteria as well as benzoyl peroxide cream does, without causing side effects such as redness or itching.
Things You'll Need
- Oats
- Bowl
- Lemon juice
- Cotton pads
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton swab
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