Acne bumps are inflamed areas of the skin that are caused by the pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, oils and bacteria. When the skin is affected by acne bumps, it can be both painful and embarrassing. Fortunately, acne breakouts can be alleviated and eliminated by following a routine that flushes out the pores, removes pore-clogging oils and dead skin cells, and kills off acne-causing bacteria and microbes.
Step 1
Flush out the pores using a non-comedogenic oil, such as castor oil. Pour 1 tbsp. of castor oil onto your face, and use your fingers to massage the oil into your skin. After three minutes, place a steaming hot washcloth over the skin. Once the washcloth cools down completely, use it to wipe off the excess oil. Repeat two times per day.
Step 2
Remove dead skin cells using a mildly abrasive exfoliant, such as baking soda. Pour 1 tbsp. of baking soda into a bowl, and mix 1 tsp. of water into it. Spread the baking soda paste onto your skin, and use your fingers to massage the paste in with small, circular motions. After two minutes, rinse off the skin with warm water. Repeat two times per day after flushing the pores with oil.
Step 3
Spot-treat individual acne bumps using an acne-fighting oil, such as tea tree oil. Pour 8 oz. of water into a bottle, and drop in five drops of pure tea tree oil, mixing them together well. Soak a cotton ball in the diluted tea tree oil, and apply it to the acne breakouts. Repeat two times per day after exfoliating the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Castor oil is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning it will not clog the pores when used on the skin. When castor oil is applied as a skin cleanser, the castor oil bonds to the other oils and impurities inside the pores. When steam or hot water is applied, the pores open up to release oils and impurities, effectively flushing out the pores. Baking soda is a mildly abrasive scrub that is effective in removing dead skin cells, yet gentle enough to avoid damaging or irritating the skin. According to the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, tea tree oil can be used on the skin as an effective alternative to benzoyl peroxide, which can cause side effects like redness or peeling. The tea tree oil is extracted and bottled in its pure form, and should be diluted into a 5 percent solution before it is used on the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Castor oil
- Washcloth
- Baking soda
- Water
- Bowl
- Tea tree oil
- Bottle
- Cotton ball
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