Acne blemishes are characterized by the appearance of pustules, cysts and nodules that are inflamed and puss-filled on the skin. When blemishes become large and inflamed, they can become itchy and can lead many people to try and pop them to relieve the pressure by removing the puss. Unfortunately, popping blemishes can cause the areas where the blemishes are to become darkened and discolored. The darkened areas of the skin can become dry and difficult to diminish. Luckily, by loosening the darkened skin cells, exfoliating the loosened skin cells, and applying a Vitamin C compress, the darkened areas of the skin can be naturally lightened.
Step 1
Loosen darkened skin cells using an oil facial steam. Spread 1 tbsp. of olive oil onto your face, and massage it around with your fingers using circular finger movements. After three to four minutes, fill a bowl with nearly boiling water, and place it onto a flat surface. Drape a towel over your head, and lean 12 to 18 inches over the bowl to let the steam envelope the skin. After five minutes, lift your head, and wipe away the oil with a damp washcloth. Repeat once per day.
Step 2
Exfoliate the loosened skin cells using a naturally abrasive scrub, such as baking soda. Pour 1 tbsp. of baking soda into your hand, and drizzle 1 tsp. of water onto it. Spread the mixture onto your skin, massaging it in for two minutes. Rinse off the baking soda mixture with water. Repeat once per day after applying an oil steam.
Step 3
Apply a lemon juice compress, which helps slough off dead, darkened skin cells while supporting the creation of new skin cells. Soak five cotton pads in concentrated lemon juice. Place the pads onto your skin; once for each cheek, one for your chin, and one for the forehead area. After 10 minutes, remove the pads and let the skin air dry. Repeat once per day after exfoliating the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that olive oil is a highly emollient, non-pore-clogging oil that helps soften and loosen skin cells. Removing loosened skin cells can be achieved by applying a mildly abrasive facial scrub. Baking soda makes an effective scrub because it is comprised of smooth, rounded particulates that will buff away dead skin without irritating or scratching the surface of the skin. Vitamin C increases the rate at which dead, darkened skin cells are sloughed away, while increasing the speed at which new skin cells are developed. This increased skin cell turnover allows darkened areas of the skin to become lighter and more balanced.
Things You'll Need
- Olive oil
- Water
- Bowl
- Washcloth
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Cotton pads
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