Blemish Remedy

Blemish Remedy
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Blemishes usually occur on the skin during times when the hormones are surging through the body at a faster rate, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or menstruation. Although there are chemical creams and lotions formulated to treat acne, they can often cause irritation and inflammation on the skin. Fortunately, acne can be effectively treated using natural remedies. When using natural remedies on the skin, it is important to know what treatments are available, how and when to use them and when to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Effective Natural Remedies

Natural acne remedies include cleansers, toners, exfoliants and oils that can help eliminate acne breakouts without the use of artificial chemical ingredients. Some of the most effective natural acne remedies are tea tree oil, calamine lotion, lemon juice, baking soda and oatmeal.

How to Apply a Natural Remedy

It is important to know the right way to apply a natural acne remedy so that the skin can be cleared efficiently.
To correctly apply tea tree oil, it must first be diluted into a 5 percent solution by combining 8 oz. of water with five drops of pure tea tree oil. The solution is then dabbed onto the skin up to three times per day to kill off acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
To correctly apply calamine lotion, a cotton swab should be dipped into the lotion, then applied liberally to the active acne breakouts. Once the calamine lotion has dried, it can remain there for 1 hour to dry up acne breakouts.
To correctly apply lemon juice, a cotton pad should be soaked in the juice and wiped around the entire effected area. The skin should dry naturally, and the lemon juice should be applied up to three times per day to keep the pores free of impurities.
To correctly apply baking soda, 1 tbsp. of baking soda should be mixed with 1 tsp. of water, then massaged onto the skin for 3 minutes. The skin should then be rinsed. Baking soda can be used to remove dead skin cells and impurities once per day.
To correctly use oatmeal on the skin, 1/2 cup of oats should be combined with 1 cup of boiling water. Once cooled, it can be spread over the skin, allowed to remain there for 10 minutes and then rinsed off. Oatmeal can be applied to the skin up to three times per day to reduce redness and inflammation on the skin.

Effects

Over-the-counter creams and lotions contain chemical ingredients that are designed to kill acne-causing bacteria and dry up pustules quickly, but are known to cause dryness, redness and peeling on the skin. When using a natural acne remedy to treat acne, the skin can be cleared just as effectively, but without the irritating side effects.

Considerations

If you experience swelling or irritation as a result of using natural acne remedies, you may have an allergy and should talk to a dermatologist before continuing use.

Time Frame

Natural acne remedies can take longer to work than their chemical counterparts, so it is helpful to try out a natural acne treatment for at least 3 weeks to allow it to clear the skin effectively.

References

Article reviewed by Mona Newbacher Last updated on: Mar 23, 2010

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