Healthy Skin Care for Acne

Healthy Skin Care for Acne
Photo Credit facial mask image by sasha from Fotolia.com

Acne is a common skin condition that happens to many people and can manifest on the skin as blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. There are many acne-fighting skin care products that can be purchased in stores, but often these products contain harsh chemical ingredients that can cause irritation and inflammation on the skin. To eliminate acne while still keeping the skin healthy and vibrant, it is important to use alternative remedies that will soothe the skin, kill off bacteria that cause acne and keep the pores free of blockages.

Step 1

Wash the skin gently using an olive oil castille soap. Splash water on the skin, and pour 1 tsp. of olive oil castille soap into the hands. Rub the hands together to create a rich lather, then spread the lather over the skin. After the entire area has been covered, rinse off the skin with water. Repeat two times per day.

Step 2

Remove impurities from the skin with a baking soda scrub. Pour 1 tbsp. of baking soda into a bowl, and add in 1 tsp. of water, which will make a paste. Smooth the baking soda paste onto the skin, and move it around in small, circular finger movements. After 2 minutes, rinse off the skin with warm water. Repeat two times per day after cleansing the skin.

Step 3

Spot treat the acne breakouts with an antibacterial oil. Dip a cotton swab into tea tree oil, then again into water. Spread the tea tree oil over the areas affected by acne breakouts. Repeat two times per day after using the baking soda scrub.

Tips and Warnings

  • Olive oil castille soap is created using only natural ingredients that will clean the skin without causing irritation. An effective olive oil castille soap is the Dr. Bronner's brand, which can be purchased at health food stores or through online merchants. Applying a facial scrub removes dead skin cells, excess oils, sebum and bacteria that can become trapped inside the pores and cause acne. It is important to only use a natural, gentle scrub, such as baking soda, that will not scratch or scrape the skin when applied. According to the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, tea tree oil, as with like benzoyl peroxide, can be use as an effective alternative to chemical acne treatments. Tea tree oil works to clear the skin by killing off acne-causing bacteria inside the pores.

Things You'll Need

  • Olive oil castille soap
  • Baking soda
  • Bowl
  • Tea tree oil
  • Cotton swab
  • Water

References

Article reviewed by James Dryden Last updated on: Aug 24, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments