Acne is an irritating skin condition characterized by red to pink bumps appearing anywhere on the skin. There are many effective acne-fighting treatments available in stores that are designed to clear acne, but they are often formulated with strong chemical ingredients and additives that can irritate and inflame the skin. Luckily, acne pustules and blackheads can be treated naturally with substances that will eliminate acne breakouts, without causing the skin to become irritated.
Step 1
Cleanse with baking soda to remove dead skin cells. Mix together 2 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tbsp. of water. Wet your face, and smooth the baking soda mixture onto your skin. Massage in the baking soda using light, circular finger motions for two to three minutes, then rinse your skin clean with water. Repeat two times per day.
Step 2
Apply a tea tree oil and clay mask to kill acne-causing bacteria and to dry up pustules. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp. of French green clay with four drops of tea tree oil. Smooth the mask onto your skin, and let it dry completely. Rinse off the dried mask with warm water. Apply a tea tree clay mask once per week after cleansing your skin.
Step 3
Spot treat individual acne breakouts with calamine lotion. Soak the end of a cotton swab with calamine lotion, and apply it liberally the the effected areas. Let the calamine lotion dry, and rinse it off with water after at least 1 hour. Re-apply calamine lotion twice per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Baking soda is an alkaline substance that effectively removes dead skin, bacteria and excess oils that can become trapped inside the pores, causing acne to form. Baking soda is also very gentle, and can be used on the skin without causing unnecessary irritation. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial oil that is an effective alternative to benzoyl peroxide, which is known to cause side effects on the skin, such as peeling, redness and burning. Since tea tree oil is extracted and bottled in its pure form, it needs to be diluted in a 5 percent solution before it can be applied on the skin. The Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suggests that a 5 percent tea tree oil solution is just as effective as a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream in clearing the skin. Calamine lotion is traditionally used to dry up chicken pox blisters and to reduce redness and itching from a poison ivy rash. Many do not realize that calamine lotion can also help reduce redness and fluid inside acne breakouts.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Bowl
- Tea tree oil
- French green clay
- Calamine lotion
- Cotton swab
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