ACNE HOME TREATMENTS

Effective treatment, home or with a dermatologist, begins by confronting the causes. Begin by drinking eight glasses of water a day, something that will contribute to your overall health.

If you have active breakouts, apply hot compresses to pustules but never pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with pimples nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. Next, use steaming facials and thorough cleansing to open the pores. Washing twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.

Lavender or Chamomile

Occasionally, you can also boil water with herbs such as lavender or chamomile, remove from heat, and then rest your face over the pot and drape a towel over your head to steam your face. This is a special treatment that is also good for the sinuses and the soul.

Scrubs, Exfoliates, and Masques

Additionally, a variety of mild scrubs, exfoliates, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores.

Antibacterial Creams containing is Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulphur, or Resorcinol

Follow cleansing with an over-the-counter antibacterial cream containing is benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, or Resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the internet and cable TV are more costly, but not really any better than ones you can buy in the drugstore. Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide get on your good colored clothes, shirts, or towels.

Oily Skin

Next do what you can to reduce the amount of oil your skin produces. Oily skin is not a result of eating chocolate or other culprit foods, but is an innate part of your metabolism. You can combat oil by using a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil.

Glycolic Acid and Alpha-Hydroxyl Acids

Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha-hydroxyl acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel. Masques containing sulphur and other ingredients draw out facial oil. Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil and can be used throughout the day when breakouts are active.

Acne Foundations and Cover-Ups

You may hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long at it is water-based or oil-free. In addition, pharmacies now carry strips which you put on your nose, forehead, or chin to "pull out" oil from your pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive and safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.

Homemade Acne Treatments

If you are on vacation without your usual pharmacy nearby when you discover spots, or you just want to try a more natural approach to combating acne, there are many home made acne treatments that really work. Homemade acne treatments probably started with Cleopatra and have been improved on since then. The Queen of the Nile would never squeeze pimples and neither should you. This spreads the bacteria and bruises the tender tissue, and may even result in scarring.

Acne and Cleansers, such as Egg Whites!

Fundamentals include cleansing twice daily with a mild cleanser. You may like to follow this with splashes of water that is combined with either vinegar or lemon juice, to complement the slightly acidic nature of skin. Many homemade acne treatments are applied at night before bed and make the condition noticeably better by morning. These treatments that are both effective and popular include putting toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, or icing the pimple each morning and evening. Both of these reduce swelling. You may also want to try dabbing egg white (doesn't have to be whipped) on your pimple and leave on for at least 20 minutes, preferably overnight. This is supposed to "suck out" the greasy, nasty stuff. An absolutely tried and true remedy is washing your face twice a day in warm salty water to remove and reduce oil on your face.

Acne and Strawberry Leaves

A luxurious sounding and natural treatment consists of placing strawberry leaves on the acne. The alkalinity of the leaves helps reduce the swelling. Homemade masks can be a vital aid in clearing up breakouts and preventing them by unclogging the pores and washing away the debris. Mix some vinegar and salt in a bowl. Pour a little bit in your hand and rub it on the pimples or soak a paper towel in it and dab it on the bumps. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.

Acne and Cucumbers

Cucumbers blended into a paste can be applied as a mask on your face for acne or sunburn relief. Leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This is both refreshing your skin and preventative. For a change you may want to try corn flour mixed with egg white. Apply on your face and allow drying completely for perhaps 1/2 hour. Dip your hands in warm water to reconstitute this mask and massage your face before washing off. This when repeated regularly gives you a smooth skin, as does a simple oatmeal honey mask applied in the same manner.

The important thing is to try a few remedies and then stick religiously to the ones that work for your. Even more crucial is to devise a program, not only for acne but also for skin care in general, that you enjoy enough to continue through life. This is the way to permanently glowing clear skin.