Acne is a skin disorder that involves the formation of blackheads, blisters, pimples, pustules, cysts and nodules on the body, mainly on the face and back. This pathology can present three different degrees of intensity: mild, moderate and acute. Light acne (with less than 20 blackheads, non-inflamed blisters and pimples) or moderate (with more than 20 blisters, blackheads and pimples) can be treated with natural remedies. However, in case of severe acne (therefore with an even higher number of blackheads, bubbles, pimples, pustules, nodules and cysts) or persistent moderate acne, it is necessary to perform a treatment with professional products prescribed by a dermatologist.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Perform Facial Cleansing with Steam
Step 1. Get everything you need
Steam cleaning is a simple and effective way to refresh the skin and prevent acne. You will need:
- 1 l pot
- Waterfall.
- Clean towel.
- Essential oils.
- Dried herbs (if you don't have essential oils).
Step 2. Choose 1 or 2 essential oils
You should use oils with antibacterial or antiseptic properties to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that infect the skin and cause acne. You can choose from the following oils:
- Spearmint or peppermint: these oils have antiseptic properties and strengthen the immune system thanks to the high percentage of menthol they contain.
- Thyme: This herb is capable of strengthening the immune system, but it also has antibacterial properties that help relieve inflammation in the epidermis. In addition, it promotes blood circulation.
- Lavender: This herb is known for its soothing, calming, and antibacterial properties. It also helps fight anxiety and depression.
- Calendula: This herb helps speed up healing and also has antimicrobial properties.
- The oils should always be tested on a small area of the skin before proceeding with use, to make sure you do not have any allergic reactions or skin rashes. Pour a drop on your wrist and wait for 10-15 minutes. You can use them to steam cleans if your skin has no adverse reactions.
Step 3. Cleanse the skin with a vegetable oil based product
Gather your hair to free your face, then apply a vegetable oil-based product to cleanse it and prepare it for steaming. You can use ingredients such as glycerin, grapeseed and sunflower oil to make an entirely vegetable oil-based product.
- Apply the product to your face and massage it gently with your fingertips using circular movements. Clean your face for about 1 minute, then rinse with warm water, removing the product well.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Step 4. Boil essential oils in a pot of water
Take the 1 liter pot and fill it halfway with water. Put it on the stove and let it boil for 1-2 minutes. It should generate an abundant stream of steam.
- Add 1-2 drops of essential oils, which can be replaced with dried herbs. Calculate 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs per 1 liter of water.
- Let the water boil for another minute and remove it from the heat. Since the pot will be hot, use a pot holder. Turn off the heat and place the pot on a stable surface in an open place.
Step 5. Cover your head with a towel and place your face 30-40cm away from the water
To start, cover your head with a towel so that you can easily place your face 30-40cm away from the surface of the water. This allows blood vessels and pores to dilate, but the steam will not damage the skin.
Close your eyes, then inhale and exhale deeply. Try to relax while letting the steam do its job
Step 6. Perform the treatment for 10 minutes
After 1 minute, remove your face from the steam and let your skin rest for 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes there is no allergic reaction to the oils, without sneezing or itching, you can heat the water again and repeat the procedure.
Treat for up to 10 minutes. At this point, rinse the skin with warm water and pat it dry with a towel
Step 7. Hydrate your face
Complete the treatment by moisturizing your face with natural oils or a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Hydrating at the end of the session helps keep the skin soft and prevent possible damage.
- Choose easy-to-find non-comedogenic moisturizers, such as those from La Roche Posay, Avène, or Clinique.
- You can also use natural non-comedogenic oils, such as hemp seed oil, shea butter, sunflower, castor, calendula, or argan oil.
- To start, moisturize your face 2 times a day with natural oils, once in the morning and once in the evening. You can then steam clean once a day, either in the morning or in the evening.
Method 2 of 5: Make Sea Salt Treatments or Other Ingredients
Step 1. Cleanse your face before getting a sea salt treatment
Thanks to its antibacterial and regenerating properties, salt helps fight acne. It can also help dissolve excess sebum from the epidermis, thus preventing the ailment. However, overdoing it can dry out the skin and exacerbate acne. Before doing a sea salt treatment, you should always clean your face with a mild oil-based or non-comedogenic cleanser.
Sea salt can be substituted for table salt. Keep in mind that the latter does not contain the same minerals as sea salt, so it may not be as effective. Sea salt is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iodine, potassium, zinc, iron and minerals
Step 2. Make a sea salt mask
To start, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sea salt in 3 teaspoons of warm water. Then, add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, green tea from 2 tea bags left to infuse or honey. Mix it well. Aloe vera gel promotes healing, green tea is rich in antioxidants, and honey has antibacterial properties.
- Apply the mask to your face with your fingertips. Keep it out of sight.
- Those who prefer to treat targeted areas can use a cotton swab to apply the mask on specific portions of the face.
- Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- Use this mask only once a day, as too frequent use can dry out the skin.
Step 3. Use a sea salt facial spray
This product is equally effective for applying sea salt to the face quickly and easily. Use an empty, clean spray bottle with a good cap.
- Dissolve 10 teaspoons of sea salt in 30 teaspoons of hot water. You can add 10 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, green tea or honey. Then, pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
- Cover or close your eyes as you apply the spray to your clean face. You can also spray it on the neck and chest.
- Let the spray dry on your skin for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Pat your skin dry and apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- The spray can be stored in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling.
Step 4. Take a warm sea salt bath to treat acne affecting the body
This treatment helps prevent the development of impurities on other areas of the body with acne-prone skin, such as the back and chest.
- Pour 2 cups of sea salt into the hot water as the bathtub fills; favors the dissolution of salt.
- Soak in the water for 15 minutes. If you suffer from acne on your face as well, you can dip a clean sponge in the tub water, then place it on your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, keeping your eyes closed to prevent salt water from getting inside.
- After 15 minutes, get out of the tub and pat your skin dry with a towel. At this point you can apply a non-comedogenic cream. Do not soak more than 15 minutes and do not do this treatment more than once a day, as it can dry out the skin.
Step 5. Make a honey, lemon and egg white face mask
This treatment helps cleanse and heal the skin. Herbs with astringent properties are also able to tone the skin and eliminate the bacteria responsible for acne. You can make a very effective mask specifically for oily skin using 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Lemon juice has astringent properties and can also lighten the skin. You can replace it with amamalide hydrosol if you prefer to avoid applying a whitening agent to the skin.
- You should also add ½ teaspoon of one of the following essential oils: peppermint, spearmint, lavender, calendula, or thyme.
- Apply the mask to your face and neck. You can also apply it to specific problem areas on your face or neck with a cotton swab. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Finish the treatment by applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer to the face and neck.
Method 3 of 5: Use an Oil Based Cleaner
Step 1. Choose a primary oil
Oil-based cleansers are very effective and all-natural solutions to treat acne. Since acne is due to an accumulation of greasy matter, the best way to remove or dissolve the oil is to apply another one. The oil can break down dirt and sebum residues on the epidermis, eliminating them without overdrying or stressing the skin. To start, choose a primary oil, which is the base of the cleaner.
- You can use argan, hemp seed, shea nut, sunflower, olive, or castor oil. Avoid shea nut oil or similar if you have an allergy to dried fruit.
- Apply a small amount of the oil to the skin to test it. Wait 10 minutes and proceed with use if it does not cause any allergic reaction.
- Always use organic and cold pressed oils. You can find them in herbal medicine.
Step 2. Choose a natural antibacterial oil
There are several oils that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Look for one that smells good and doesn't cause allergic reactions.
You can use oregano, tea tree, lavender, rosemary, or frankincense oil. These essential oils all have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
Step 3. Mix the primary oil and essential oil
Calculate 3-5 drops of essential oil for every 30ml of primary oil. Mix well and store the product in a dark glass bottle, away from light.
Apply a small amount of the oil-based cleanser to the palm of your hand and massage it into your face for 2 minutes. Make small circular motions
Step 4. Remove the oil-based cleanser with a warm towel
After 2 minutes, place a towel soaked in warm water on your face for 20 seconds. Then, gently remove the oil. Rinse the towel with lukewarm water and go over it again until you have wiped all the oil off your face.
This cleansing method can be performed twice a day, morning and evening
Method 4 of 5: Taking Care of Your Face Properly
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day
Adopt good cleansing habits to keep dirt and oil in check. Wash your face twice a day and the rest of your body at least once a day. You can use an oil-based plant cleanser or a non-comedogenic cleanser. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can irritate and dry out the skin.
- Always use your fingertips to apply the cleanser to your face and massage it instead of rubbing it. Rubbing can leave permanent scars on the skin.
- The face and body should also be washed after performing activities that cause intense sweating, for example after a sports workout.
Step 2. Don't tease, squeeze or squeeze bubbles, blackheads or pimples
Avoid touching the areas affected by acne and do not irritate them in any way, especially with your hands. Irritating the areas affected by blemishes and other blemishes can cause breakouts and leave scars, not to mention that it extends the healing time for pimples or blisters.
Step 3. Avoid the sun
Avoid exposing yourself to direct sunlight without sunscreen and do not make lamps. UV rays can damage the epidermis.
Method 5 of 5: Change your Power
Step 1. Eat more low-GI foods
Low-glycemic foods release blood sugars at a slower rate. This can allow the body to process them more easily. Here are some low-glycemic foods:
- Bran, muesli and oat flakes.
- Whole grains, rye bread and wholemeal bread. Wholemeal pasta, barley and brown rice have a low glycemic index.
- Most vegetables, except beetroot, squash, and parsnips.
- Most fruit, except watermelon and dates. Fruits such as mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, raisins, and figs have a medium glycemic index.
- Dried fruit.
- Legumes.
- Yogurt.
Step 2. Eat foods rich in vitamin A
This vitamin helps in maintaining healthy beauty and preventing acne. Look for foods rich in vitamin A such as:
- Vegetables and greens such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, red peppers, summer squash.
- Fruits such as cantaloupe melon, mangoes and apricots.
- Legumes such as black-eyed peas.
- Meat and fish, especially beef liver, herring and salmon.
Step 3. Eat foods rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D also helps keep skin visibly healthy and fresh. Look for foods rich in vitamin D such as:
- Fish such as cod liver, salmon and tuna.
- Milk and derivatives such as yogurt and cheese.
- Vitamin D can also be obtained by exposing the skin to the sun for at least 10-15 minutes per week. Make sure you apply an SPF cream to protect your skin from UV rays.
Step 4. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help to naturally brighten the skin and prevent acne development. Look for foods that are rich in it, such as:
- Seeds and nuts such as flaxseed and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts and other types of dried fruit.
- Fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and white fish.
- Vegetables such as spinach, radish sprouts, and Chinese broccoli.
- Cook using herbs like basil, oregano, cloves, and marjoram.
Step 5. Avoid foods rich in refined and artificial sugars
Foods with added sugars can actually trigger acne, as bacteria feed on these substances. Check product labels before you buy them at the grocery store to make sure they don't contain refined or artificial sugar.
Step 6. Reduce your consumption of milk and dairy products
Recent studies have shown that milk and derivatives such as cheese tend to cause more acne among predisposed subjects. Lactose and other milk sugars can cause insulin spikes, leading to acne. Similarly, over 60 hormones are naturally present in milk which can substantially affect the development of acne.
Advice
- Always speak to your dermatologist before trying to use any of these methods.
- If these methods do not give you any results after 2-3 weeks and the situation does not improve, see your dermatologist.
