We
all know what they're like: blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed red
swellings under the skin that hurt just to look at them. Always
popping up in places that you can't cover completely and appearing
on days when you really want or need to look and feel great. Teens
are expected to suffer the occasional blemish, but many of us
experience full-blown acne well into our 20s and 30s.
Localized blemishes can be treated in many ways. A quick, easy,
and inexpensive zit-zapper is toothpaste. Apply non-gel toothpaste
directly to the affected spot, and it should dry out overnight. If
you're a die-hard gel toothpaste fan and don't want to purchase a
new tube of paste for a little pimple, dab a bit of lemon juice or
Visine onto the blemish 3 or 4 times a day and you'll find that it
really can "take the red out."
Cleansing
Your Face
The
best way to treat acne is prevention. Acne occurs when pores are
clogged with bacteria. Keep in mind that when you clean your face,
you are simply removing dirt and oil from the skin's surface.
Washing your face six times a day will not prevent acne; in fact,
you may aggravate the condition if you wash too vigorously or use
the wrong type of cleanser. When you wash your face, gently
massage the soapy lather onto your face with your fingertips using
a rotating motion. Always use a mild soap or facial cleanser. Do
not use a washcloth since it may irritate your face and, with
frequent usage, accumulate bacteria that may further infect your
skin. Rinse your face with warm water and gently pat your face dry
with a clean soft towel.
Toning
Your Face
Using
a toner can help soothe your irritated, blemished skin. This easy
Lemon Lavender Toner recipe can be whipped up in no time. Combine
4 drops of essential lavender oil with 4 drops of essential lemon
oil and mix with 100 ml of spring water. We recommend that you dab
on the toner with a cotton ball immediately after you cleanse your
face in the morning and at night. You can also make a terrific
toner out of basil leaves steeped in boiling water; we suggest a
ratio of 3 tsp. of basil to 1 cup of water. After you've let the
mixture cool and the leaves have settled to the bottom of the
container, dab the liquid onto your face with a cotton ball.
For
a wonderful smelling and edible facial, try our Honey Apple Facial
below. Our Herbal Aloe Moisturizer is perfect for oily skin.
Honey
Apple Facial
Mix
1 medium size grated apple and 4 tbsp. honey in a bowl. Smooth
over skin and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse well with cool
water.
Herbal
Aloe Moisturizer
Mix
1 oz. aloe vera gel, 1 drop tea tree essential oil, and 2 drops
grapefruit essential oil in a small bowl. Apply moisturizer
directly to skin; very sensitive skin should use aloe vera gel by
itself.
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