I have definitely been prone to a breakout here and there especially when that time of the month rolls around. While one or two blemishes is nothing to call the dermatologist over, it always makes you feel that much more self conscious. It is irritating, and while I can assure you that the only person who notices it is you, it always feels like the whole world is staring at that one spot.
SEE ALSO Does Sweat From Working Out Cause Acne?
Scarring is a whole other beast. When a pimple comes to a head – gross, we know – the only thing you want to do is pop that bugger! While it’s satisfying, it can also lead to scarring, depending on how much pressure you have applied to it.
Whether it’s a zit or a scar, neither situation is ideal. You have two routes to go from here: Go to the dermatologist, or treat it from home. If your acne is moderate-severe, we definitely recommend seeing a professional. However, if you only experience a blemish here and there, it is possible that you can treat it from home using all-natural ingredients. Not only will this cost less, but also you can rest assured that what you are using on your face will be 100% safe for your skin, animals, and the environment.
I can attest to the worthiness of this routine. After realizing that my skin was too sensitive for dermatological lotions and creams – only causing even drier skin and more breakouts – I switched back over to an all-natural routine and have seen incredible improvements.
SEE ALSO Can Honey Really Minimize Acne?
Here are the arsenal of ingredients I keep on hand to combat breakouts at every stage. Don’t miss out!
1. Witch Hazel
After washing your face in the morning and at night, apply witch hazel all over with a cotton swab to prevent new breakouts from popping up. It works as a natural astringent to make sure your skin gets clean and stays that way. By shrinking your pores dirt is less likely to get in. And, you know what that means? Less spots!
2. Tea Tree Oil
My friends definitely have made fun of me for my obsession with tea tree oil. At the sight of a breakout, rash, or other skin irritation, I am the first one to pipe up and say, “Just put some tea tree on it!” I am convinced it is a remedy sent from the heavens. Acting as a antimicrobial and antibacterial, it not only helps lessen the appearance of unsightly spots, but also helps treat and prevent it. Native to Australian regions, it might cost you a bit more than, say, hand soap, but it will surely be worth it.
It should also be noted that tea tree oil may dry out your skin, which is why you should follow it up with the proceeding ingredients such as vitamin E oil.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Forget store-bought aloe vera gel. What could be more satisfying than buying yourself an aloe vera stem/branch, slicing it open, and applying the gel onto your face itself? Aloe vera is a great topical and oral skin remedy. Topically, it can ease breakouts, irritations, and even treat open wounds. If you are a “picker” aloe vera will help soothe any acne scars and lessen their appearance. As an oral remedy, make sure you dilute the gel with water and you are ready to drink away. If done correctly, it will be virtually tasteless, but will help detoxify the body.
4. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is essential for skin reparation. If you don’t trust OTC moisturizers because of how they clog your pores, this might just be the answer you have been looking for. Wether it is dry skin you suffer from or a few rough patches, look no further. It’s also an antioxidant and has the ability to destroy free radicals – meaning that it won’t cause breakouts. If you need a solution quickly or have trouble finding vitamin E oil, a dime-sized amount of olive oil can do the trick.
5. Lemon
For when it’s all just too little, too late and you have been left with a less-than-desirable acne scar, may we suggest trying lemon? Lemon acts as an all-natural “peel” to help lighten and lessen the appearance of everything from scars to discoloration to age spots. Leave on over night for best results.
6. Green Tea
Finally, there’s no point in going through all this, if you’re not going to nourish yourself from the inside out. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential, but it never hurts to get a boost now and again! Green tea is the ultimate beauty weapon. We recommend drinking at least 3 cups a day in order for its antioxidants to work their magic on you. High in catechins they help fight and prevent cell damage. If that is not essential for beautiful skin, we don’t know what is.
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I just gave away my witch hazel!!! I think I need to get it back ASAP! LOL!
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