Homemade Acne Treatment

Homemade Acne Treatment

Most experts will tell you that having a nice complexion requires keeping the face very clean, eating well and drinking lots of water. Although these techniques do help prevent acne, thousands of teens still suffer from this typically adolescent skin condition. However, acne isn't just a teenage affliction: many adults are also looking for ways to eliminate acne and acne scars.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medicines have greatly improved over the years and, for the most part, they work well. However, for some kids, the chemicals used in these ointments can cause irritation and further skin problems. Some use an adjustable treatment approach, changing dosage as the skin condition changes. For others, the ointments simply don't work at all.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

One way to effectively treat acne is to keep face clean from oils, makeup and dirt. After washing your face, try rubbing a cotton ball that has a dab of rubbing alcohol on it. Not only does alcohol help dry the skin of oil but it also kills bacteria-causing germs. Since bacteria are at the heart of acne and blemishes, it's important to keep skin free of their dangers.

Alcohol is especially helpful when you first feel the effects of a pimple. Often, the skin around the area of a pimple-to-be can begin to sting or feel sore when rubbed. Upon first noticing this condition, douse the area (and only this area) with alcohol three times a day.

If you want to try rubbing alcohol to treat your acne, keep a few things in mind. Using alcohol more frequently than once daily can cause skin to peel or become irritated. Similarly, those with combination oily-sensitive skin should refrain from using rubbing alcohol on their faces. Alcohol has a tendency to over dry. As a result, sensitive skin may over compensate by producing more oil, inflaming an existing acne problem.

Making Your Own Facial Masks

Here are a few all-natural facial masks you can make with ingredients found in your kitchen:

• Oatmeal: People with really oily skin often get blackheads. Oatmeal is one way to treat oily skin. It is very dry, so it absorbs oil from the skin. Plus, it's inexpensive and natural.
  
  To use oatmeal to help clear your skin, make a thick paste of oatmeal and water. Apply this mix to your face in the morning and evening. Allow the paste to stay on your face for ten to twenty minutes before rinsing with cool water.
  
• Honey and Apple: Another effective all-natural facial mask for those with oily skin is made from honey and apples. After grating the apple into a fine pulp, mix in four tablespoons of honey and apply to your face for ten minutes. Rinse off the mask after ten minutes is up.
  
• Egg Whites, Witch Hazel and Lemon Juice: Another acne home remedy is a mask made of egg whites, witch hazel and lemon juice. To make this mask, beat an egg white until stiff and add a few drops of witch hazel and a few drops of lemon juice. Spread the mixture over the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
  
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes work wonders for oily skin. After mashing a ripe tomato, drain the juice on paper towels for a few minutes. Next, take the tomato pieces and pat them onto your face as you are lying back. Leave the pieces on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Do this treatment once daily, preferably in the morning.

A Few More Tips

Try to keep from picking at pimples. Dirt under your fingernails gets into the pimple and infects it further.

Also, if your current medication isn't working well, try some of these remedies to see if they'll help. If you're trying old-fashioned therapies and they don't work, ask your physician about prescription medications for relief.

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