A Fridge Facial
There are differences that divide the human race. But there is one affliction, one common enemy, that affects us all, no matter our sex, race or political views -- Acne. But there is hope, and it might be in your kitchen. So what is the best home treatment for acne? If you are not quite ready for your close-up, keep reading to find out.
In Your Bathroom
Dr. Doris Day, a New York City-based dermatologist, recommends Retin-A based products, or products that contain benzoyl peroxide or 2 percent or less salicylic acid to treat acne effectively. Hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other factors are the causes of the pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads and whiteheads that plague the population.
Benzoyl peroxide: Works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria. It also has a bleaching agent that can fade acne scars (and fabric and hair -- so be careful).
get this at home: Hydrogen peroxide, the stuff in the brown bottle, is a form of Benzoyl peroxide, but at very low solution (3 percent). Because of the bleaching action, this is best for spot treatments or to fade scars. Or dilute with water as an all over toner.
Beneficial for all skin types, but if your skin is sensitive skin, be cautious and dilute with water.
Salicylic acid: Is a beta hydroxy acid that naturally exfoliates the skin. Found in the willow tree, salicylic acid is effective on acne. It helps unclog pores, which prevents future breakouts.
get this at home:
Aspirin: Aspirin is the generic medical name for the chemical acetylsalicylic acid, a derivative of salicylic acid. This is a once or twice a week treatment. Keep in mind that you are not ingesting the aspirin, but it will be absorbed through your skin.
The Aspirin Mask
Dissolve two to four uncoated aspirins (any brand) with a few drops of water until it's a paste. Apply to face in a circular motion. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. May be too drying for dry or sensitive skin. Follow with a good moisturizer.
Warning: Aspirin is a blood-thinner so this is not for everyday use. Be sure you are not allergic. Also, excessive sneezing has been report by people who inhaled while applying.
Beneficial for all skin types but dry or sensitive skin will need moisture. In that case, add 2 TB of honey/yogurt/extra virgin olive oil.
Witch hazel: Strong anti-oxidant and astringent makes it helpful for fighting acne. It tones and cleanses the skin without stripping the essential moisture.
Beneficial for all skin types, but use a moisturizer soon after use.
In Your Kitchen
Retinol (Retin-A) is a form of Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and bone health. It works as an antioxidant in the body and has anti-bacterial and wound healing abilities. It is used not only for acne treatment but also to lighten hyper-pigmentation and in anti-wrinkle formulas.
get this at home: There are many foods that contain vitamin A, including: eggs, butter/margarine, cheese, milk, liver/cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, broccoli, spinach, kale/collard greens, cherries, papaya, mangos, cantaloupe, apricots, pumpkin and winter squash.
Papaya Cherry Mask
Blend ½ cup of papaya, 10 cherries, and 2 TB honey into a paste. Apply to skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Glycolic acid: Essentially it is used as a chemical peel to improve the skin appearance and texture. This can improve acne scarring and aid in acne prevention. It will remove blackheads.
get this at home: Glycolic acid can be found in sugar cane, sugar beets, pineapple and cantaloupe.
Pineapple natural "peel"
Blend 4 chunks of pineapple and 1 TB of sugar in a blender. Apply to face, leave on for 10-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Follow with moisturizer.
For dry or sensitive skin, add honey or to basic peel and leave on for 10 minutes.
More Acne Fighting Foods
Bananas: A natural anti-bacterial agent. Also has antioxidants and vitamins that include an anti-aging component! Gentle enough to use daily. Beneficial for all skin types.
Eggs: Contain vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. B vitamins have an anti-inflammatory property that calms and soothes irritated skin. They promote healthy cell growth. Deficiency of these vitamins can cause red, greasy or scaly skin conditions. Beneficial for all skin types.
Lemons/Limes: Lemon juice exfoliates dead skin and fades discoloration. Contains vitamin C, which can prevent skin discoloration. Its acidic properties are very versatile.
Strawberries: Contains vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acid, which works on dead skin. Beneficial for all skin types.
Honey: The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey help reduce swelling and scarring from wounds. Honey also has low levels of hydrogen peroxide. Beneficial for all skin types. Mix with lemon or lime for oily skin.
Cinnamon: A stimulant and natural exfoliate. It will stimulate your pores, allowing any acne-fighting ingredients to work better. May be too harsh for sensitive skin. Use smallest amount on dry skin.
Nutmeg: A natural anti-inflammatory. Beneficial for all skin types.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar: Dr. Edward Group on Global Health Center.com discusses the benefits of using Raw/Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for clearing up skin. Beneficial for all skin types. Mix with green tea and/or dilute with water because the strength of the vinegar can burn your skin.
Green Tea: Is an antioxidant and reduces inflammation of the skin. You can get the benefits by applying the cooled brewed tea directly to the skin or by drinking it.
Beneficial for all skin types.
Plain yogurt: Contains vitamin B. It counteracts bacterial infections and inflammation. Gentle enough to use daily. Beneficial for all skin types.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Can dislodge blackheads. It is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. Will kill bacteria, loosen dead skin and moisturize. Beneficial for all skin types.
Water: Drink 8 glasses of water daily. Beneficial to skin and body for all types.
Recipe Examples
Banana Cleanser
Blend ½ banana, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 TB white granulated sugar or brown sugar. Apply to face in circular motion. Rinse with warm water. Follow with a toner and moisturizer.
Egg Facial Mask
Egg white only (For tightening pores)
Take one egg. Carefully separate the white from the yolk. Beat the egg white until frothy. Apply to skin, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose. Leave on for 15 minutes, until dry. Rinse. Follow with a toner to clear residue. Then use moisturizer.
Egg yolks only (For vitamin A -- clears the complexion.)
Take one egg. Carefully separate the white from the yolk. Break the egg yolk. (Add lemon/lime if you have oily skin). Apply to skin, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nose. Leave on for 15 minutes, until dry. Rinse. Follow with a toner to clear residue. Then use moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Spread on Apple Cider Vinegar with a cotton ball. Once skin is dry, lather on honey. Leave on for 10 minutes. For even better results, let honey stay on overnight. Acne will be reduced and skin softer.
ACV Toner
Adding brewed green tea to apple cider vinegar makes a great toner.
Strawberry Facial Mask
Mash together 1 cup strawberries, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp lemon juice, 3 tsp honey (blending may make strawberries runny). Smooth over face, avoiding eyes, mouth and nose area. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse.
Lemon and Honey Cleanser
Mix 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 TB of finely ground almonds into a paste. Apply to face in a circular motion. Wash off. Follow with toner and or moisturizer.
Lemon and Honey Facial Mask (for dry skin)
Mix 3 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 TB of play yogurt. Mix all these ingredients to a paste in a dish and apply it to face and neck; wash off with cold water after 10 minutes.
Lemon and Banana Facial Mask (for oily skin)
Mix 2 tsp lemon juice, 3 tsp banana (smashed), 1 TB honey to a smooth paste. Apply evenly over the face (keeping away from the eyes). Leave the pack on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Leave on for 30 minutes and remove with warm towel.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg Facial Mask
Mix 1 TB honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Pat onto skin; do not rub. Do not touch your eyes or eye lids.
Yogurt Facial Mask
Apply 2 TB of plain yogurt to face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. For lightening scars, add 2 drops of lemon juice. For moisture: Add 2 TB of honey. For exfoliate action: Add 1 tsp of cane or brown sugar. Apply in circular motion.
Olive Oil Night Cream
Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup water. Open pores by splashing warm water on face (or wipe with warm towel). Apply to skin. Leave on overnight.
Olive Oil Facial Scrub/Cleanser
Mix 2 TB extra virgin olive oil and 2 TB sugar.
Apricot Facial Scrub
Remove the kernel from 2 apricots. Blend/smash the apricots. Mix with 2 TB sugar and 1 TB almond. Smooth on face in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. Follow with cold water to close pores. Apply moisturizer. (May use ground almonds, apricot kernels or coarse salt instead of sugar.)
The Oil Cleansing Method
The founder of this skin treatment says misconceptions about how our skin works have caused untold damage. Thinking oil causes acne, we strip the skin of essential oils it needs to function properly. In a nutshell, her method uses oil to fight oil. By using the right oils to dissolve the impurities in our skin, we will be on our way to normal functioning skin.
This is a daily/nightly cleansing routine. Information for specific oils and skin types is below.
1. Mix oils.
2. Rub in hands to warm oil.
3. Massage on face for several minutes.
4. Apply hot wash cloth to face (for steam).
5. Gently wipe face. (Resist the temptation to scrub)
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 several times.
7. Rub in any remaining oil.
What Oils to Use
Castor Oil: For cleansing. Castor oil has strong cleansing properties. Due to its thickness and strength, it should be used with a second oil. Can be found in the medicine aisle near the laxatives.
Secondary oil: This second oil is for moisture and to balance out the castor oil. There are many choices: extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil and sunflower seed oil are options. The important thing is to use natural, cold-pressed vegetable oils for the nutrients, vitamins and fatty acids that mineral or refined oils do not have.
Other good secondary oil choices: avocado oil, apricot kernel oil and evening primrose oil, tree tea oil, and jojoba oil.
• Normal Skin: Try a blend of 20 percent castor oil to 80 percent sunflower seed oil.
• Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10 percent castor oil to 90 percent sunflower seed oil.
• Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30 percent castor oil to 70 percent sunflower seed oil.
• Combination: Try a blend of 75 percent sunflower seed oil and 25 percent castor oil.
• Sensitive Skin: Try a blend of 10 percent castor oil to 90 percent sunflower seed oil.
And The Winner Is...
So which is the best home treatment for acne? The honest answer is that there is no one cure-all treatment. Some of these remedies have loyal followers, while not being effective for others. The best answer I can give is that you must use products that have acne-fighting ingredients and address your skin type needs. The beauty of home treatments is that you can customize them fit you.
Warning: Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before use.
Tags: Beneficial skin, skin types, Beneficial skin types, with warm, Follow with, warm water