Acne Spot Treatment

Six Common Skin Problems by Carol Belanger

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and can reflect our general health. In addition, our skin is probably the most abused organ on the body from environmental factors, stress, dehydration, sun exposure, etc. Our skin needs to be protected and nourished.

Problem #1: Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles are mostly due to over-exposed skin to the sun. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part. In order to reduce more fine lines and wrinkles from forming and demishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended as well as a rich moisturizing cream. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and stimulates new skin cell growth.

In addition, to eliminate additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, you should wear a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher everyday. Most people believe that because they are not baking in the sun, a sun screen is not needed; however, most people do not realize just how much sun they are exposed to on a daily basis

Problem #2: Enlarged or Distended Pores

Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers with an exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s). In addition, after cleansing a skin toner should be applied to tighten the skin and close the pores. A moisturizer should only be applied after toning and closing the pores on your skin. If you do not have a toner, apply cold water to close the pores before applying any moisturizer.

Problem #3: Brown Spots aka Age Spots

Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. It is a protective reaction for the skins inner layers.

There are remedies on the market to remove brown spots such as laser surgery or use of retinoids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) combined with bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. In addition, natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots and at a fraction of the cost of the above therapies.

Again, as indicated above, sun screen is imperative to avoid brown spots on the skin.

Problem #4: Blemishes

Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress and hormonal changes.

Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. This may include those treatments containing glycolic acid or retinol, which is potent for unclogging skin pores. Also, benzoyl peroxide, which is an antibacterial agent, can be applied. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes %uFFFD%uFFFD" salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil.

In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh. A mild home remedy is listed below:

Mask with Baking Soda (not baking powder) Wash face thoroughly with a mid cleanser. Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Apply the paste to you face and leave on about 10 minutes. Rinse face and feel the difference.

Problem #5: Redness on the Skin

Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps.

Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Dermatologists usually recommend prescription topical and oral antibiotics. In addition, treatments such as Vbeam are available. Vbeam is a technique that repairs the broken capillaries and reduces the need for topical applications. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies that reduce redness.

Problem #6: Dullness of the Skin

Dullness of the skin typically occurs around age 30. During this stage, the natural ability of your skin to slough off dead cells from the surface slows down. When the dry and dead cells build up, the skin becomes dull. To freshen your skin and bring back a natural glow, consider regular exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and improve circulation. In addition, set-up and follow a good skin care regime and your skin will thank you for it by its natural glow.

For more skin care articles, natural cosmetics and homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

About the Author

Blemishes, blotchiness, larges pores, etc. can me easily treated with homemade skin care products or natural organic and botanical skin care products. Don't be mislead when purchasing your next skin care products, read the labels and look for natural ingredients.

If you are looking for an alternative acne treatment to use instead of those over the counter remedies then how about taking advantage of the gentle healing powers of some of natures finest natural ingredients.

Treating your acne with natural ingredients is always going to be so much better for your skin as they are much less likely to irritate and aggravate than many of the harsh chemicals contained in many of the preparations used to treat acne.

Learning how to make acne reducing facial cleansers and masks at home using natural ingredients is simplicity in itself. All you need to know is what to mix together and how best to use them. Here are some of my favorite recipes for homemade cleansers and facial masks; many of which are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

All of these mixtures are extremely gentle and should not cause any irritation to your skin, however as with any product you use you must discontinue their use if you have any adverse reaction at all.

Also, when removing your mask, consider rinsing some of these over your kitchen sink rather than the bathroom sink, as some have ingredients that need to go down the garbage disposal! No sense having beautiful acne free skin if your bathroom sink is blocked up.

Simple egg yolk mask

Eggs are full of protein, vitamin A, and fatty acids that are very good for the skin. Take one beaten egg and apply it to the face with a cotton ball, or add a bit of vitamin E oil to the beaten egg. Let it dry on the face and sit for about 15 minutes, then just rinse it all off with cool water.

This will keep your skin hydrated and is a great treatment to try once every week.

Honey and oatmeal mask

When it comes to home remedies, this mask is probably one of the oldest there's ever been. All you need to do is simply mix honey and oatmeal in proportion to make a paste and apply to your skin for a good 15 minutes. The excess oils and dirt in your skin are absorbed by the oatmeal while the honey helps to condition and moisturize.

This also makes a great scrub for exfoliating; just apply it to your skin and rub in a very gently circular motion for several minutes, then rinse away.

Oily skin mask

Take a quarter of a tomato, peel away the skin and then put it through a strainer to get all the seeds out. Add two tablespoons of plain yogurt, a few slices of mashed cucumber, a quarter cup of oatmeal, two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, and a crushed mint leaf. Mix all these ingredients together, apply to your face and leave on for about ten minutes. Then use a warm damp cloth to remove...Wonderful!

Yogurt and honey mask

This is a mask has also stood the test of time. Here you need to mix equal parts of room temperature natural yogurt (Note: do not use fat free or low-fat ) with honey that has been warmed enough to become runny (put in the microwave for a minute) and apply to your face; leave the mixture on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with a warm cloth. Just make sure the honey is not too hot before you apply it! Adding a bit more honey than yogurt will increase the moisturizing benefits.

Milk of magnesia mask

Milk of magnesia is actually very natural and comes from magnesium, which is an element that naturally absorbs acids and other harmful ingredients in the stomach. However, we have discovered that it makes for a great facial mask and is brilliant for very oily skin. Simply apply a very fine film of it (make sure it's plain and unflavored) to your face, let it set for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with cold water.

Face Mask for oily skin - Lemon and strawberry

Oily skin really benefits from the natural astringent properties of Lemons and strawberries. One teaspoon of lemon juice or the juice of one lemon should be combined with the whites of two eggs, a few tablespoons of honey that has been warmed enough to be runny, and a cup of strawberries. Blend or mash the ingredients together and apply to your face, leave to set for ten minutes, and then rinse off with a warm cloth.

Acne reducing masks and cleansers - How to use them

If you have acne and an oily skin you will also usually suffer with a very sensitive skin and even though these masks and cleansers are made from pure natural ingredients they are still very potent and may cause redness, peeling, stinging, and so on.

Therefore, It's always better to start with a very light application of any mask and leave it on only for a few minutes before gently rinsing away. Be aware of how your face and skin react; if you feel any discomfort, stop using it. But if you seem to be getting some results then you can try leaving it on for a few minutes longer. You might want to consider using a mask only once per week initially, and if you're pleased with the results then increase the application to say twice per week and then to every other day.

One final thing to remember with your alternative acne treatment, just because a small amount of something works well this doesn't necessarily mean that more will be better. Stick with mixing the ingredients exactly as directed rather than adding in extra of anything.

About the Author

Using face masks made from natural ingredients is an excellent alternative acne treatment but make sure you follow the 3 unbreakable rules before it even touches your skin. Visit Acne Skin Care Center to learn more