Although often associated with puberty, acne can strike people of all ages. If you are plagued with pimples, blackheads and similar forms of acne, it is important that you exfoliate your skin regularly. While there are many chemical-laden products on the market that you can use, they can often exacerbate your symptoms by drying out your skin.
Fortunately for you, there are lots of easy ways that you can use a natural exfoliator for acne-prone skin with ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
Why Exfoliate?
If you already have a facial care routine, you might be asking yourself why you even need to exfoliate. Over-the-counter products might have turned you off of the idea, or you might not have any visible flaky skin. However, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t shedding a bunch of skin cells every day!
In fact, these cells are one of the biggest contributors to blackheads and whiteheads. Both of these are a result of sebum, your natural skin oil, and dead skin cells building up in your pores. Without exfoliation, you will continue to have clogged pores.
Whiteheads definitely indicate a need for exfoliation. You see, the upper part of the zit is covered by a thin layer of skin. This prevents oxygen from making contact with the plug.
Blackheads, on the other hand, are at the surface, which is what creates the darkened color. That’s right, blackheads can occur no matter how often you wash your face!
A good exfoliation routine will remove the dead skin cells, revealing new, healthy skin. It should also aid in unclogging your pores and stimulating blood flow to the region.
You can choose ingredients that will inhibit the growth of bacteria, further reducing the appearance of acne breakouts. Done correctly, exfoliation can help you get your acne under control and put your best face forward!
If you would rather exfoliate with an already product that is already made and proven to work, then you could read our article on the face serums for oily skin that we recommend.
Exfoliate Naturally With These Suggestions:
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has a lot going for it when it comes to exfoliation. If you want something quick and easy that won’t be messy to use, consider this all natural citrus fruit.
Rather than using the bottled juice, you should stick to fresh lemons. In addition to having preservatives, the bottled version simply doesn’t have the same health-boosting profile that its’ counterpart in the produce section does.
The citric acid in lemon juice will help to naturally break down the proteins that keep your dead skin cells hanging on. Additionally, it will help to fight bacteria and bathe your damaged skin in antioxidants.
Beware that your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight after using lemon juice as an exfoliant.
To use lemon juice, you can simply squeeze some of it onto a small plate or bowl. Then, use a cotton ball to apply to all of the areas you wish to treat. Wait at least fifteen minutes and rinse thoroughly. You can also mix it with oatmeal or other exfoliants.
Papaya
This is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin because it doesn’t cause flaking. Well known in natural beauty circles, papaya has a lot of components that are beneficial to your skin.
Because it doesn’t cause dryness, it is particularly good for reducing blackheads. In addition to the removal of the dead skin, it won’t create new flakes that can immediately begin clogging your pores. Whew!
The main ingredient in papaya that is beneficial for skin is papain. This enzyme can help to get rid of age spots and even skin pigmentation when used regularly.
To obtain the most of the incredible ingredient in your papayas, look for those that haven’t ripened yet. These have the highest concentration of papain.
In order to create a papaya mask, you will need to thoroughly mash the fruit from a green papaya. Massage into your skin, allowing it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes before removing. You will see fresh, healthy skin!
Sugar
Sure, you probably love to add the sweet stuff to your morning cup of joe, but did you know that it can be used to help make your skin beautiful? The glycolic acid that occurs naturally in sugar cane is good for promoting the production of healthy skin and shedding old, dead skin cells. As a result, a sugar scrub can leave your skin soft and smooth.
In order to create a sugar scrub you will need to measure out one-quarter cup of plain white sugar, organic if possible. Add enough jojoba oil to create a thick mix that doesn’t break apart.
Also Read: Top 10 Home Remedies For Acne
Likewise, you shouldn’t have a lot of oil dripping down your hand. You can use other food-grade oils if you prefer, but jojoba oil is the most similar to sebum, so it absorbs well.
Massage the mixture in circular motions everywhere that you wish to exfoliate. Treat your face, neck and whole body with this delightful skin treatment. Of course, make sure to double up on the ingredients until you have enough mixture to use.
Sea Salt
This particular solution is great for exfoliating your skin and helping to heal acne lesions and scar tissues. Don’t confuse common table salt with sea salt. Sea salt contains trace minerals that can be good for your skin.
Alternatively, you can make a scrub with finely ground pink Himalayan salt.
For a great exfoliating treatment, bring the power of sea salt and sugar together. Mix equal parts of the two thoroughly. Then, add a natural oil, such as olive oil, until you have a spreadable consistency.
Massage into your skin, then allow to sit for ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Honey
Like sugar, you are probably familiar with honey as a sweetener for your favorite teas. However, it brings a lot to the table when it comes to treating acne. This is one treatment that you definitely want to try! Like the other treatments, it hastens the exfoliation process to reveal newer, healthier skin.
However, it can also boost skin repair and tame inflammation, both important things if you are prone to acne breakouts. Additionally, it attracts moisture, which will help your skin to stay hydrated after the treatment is over.
For best results, use raw honey. It contains beneficial enzymes that can help to thwart the growth of bacteria and other microscopic organisms. Check your local health food stores for fresh, unprocessed honey that has been locally sourced, if possible.
You can use honey alone or mix with any of the other exfoliants mentioned above. Mix some sea salt and sugar together in a small bowl. In another bowl, blend equal parts lemon juice and honey. Combine for an effective scrub that will leave your skin feeling refreshed. It will glow for days as a result!
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
One of the reasons that many people have problems with exfoliation treatments is that they do them too often. While teens and folks in their twenties should exfoliate every two or three weeks, the frequency should decline with age. After all, the purpose is to slough off dead skin cells, not damage living tissue.
As you get older, your skin turnover rate declines. Exfoliating weekly is simply not necessary at any age.
If you have acne, it is important that you begin taking care of your skin with natural ingredients that promote healing. In addition to your daily skin care routine, you should exfoliate on a regular basis. Doing so will give your face and body a fresh, healthy glow while leaving your skin touchably soft and smooth. Try one of these natural exfoliator for acne prone skin recipes today!
