Beating Acne Breakouts: Pantry Treatment Tips

Once thought to be a condition only plaguing adolescents and teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages. There are many commercial skin treatments to help combat outbreaks, but some of the most effective ones are actually hiding in your kitchen. Here's a look at a few acne treatment options for your breakouts without breaking the bank.

Honey and Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural antimicrobial, and honey is an antibiotic. When combined, the two pack a punch that acne simply can't stand up to. Create a paste from four tablespoons of honey and two teaspoons of cinnamon. Blend the two together until they have formed a paste.

Before you apply the cinnamon and honey mixture, wash your face and pat it dry. You can apply it to your entire face in a thin, even layer, or you can spot-treat the breakouts. In either case, leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes, then wash your face with a mild soap. Keep in mind that the honey is sticky, so you're going to need to wash well.

Dairy and Yogurt Cream

Dairy products have gotten a bad reputation as far as acne treatments are concerned. In most cases, if dairy products lead to more acne outbreaks, it is because of hormone content in the milk. When milk or yogurt are applied topically, they actually have soothing properties. And, the acids in yogurt have an antibacterial benefit. When mixed with an equal part of honey, you get the antibacterial benefits along with some cooling which can tone down redness.

To get the most from this type of treatment, you'll need to let the milk or yogurt warm up to room temperature first. This protects your skin from the shock of the cold, which can shrink your pores and inhibit the process. Once warm, mix an equal part honey and dairy, and then blend it well. Apply it in spot treatments with a cotton ball or spread it across your face for a mask treatment. After fifteen or twenty minutes, wash your face thoroughly. Use a washcloth and small circular motions while washing, then moisturize your skin.

Lemon Juice

The citric acid in lemon juice is great for combating outbreaks. It exfoliates your skin and acts as an astringent. Astringents actually dry out blemishes, which gets rid of the outbreak quickly. Fresh lemon juice is also a natural lightener, easing redness around blemishes to create a smoother appearance. If you opt for this type of treatment, though, don't go into the sun until you've washed your face thoroughly. The lemon juice can make you more sensitive to the sun's rays.

To treat your face with lemon juice, dab a cotton ball into some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Spot-treat blemishes directly to help ease the redness and the swelling. Sometimes, the lemon juice can sting when you apply it. If this is the case, ease the discomfort by mixing the lemon juice with a small amount of yogurt. The dairy will provide a natural cooling effect that soothes your skin.

After the lemon juice treatment, wash your face with a mild soap and water. Dry it with a soft towel. Then, apply a gentle moisturizer to balance out your skin.

Sometimes, acne outbreaks are stubborn and do not respond to this type of treatment.  In those cases, it is best to talk to a dermatologist to determine the cause of your outbreak and identify an effective treatment. There are many prescription-strength treatments that work well for particularly difficult outbreaks. In most cases, though, treatments like those presented here will help you get your blemishes under control and restore your flawless complexion.


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