​Natural Remedies

for

Acne Prone & Oily Skin

​Over the counter and prescription medications for acne can sometimes be too harsh for certain skin types. What’s worse, they often contain undesirable ingredients that have been linked to permanent skin irritation, excessive peeling, or even cancer.  If you’re seeking a more natural approach to skin care, try these 100% natural remedies for acne and oily skin. 

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Apple Cider Vinegar:

Natural Toner
​for Acne Prone, Oily Skin

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One of the best, most inexpensive treatments for acne is probably sitting in your kitchen as you read this article: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). When used as a toner twice daily, this miracle solution cuts oiliness in half, heals existing acne, and prevents most blemishes from ever occurring in the first place.


Organic Raw ACV contains the most nutrients – so check the product label before you buy. One of the best is Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar.  Avoid bulk grocery brands, as extensive processing destroys the natural benefits. They are often subjected to high heat distillation processes, during which many nutrients are killed off and rendered useless.

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How does ACV work?
To help explain, let's take a jaunt into the world of cooking. Have you ever noticed that many recipes for marinating meat contain Apple Cider Vinegar? That’s because the Malic and Lactic Acids in vinegar act as enzymes, to break down fat and protein. This in turn makes the meat soft and tender. Now, looking at how ACV effects your skin…the sebum on your skin is a variety of oil (fat), which the enzymes in ACV will help dissolve. This means the sticky oil clogging your pores will soften and disintegrate, allowing more oxygen to penetrate. As oxygen circulation improves, acne bacteria die off and the pH level balances, slowing oil production and destroying bacteria.
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Why do my pores need oxygen? 
Simply put, oxygen kills acne bacteria.  As mentioned above, the application of ACV disintegrates oil, allowing more oxygen to penetrate your pores. This in turn allows fewer acne bacteria to populate.

For example, Benzoyl Peroxide (BP), a popular acne treatment, is meant to sink deep into pores - where it actually creates oxygen. Have you found that BP is ineffective? Since your pores are so completely plugged, the solution is not able to enter the pore and expand to release oxygen. Instead, it sits on the surface of your skin, doing very little to control acne.

The regular use of ACV will begin dissolving excess oil and impacted blackheads upon its first application – clearing the way for BP (or any other acne treatment) to work multiple times better. Many people find that​ acne clears just from daily use of ACV, but those who experience cystic acne may need to use it in combination with their topical acne treatment of their choice. 

Who should use Apple Cider Vinegar as treatment for acne & oily skin?
ACV is beneficial to ANY acne prone or oily skin type. It helps prevent all types of acne, from mild to cystic, balances pH level for combination to very oily skin types, and helps heal any type of breakout. It really is one of the most complete, skin-friendly treatments available.

How do I apply Apple Cider Vinegar? Since everyone has varying skin sensitivities, it’s best to start with a diluted application of ½ ACV + ½  water. It works best when applied after exfoliating and washing your face with warm water. This might sting a bit, but that’s expected. Most people will find that after using the diluted application for 1-2 weeks, they can use the ACV full strength, both morning and evening. When ACV begins purging pores, some people experience an increase in acne breakouts. While this is rare, it’s best to begin the ACV regimen a few weeks before any important events, so skin has time to clear. 

What else can ACV do for my skin & health?
If you refer to the page on our site titled "Control Acne with pH Level", you will see how maintaining low acidity in your body  helps prevent acne breakouts. Drinking 2 tablespoons of ACV daily can be instrumental in achieving the proper pH balance!  Because of its PH Balancing qualities, ACV provides a host of benefits both internally and externally - and not only for acne prevention. Did you know that dabbing ACV on a sunburn will soothe it instantly, and promote faster healing? Did you also know that drinking ACV can cure a sore throat over night? To learn more extensive information about the benefits of ACV to your skin & health, click here: Best Toner for Oily Skin ~ Prevent Acne & Control Oil with Apple Cider Vinegar ​

Essential Oils:
​
Clear Up Acne Prone Skin
​& Prevent Oily Skin


​

Essential oils from plants were one of the first types of medicine used by man.  Specific blends target various ailments to promote prevention and recovery – and skin conditions can benefit greatly from their healing properties. Although you may think that adding oil to already oily skin is a bad idea, there are several essential oils to actually reduce oiliness, and help combat acne.
 
The following essential oils help purify pores, kill acne bacteria, speed up skin regeneration, and encourage skin to produce less sebum: Lemongrass, Oregano, Clove, Lavender, Rosemary, and Bergamot.
 
A pre-blended mix called “Oil of Thieves” is highly effective when applied at the first sign of a blemish and throughout its life cycle. This potent blend contains Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. When applied topically to blemishes, the area heals several times faster. If no infection is present, it typically will not develop. If infection is present, the oil blend seeps deep into pores to kill infection at the root. Application of this mixture will sting, so be ready! The stinging sensation lasts for only 30-60 seconds. It can also be used to disinfect and speed healing of cuts and insect bites.

Who should use Essential Oils as treatment for acne & oily skin?
As long as you are not allergic to the plants from which the oils originate, essential oils will be effective for most types of minor to severe acne, and most types of cystic acne.

How do I apply essential oils for acne & oily skin?
Essential oils can be spot-applied to blemishes, at full strength. Dab a few drops onto a q-tip, then pat onto and around the blemish.  For full-face application, 4-5 drops can be added per 1 ounce of your favorite moisturizer, or to pure aloe gel. This method works best when looking to prevent acne, and control oily skin. To create a custom toner, add 15-20 drops of essential oils to an 8 oz bottle of witch hazel, and apply using a cotton pad after after cleansing your face. 

Essential oils can also be added to shampoo to prevent an overly oily scalp. Mattify Cosmetics has a formula specifically designed for those dealing with greasy looking hair caused by excess sebum production around hair follicles. Simply add it to your favorite shampoo to reduce oiliness on the scalp. They also offer a pre-mixed essential oil blend for acne and oily prone skin, which can be added to your favorite face wash. Follow the links below to read additional information: 

How to Prevent Oily Scalp with Essential Oils
How to Stop Oily Skin with Essential Oils 
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Where can I buy essential oils?
Many health food stores and websites sell essential oils.  Expensive isn’t always necessarily better, but just keep in mind that the most potent selections will be 100% extract, organic, undiluted oils. The Ebay store “homelikegrandmas” offers a wide selection of pure quality oils, in sizes ranging from 5ml – 16oz, at very reasonable prices.   

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​Raw Honey 

Treatments ​for Acne Prone Skin 

Honey has long been touted as a natural skin treatment. Its ingredients kill bacteria and promote faster healing – making it the perfect deterrent for acne bacteria, and a fantastic healing agent for existing breakouts. 

​Not all honey is created equal!
Well initially, it is – but human tampering can drastically reduce the amount of nutrients contained in this delicious
food. Here, we'll explain the differences and benefits of various types of honey.

What is Raw Honey?
Raw Honey comes straight from the comb and has not been high-heat pasteurized. Companies that produce mass-marketed honey pasteurize the product at temperatures of 140+ degrees, killing any beneficial ingredients that can be considered antiseptic or antibiotic. In contrast, raw honey is extracted from the comb and exposed to no more than 95 degrees at any given point.
 
Why is Raw Honey different from regular grocery store honey?
The typical amber-colored honey you find in supermarkets has undergone extensive high-heat pasteurization and filtering, to remove any traces of pollen.  Also, most brands also have water and high fructose corn syrup added to them. Such processing is largely done to reduce cost, make the honey look more clean, to provide a long shelf life, and to give it easy spreadability for cooking applications. 

That stated, if you’re looking for honey that can heal, always go with a raw version! The pollen in Raw Honey contains phytonutrients, vitamins, enzymes & bifidobacteria that are removed from typical grocery store blends. ​

What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is produced from pollen of New Zealand’s Manuka Bush - a relative of the Malaleuca Tree, whose leaves are harvested to produce Tea Tree Oil. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of this honey allow it to have several different uses in the medical industry. Many hospitals are now purchasing bandages that contain Manuka, as it assists in the healing of wounds and burns. ​

How is Manuka Honey different from regular grocery store honey? 
A compound called methylglyoxal (MG) exists in Manuka Honey. The bio-activity of MG inhibts the growth of many pathogenic bacteria, including E. Coli, Staphylococcus, and P.Acnes Bacteria. It assists in killing the bacteria both internally and externally. Common grocery store brands do not contain MG, and are also high heat processed, which kills any beneficial properties. They are perfectly suitable for eating, but do not provide any additional benefits.

Who can benefit from using honey as an acne treatment?
It will be most effective at the beginning of an acne breakout, or to prevent breakouts. Since honey is thick and does not immediately penetrate through the epidermis, this treatment probably won't be as effective for cystic acne (which requires treatment to sink down to the core of the breakout). However, it can still help reduce swelling on & around cystic acne. 
 
How do I apply Manuka or Raw Honey?
Honey can be applied in a few different ways to control acne, and heal existing blemishes.
 
Spot Application:
After cleansing the area and rinsing with hot water, thoroughly pat dry. Dab some honey onto each blemish, and cover with a Band-Aid over night. By morning swelling will be reduced, the blemish will have dehydrated and shrunk, and healing has begun. When you wake up, wash your face as usual.
 
Mask Application:
To prevent additional blemishes from popping up, apply a honey mask for 30 minutes to 1 hour. It can be applied full strength, or mixed with either 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon, to thin the product for easier application. To remove, dampen face with warm water and gently rub in circles, rinsing one section at a time. After the honey has been removed, splash face with warm water and pat dry.

You can also purchase a pre-mixed Manuka Honey peel-off mask by a company called 7th Heaven. This not only provides the benefits of honey, but dries onto the skin and adheres to blackheads. Once removed, the mask whisks away any debris stuck in pores, leaving the perfect clean slate before application of anti-acne or skin care products before bed.

​To apply: First, dampen face with warm water and use a scrub to exfoliate skin. Rinse well with warm/hot water and dry vigorously using a fluffy towel. Apply the Manuka Honey mask and allow try try completely. Peel off, starting at chin and working upwards to lift blackheads and dirt from pores. 

Where can I buy Manuka or Raw Honey? 
Most health food stores carry these products, and they are also sold online. A website called Puritan’s Pride normally has the best prices for Manuka Honey. For the highest medicinal benefit, look for a minimum of +16 on the label. This relates to the “K Factor”, or percentage of pollen grains that remain in the honey. For example K Factor +16 means that 75 % of the grains included are pollen grains. A K Factor of +22 is the most beneficial, as this solution would contain 90% Manuka pollen grains.

Face Mask Recipes:
DIY Masks for Acne Prone & Oily Skin​

​There are literally hundreds of natural combinations that can be put into mask form, to help alleviate acne and oily skin. Masks draw toxins from pores to prevent breakouts, help dry up existing acne blemishes, and temporarily shrink pores and tighten skin for a refined, smooth look. Here are a few popular versions of home-made natural masks. Each mask should be applied after thoroughly cleansing and drying your face. ​

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​Bentonite, Charcoal & Vitamin C Mask: 
Stir the following ingredients together

2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
½ Teaspoon of Mineral Ascorbate Vitamin C Powder
4 Activated Charcoal Capsules (twist open & release the powder)
1 Tablespoon Water (add a bit more if mixture is too thick to spread) ​

Usage:  Can be applied to entire face, or used as spot treatment for breakouts
Processing Time: Until dry – about 20 minutes, then rinse 
Objective: Healing and preventing acne, deep-cleansing pores, dissolving old skin cells, decreasing the look of acne scars, providing topical antioxidants to help reverse the effects of sun damage.
 
Ingredient Benefits:
(Most of these ingredients can be found at drugstores, or online)
 
Bentonite Clay and Activated Charcoal both work as detoxifying agents. They literally pull debris from pores, like a magnet.
 
Mineral Ascorbate Vitamin C Powder packs a massive antioxidant punch both topically and internally. If you live in a polluted area, wear heavy makeup, have a diet high in processed foods, or experience much sun exposure, Vitamin C Powder can help un-do the damage. Dermatologists have even found that when applied directly to Basal Cell Carcinoma spots, Ascorbate Powder will dry & heal them within 1-2 weeks.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) sinks into pores, to dissolve away blackheads, kill acne bacteria, and regulate sebum (oil) production. The Alpha Hydroxy Acids contained in this natural product dissolve old dead skin cells to prevent them from blocking pores. Over time, it also assists in the lightening of acne scars. ACV is a beneficial ingredient to add to any type of clay mask for acne and oily skin. It can also be applied after rinsing away the mask, as an acne fighting toner. ​

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Gelatin & Lemon Peel-Off Mask
 
To prepare skin & opening pores: 

• ~ Steam face over a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes
• ~ Wash with an exfoliating scrub & then rinse with hot water
• ~ Dry with a fluffy towel

 
To prepare the mask:
1 packet unflavored gelatin
½ cup lemon juice 

Stir the packet of gelatin into the lemon juice until dissolved.
Mircowave for 10-15 seconds until warm (not hot).

Usage: Apply to areas with blackheads, or entire face.
Take care to avoid eyebrows, as this will pull out hair.
After mask has dried, peel off starting at the bottom and working upwards.
Processing Time: Until dry (about 30 minutes)
Objective: Adheres to blackheads and removes them when peeled away.

Ingredient Benefits:

Unflavored Gelatin dries onto open pores – lifting away dirt, oil and blackheads when the mask is removed. This is an excellent mask to prevent breakouts, as it clears and purifies pores.
Lemon Juice deters acne bacteria and dissolves dead skin cells, which are lifted away when the mask is peeled off. ​

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​Papaya Enzyme Mask
 
1/4 Ripe papaya (discard seeds) 
½ Teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Manuka or Raw Honey  

~Add all ingredients to a blender for 30 seconds

Usage: Apply to entire face
Processing Time: 30 minutes, then rinse 

Objective: Prevents acne breakouts, dissolves dead skin that can clog pores, lightens markings from sun spots or acne.
 
Ingredient Benefits:
This mask is loaded with antioxidants! Papaya and Lemon Juice get to work dissolving old dead skin cells and lightening any discolorations.  All 3 ingredients, including honey, contain antimicrobial properties to kill acne bacteria. ​

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Cinnamon Honey Mask: 
​
2 Tablespoons of Raw or Manuka Honey
1 Tablespoon of ground Cinnamon 

Stir together until well blended ​

Usage: Can be applied to entire face, or used to spot-treat breakouts.
Processing Time: 15 Minutes, then rinse 
Objective: Healing and preventing acne

Ingredient Benefits:
Cinnamon increases circulation and brings nutrients to the surface of the skin, to promote faster healing of existing blemishes. It also contains anti-bacterial properties, to inhibit new breakouts from forming.
 
Raw Honey & Manuka Honey contain antimicrobial properties to reduce swelling and inflammation and promote faster healing of breakouts. ​