Skin Care 101

General Guidelines

Acne prone skin should be washed twice daily, exfoliated regularly, spot treated as needed and protected from the sun. To prevent scarring, acne lesions should never be squeezed. The following is a gentle natural approach to an effective acne skin care regime.

Cleansing

Calendula

Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation.  Calendula tea can be steeped and used as a face wash. Applications: Steep calendula tea for 15-20 minutes.  Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the calendula tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, calendula tincture drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Tea Tree Oil (TTO)

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil used in acne treatments should be labelled 100% Australian. Application: TTO drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as to castile and glycerin. Start with a few drops then add more drops over time to allow skin to adjust to TTO therapy. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. Applications: Steep green tea for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the green tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the green tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, green tea extract drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Toners & Astringents

Historically, toners and astringents (toners containing alcohol) held three major purposes. First, they were used to rid the skin of residue left behind by facial cleaners. Secondly, they were used to restore the skin’s natural ph balance. Thirdly, they were purported to close pores. Recently, it has been established that toners aren't necessary due to a number of factors. Those factors being facial cleansers do not leave residue as they did traditionally. Today, facial cleaners do not alter the ph balance of the skin significantly. Most importantly, toners do not close pores.

Basically, it’s becoming more and more conventional for toners and astringents to be considered an optional step. If extra skin care is needed, additional steps can be added to the facial cleansing step. For example, applying the cleanser with a face cloth or facial brush can be done when exfoliating the skin is needed. See more about exfoliating below.

Moisturizing

Sebum production is influenced by the amount of oil on the skin. If the skin is too dry, excess sebum may be produced. Therefore, proper moisturizing of the skin is a key factor in controlling acne. Acne sufferers should use  light oil free or non-comedogenic moisturizers. Non-comedogenic moisturizers do not clog pores. 

Jojoba Oil

Due to its similarity to sebum, jojoba oil is considered one of the best natural non-comedogenic moisturizers. Technically jojoba oil is a wax that is extracted from the Simmondsia chinensis commonly known as the jojoba tree.  Application: A few drops of jojoba oil can be applied as a light moisturizer. 

Sunscreen

A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. See the post regarding "Commercial Products".

Scheduled Maintenance

A good skin care regime may also include deep exfoliating, steaming, masks, and a host of other treatments. These treatments are based on individual preferences and needs. However, gentle exfoliating is necessary to maintain and achieve a healthy complexion.  

Physical Exfoliation

Exfoliating refers to the removal of dead skin cells. Exfoliation can be achieved by physical or chemical methods. Acne sufferers should use gentle forms of exfoliation. Application: Cleansing the skin with a wash cloth or a soft facial brush are gentle physical methods of exfoliation. Apply cleanser directly on the wash cloth or a soft face brush. Gently scrub the face with circular movements. Never exfoliate skin that has any unhealed inflammatory acne lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. Doing so will further irritate the skin.

Chemical Exfoliation: White Willow Bark

Chemically, white willow bark can be used as a gentle exfoliator. The white willow bark tree is native to Asia and Europe. White willow bark contains smaller amounts of salicylic acid than commercial products. Application: Add a few drops of white willow bark extract into facial cleansers for daily gentle exfoliation. Start with a few drops of extract and add more drops to allow the skin to adjust to this method of exfoliation. 

Spot Treatments 

For additional tips on caring for specific acne lesions, see the following posts:

• Natural Acne Treatments
• Commercial Acne Treatments