I thought that once I entered my twenties, my fight with acne was over; boy was I wrong. As an adult, I have continued to fight intermittent breakouts that are both frustrating and embarrassing. While there are many companies that cater to the adult acne sufferer, I have found that homemade treatments work just as well for a fraction of the cost. Here are some healthier alternatives to chemical laden acne face washes that use honey and other natural ingredients.
The Bacteria Acne Connection
While bacteria don't specifically cause acne, bacteria can make acne prone skin worse. Natural bacteria that is found on the skin's surface can become trapped in pores and produce chemicals that can irritate skin, causing inflammation and leading to breakouts. In order to fight acne, it is important to kill the bacteria that can hinder your fresh faced look. One of the best natural ways to kill bacteria is by using honey.
Why Honey?
Honey is a great natural way to fight acne breakouts because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey also has natural antioxidants that help get rid of harmful toxins from your skin. The antibacterial properties found in honey help to kill harmful bacteria that can make acne worse. Unlike over the counter acne face washes which can be harsh, irritating and overly drying to skin, honey is soothing and cleanses while also hydrating.
Tips for Buying Your Ingredients
There are a few tips to follow when you buy ingredients for a honey face wash. Make sure you use raw honey. Raw honey is the most effective at preventing acne as many of honey's antibacterial properties can be lost when it is processed. Manuka honey is all the rage right now and has been shown to be more effective than regular raw honey at fighting bacteria, but any raw honey will work well. Whatever type of honey you decide to use, you always want to make sure you purchase pure ingredients. I buy my honey and other ingredients for homemade beauty treatments at a health food store to ensure the best possible quality.
Here are two homemade honey facial treatments that are gentle enough to be used daily to stop acne in its tracks.
Homemade Honey Face Wash Recipe
To make natural homemade honey face wash for treating acne, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of water and two tablespoons of a natural mild soap. Two of my favorites are Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap and Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash. Put mixture into a clean bottle with a pour or squeeze spout. To use your homemade face wash, simply massage wash into damp skin. Rinse with warm water, then pat skin dry. Store honey wash in a cool dry place and it will keep for up to two weeks.
Honey Almond Oil Cleansing Mask
Another great homemade honey cleanser for acne prone skin can be made by mixing one tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of honey. To use, apply a light layer to damp skin and massage using a circular motion. Allow mask to sit on skin for twenty minutes before removing with a warm cloth. If your skin is extra oily, add a few drops of lemon juice. Some rosewater added to the honey mixture will help lessen the appearance of scars and smooth skin. Store this mask in the fridge, as almond oil is highly perishable.
The Bacteria Acne Connection
While bacteria don't specifically cause acne, bacteria can make acne prone skin worse. Natural bacteria that is found on the skin's surface can become trapped in pores and produce chemicals that can irritate skin, causing inflammation and leading to breakouts. In order to fight acne, it is important to kill the bacteria that can hinder your fresh faced look. One of the best natural ways to kill bacteria is by using honey.
Why Honey?
Honey is a great natural way to fight acne breakouts because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey also has natural antioxidants that help get rid of harmful toxins from your skin. The antibacterial properties found in honey help to kill harmful bacteria that can make acne worse. Unlike over the counter acne face washes which can be harsh, irritating and overly drying to skin, honey is soothing and cleanses while also hydrating.
Tips for Buying Your Ingredients
There are a few tips to follow when you buy ingredients for a honey face wash. Make sure you use raw honey. Raw honey is the most effective at preventing acne as many of honey's antibacterial properties can be lost when it is processed. Manuka honey is all the rage right now and has been shown to be more effective than regular raw honey at fighting bacteria, but any raw honey will work well. Whatever type of honey you decide to use, you always want to make sure you purchase pure ingredients. I buy my honey and other ingredients for homemade beauty treatments at a health food store to ensure the best possible quality.
Here are two homemade honey facial treatments that are gentle enough to be used daily to stop acne in its tracks.
Homemade Honey Face Wash Recipe
To make natural homemade honey face wash for treating acne, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of water and two tablespoons of a natural mild soap. Two of my favorites are Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap and Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash. Put mixture into a clean bottle with a pour or squeeze spout. To use your homemade face wash, simply massage wash into damp skin. Rinse with warm water, then pat skin dry. Store honey wash in a cool dry place and it will keep for up to two weeks.
Honey Almond Oil Cleansing Mask
Another great homemade honey cleanser for acne prone skin can be made by mixing one tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of honey. To use, apply a light layer to damp skin and massage using a circular motion. Allow mask to sit on skin for twenty minutes before removing with a warm cloth. If your skin is extra oily, add a few drops of lemon juice. Some rosewater added to the honey mixture will help lessen the appearance of scars and smooth skin. Store this mask in the fridge, as almond oil is highly perishable.
