DIY: Simple Natural Acne Spot Treatments

Contrary to popular belief, acne does not vanish once you've survived puberty. As a teen you're expected to have bouts of acne; but, as an adult these flare ups can disrupt your social life and work. Even the most effective products cannot prevent flare ups caused by stress, diet and menstrual cycles. There's no need to fret, on-spot treatments are effective to help reduce the size of a zits dramatically.

Rather than using a harsh treatment that will burn or further irritate skin, using a naturally based one is much more beneficial. Not only is a natural treatment more effective, it  also has soothing properties that make them ok to use often.

Although you may be tempted to squeeze a pimple, considering its just one, avoid this at all costs! Picking at a pimple or popping it spreads the bacteria to the rest of your face, causing more pimples to sprout up. Not only does popping a pimple cause more pimples, it can leave scarring behind as you break the skin.

So the next time you have that big presentation at work or that date night you've been looking forward to, use one of these treatments to save the day!

Baking Soda, Tea Tree Oil & Lemon Juice

Baking soda acts as a great ingredient for scrubs because it gently sheds away at dead skin cells while exfoliating. Lemon juice is known for its anti-bacterial, brightening and bleaching properties. Tea Tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which soothe skin and help replenish moisture back into skin.

Tea Tree Oil is one of nature's best soothing agents

What You'll Need

• 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pure Tea Oil 

Directions

Mix all ingredients in small bowl until it thickens into a paste like consistency. Apply to affected area in gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds. Leave on skin for 15-20 mins. Gently pat away excess product with warm washcloth.

Lavender Oil, Honey and Cinnamon

Lavender has been used for centuries for its soothing properties that calm irritated skin. Honey is know for its anti-bacterial qualities that create a protective barrier to prevent infection. Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that also acts as a soothing agent to reduce inflammation and tenderness associated with whiteheads.

What You'll Need

• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Lavender Oil

Disclaimer: Cinnamon may temporily cause a slight stain to skin

Directions

Mix ingredients until thoroughly mixed, apply paste onto skin. Rub product in circular motion for about 30 seconds-1 min. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm wash cloth.

Turmeric, Coconut Oil and Nutmeg

This mask is geared more towards those with combination skin or dry because of the coconut oil. For the purposes of this spot treatment, the oil acts as a sponge to absorb excess oil from pimples. The turmeric holds the antibacterial properties to drain out the infectious fluids and neutralize PH levels on skin. Nutmeg contains antibacterial qualities and has scar healing properties to fade potential marks. Nutmeg also acts as a natural astringent without the moisture stripping qualities of other essential oils.

What You'll Need

• 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
• 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• Optional: Dash of rosewater

Directions

Mix ingredients until thoroughly mixed, apply paste onto skin. Rub product in circular motion for about 30 seconds-1 min. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm wash cloth.

Green Tea and Apple Cider

In addition to aiding with weight loss, green tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin and reduce the appearance of redness. It also can help skin produce less sebum which leads to less breakouts and bacteria from building up. The acidity in apple cider helps to gently dissolve dead skin cells that trap oil and mix with bacteria to create acne. It almost acts like in the same way a chemical peel would function but in much more gentle way.

What You'll Need

• 2 Tablespoons Brewed Green Tea (Allow product to cool)
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions

Boil water and seep tea bags, mix with apple cider vinegar. Allow product to cool, moisten cotton pad round, place on skin for 2 min. Do not rub.

For best results, store products in dark colored (Amber) bottles and store in refrigerator to preserve potency.