Over 85 percent of teenagers and 20 percent of adults suffer from active acne in the United States, according to the Acne Resource Center. That amounts to 60 million Americans who deal with pimple problems daily. While commercial preparations and medications can be costly, there are free home remedy procedures that are available at arm’s reach. Look no further than your refrigerator, bathroom cabinet or backyard for cost-free blemish blockers.
Steam Facial
Steam facials are a must-do in maintaining beautiful, clear skin. They not only aid in opening and cleansing your pores of bacteria, dirt and makeup residue, but they unclog blackheads and help control the overproduction of oil secretions, according to Acnehome.com.
Pour a pot of boiling water into a basin and place a towel over your head. Lean over the steaming water for five minutes. Rinse off with five to six splashes of cold water. Acnehome.com claims that when performed daily, the skin softens and acne will disappear in one to two weeks.
Milk
Despite the National Dairy Council’s claim that “Milk does a body good,” when consumed in large quantities, milk can have deleterious effects on your complexion. As reported by Acnemilk.com, the hormones contained in milk tend to aggravate acne by stimulating the sebaceous glands that produce oil secretions. However, while ingesting too much milk may amplify an acne condition, topical application can yield beneficial results.
Mix a 4 oz. glass of cold milk with 1 tsp. of corn flour, and use as a blemish-blocking wash. Alternatively, combine 4 oz. of cold milk with 1 tsp. of nutmeg. Leave the wash on your face for one to two hours for best results.
Milk of Magnesia
Skeptics may consider milk of magnesia just an empty folk remedy for the treatment of acne, but it actually earns the stamp of approval from a team of beauty experts. Supermodel Tyra Banks swears by milk of magnesia as an acne eradicator, and scientists associated with The BeautyBrains.com consumer website tend to agree. The laxative is an effective absorbent that helps to eliminate excess oil while tightening and smoothing the skin.
Milk of magnesia can yield beneficial results when used as a mask or makeup primer. Cover your face with the liquid, allowing it to dry. Apply another thin coat over the dried layer before retiring to bed for the night. Wash it off in the morning, then smooth on two more coats before applying your makeup.
