Who doesn't want to have bright, clean, and glowing skin? Unfortunately, achieving this goal is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand, especially if your skin is sensitive and easily irritated by the chemicals contained in various commercial beauty products. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to improve the health and appearance of your skin, as well as treat stubborn acne problems under the supervision of a doctor.
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Method 1 of 4: Have a Good Skin Care Routine
Step 1. Use makeup and skin care products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic"
When going to buy facial soap, moisturizer, makeup, beard oil, or other skin care products, check whether or not it says "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Both terms explain that the related product is free from ingredients that can clog pores and trigger acne.
- To keep your skin clean and healthy, limit the amount of product you use each day. For example, wear makeup only on special occasions.
- If necessary, do your research to find products that are made entirely of natural or organic ingredients.
- Do not use products that have passed their expiration date, or products whose color and aroma have changed. Be careful, products that have expired can make the skin breakout and become infected.
Step 2. Clean your face in the morning and before going to bed at night
Immediately after waking up, immediately clean your face with a mild cleansing soap to wash away the remaining oil that has accumulated on the surface of the skin at night. After that, wash your face again at night to wash away the remaining makeup, dust, oil, and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day.
- Don't rub your face in a very rough motion when cleaning. Instead, gently rub the surface of your face with your fingers, then splash water to rinse it off. After that, lightly pat the surface of the face with a soft towel to dry it.
- Use a cleansing soap that is natural, gentle, and suitable for your facial skin. For example, if your skin texture is very dry, use a cleansing soap that is thicker and more moist. If your skin is very oily, try using a foam cleanser. If your skin is acne-prone, use a cleansing soap that contains salicylic acid.
- Don't forget to clean your makeup before going to bed so that the skin doesn't grow acne afterward.
Step 3. Use shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth
Always wet the razor with a special cream, lotion or soap to make shaving easier and reduce the risk of irritation. Also, use a razor that is still clean and sharp, and shave in the direction of hair growth instead of the other way around.
- Shaving can irritate the skin and if not done carefully, can make the skin injured or susceptible to infection.
- Choose a shaving cream that says things like “moisturizing” or “for sensitive skin” with ingredients that are more friendly to your skin.
Step 4. Moisturize skin after showering or shaving
Since cleaning your skin or shaving the fine hairs on your face can strip away the natural moisture on its surface, don't forget to restore that moisture by using a moisturizer that's right for your skin type. In particular, always apply moisturizer after cleansing or shaving, and whenever the skin feels dry.
- Avoid products that contain alcohol and risk making the skin feel dry.
- If you have oily skin, use a water-based moisturizer that is lighter in texture. On the other hand, if your skin is very dry, use an oil-based moisturizer that is thicker in texture.
- To prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance that can keep skin supple and moisturized. Other natural ingredients that can maintain smooth and firm skin are copper peptide, alpha-lipoic acid, and fish-derived DMAE.
Tip:
If you have combination skin, it's best to use different products for different skin areas. For example, if the dry skin is only around the nose, use a thicker moisturizer on that area and a lighter moisturizer on the rest of the skin.
Step 5. Use warm water and mild soap for bathing
Basically, taking care of the health of the body's skin is as important as taking care of the health of the facial skin. That's why, don't take a bath using hot water or soap that is not friendly to the skin because they can erode the natural oil layer that makes the skin look bright and healthy. Instead, use lukewarm water, and apply a mild soap.
- Do not rub the skin with a rough towel or sponge to prevent dry and irritated skin. Remember, dry skin will look dull and may start to overproduce oil. As a result, the problem of acne can no longer be avoided.
- Use a soap that contains moisturizer to clean the skin without making it feel dry.
Step 6. Exfoliate once a week
The exfoliation process can be done by gently rubbing the surface of the skin to clean dead skin cells, dirt, and dust that has accumulated there. Although there are quite a number of exfoliants on the market, try making your own at home for a natural and safe product.
For example, you can mix 1 tbsp. (12 grams) white sugar or brown sugar with 2 tbsp. olive oil or coconut oil. After that, rub the solution into the skin in a circular motion, and immediately rinse well
Method 2 of 4: Get Rid of Acne Naturally
Step 1. Keep your hands away from your face
Even though it's difficult, try to do it so that dirt and bacteria on your hands don't move to your face, and trigger inflammation that has the potential to cause acne. In addition, touching the skin on the face can also transfer germs to the eyes, nose, and mouth which makes you sick afterwards.
- Continue to clean objects that come into contact with your face, such as cell phones, glasses, sunglasses, and pillowcases, especially since they can all transfer bacteria and dirt to your skin.
- Keep your hair clean to prevent the buildup of oil that causes acne.
Step 2. Avoid the urge to pop the pimple
No matter how big the temptation, never touch or squeeze the pimple so that the infection doesn't spread deeper and become more difficult to treat.
Popping a pimple can also leave scars that are difficult to remove
Step 3. Consult your doctor before trying any natural treatment methods
If you want to use natural remedies instead of commercial beauty products, ask your doctor or dermatologist for proper recommendations. First, explain your desire to treat acne naturally, then ask their opinion about the pros and cons of each method you want to try.
Chances are, your doctor will recommend over-the-counter topical acne medications, especially since they're not too expensive and are quite effective. However, if you want to avoid commercial products, don't forget to tell your doctor and ask for their opinion as a medical expert
Step 4. Apply tea tree oil as a natural acne remedy
In particular, look for products that contain at least 5% tea tree oil, and apply a small amount of the oil to acne-prone skin once a day. Although the results will not be seen as quickly as commercial beauty products, the swelling and redness of the skin should subside after a few days.
- Some people are sensitive to tea tree oil. Therefore, do not forget to do an allergy test by applying a small amount of oil to the side of the jaw. If your skin feels itchy or looks red afterward, stop using the product immediately!
- Never apply pure green tea oil to the skin as it is prone to irritation.
Tip:
Although more scientific evidence is needed to support claims regarding its effectiveness, the truth is that acne may improve after using products that contain cow cartilage, zinc, green tea extract, or aloe vera.
Step 5. Apply alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to the skin to cover blemishes
AHA is a substance that is naturally contained in citrus fruits, and is useful for removing dead skin cells and opening blockages in pores. In addition, AHA is also able to brighten the skin and disguise dark blemishes caused by acne.
After using an AHA, your skin may look a little red or irritated. In addition, its sensitivity to the sun may also increase
Step 6. Ask your doctor for a prescription for a high dose of azelaic acid
Azelic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in whole grains and some animal products. Generally, drugs containing azelaic acid are sold over-the-counter in pharmacies with a concentration of 10%. To get maximum results, ask your doctor for a prescription for azelaic acid with a concentration of about 20%.
Apply azelaic acid to the affected area twice a day, for at least 4 weeks
Step 7. Try taking a brewer's yeast supplement to improve skin condition in the long run
A certain type of brewer's yeast, known as Hansen CBS, may help with acne if taken as a supplement. Therefore, try mixing 2 grams of yeast into your food and drink, then consume it 3 times a day until the skin is completely free of acne.
Since brewer's yeast supplements also have unpleasant side effects, don't forget to consult your doctor about their use. Some of the side effects to watch out for are digestive disorders such as gas buildup in the stomach, as well as worsening symptoms in people with Crohn's disease. In addition, brewer's yeast supplements can also increase blood pressure when taken with MAOIs (a group of drugs used to treat depression)
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Drink as much water as possible to keep your skin hydrated
Basically, skin will only look clean and bright if it's properly hydrated, especially since dryness is no longer a problem you need to worry about. To make sure the portion of water consumed is sufficient, try to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. That way, whenever you feel thirsty, you can immediately drink it. Try this method and see the results for your skin health!
- Other fluids, such as juices, broths, teas, and sodas are also included in the calculation of your daily intake. However, understand that water is the best and healthiest option for the skin.
- Women should consume about 3 liters of water per day, while men should ideally consume about 4 liters of water per day.
Step 2. Eat foods that are full of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals
Believe me, eating a healthy and balanced diet is not only beneficial for the health of the body and mind, but also for the health of your skin. Some types of foods that contain vitamins and essential nutrients for the body are:
- Amino acids are able to encourage the production of collagen in the body, which is a protein that functions to maintain healthy skin. Some types of foods that are rich in amino acids are chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy products, and nuts.
- Expand the consumption of vitamin C to improve skin conditions naturally. In particular, vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, green vegetables, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Consume foods that contain zinc and copper minerals such as meat and shellfish. If you don't want to eat meat, try increasing your consumption of nuts and whole grains.
- To fight acne growth, consume more omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as from walnuts and flaxseeds. In addition, you can also take supplements that contain flax oil, flaxseed, or fish oil.
Step 3. Protect skin from sun damage
Before going outside, always wear a sunscreen cream that contains at least SPF 30. To maximize protection, cover as much of the skin surface as possible with loose-fitting clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Also, try not to be out in the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., especially as the light intensity is at its hottest at that time.
- If you are wearing regular clothes, apply about 2 tsp. sunscreen cream to your face, neck, and arms. If you're wearing a bathing suit, you'll likely need about 2 tbsp. sunscreen cream to cover the entire surface of your skin.
- Apply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if you are swimming, sweating, or feel that the previously applied sunscreen has worn off.
Step 4. Have a quality sleep at night to make your appearance look fresher
To ensure that goal is achieved, even to make it easier for the body to rest at night and wake up in the morning, try to always go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. In addition, create a cool, dark sleeping environment equipped with soft bedding to increase your comfort while resting.
- If you are an adult, sleep for 7-8 hours every night. If you are a teenager, try to get 9 hours of sleep every night.
- Lack of sleep will make your skin look pale and dull. In addition, the appearance of dark circles under the eyes you can not avoid.
- Fatigue is one of the factors that make it difficult for you to manage stress. As a result, acne will also appear afterward.
Tip:
Use a satin pillowcase to reduce friction on your facial skin while sleeping.
Step 5. Find ways to manage stress levels to keep skin bright and glowing
If your stress level is too high, surely the biggest impact will be felt by the skin. For example, your skin may feel more sensitive than usual, or even start to develop pimples. To avoid this, don't let stress take over your body and mind by doing various activities that you really enjoy every day.
If you're having trouble avoiding stressors, try mindfulness meditation, deep breathing techniques, and/or yoga to make stress management easier
Step 6. Quit smoking
Remember, smoking is a very bad habit for health, including for your skin health. In addition to the risk of causing wrinkles and other symptoms of premature aging, smoking can also make the skin look pale and dull. In addition, smoking can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Therefore, even though it is very difficult to do, try as much as possible to break the habit.
- Ask your doctor for recommendations on appropriate aids for quitting smoking, such as chewing gum or special tapes.
- It's best to have a support system such as relatives, friends, or even relevant support groups to make the process easier.
Step 7. Do not consume alcohol in excess so that the health of your skin is not compromised
It's normal to drink alcohol occasionally, but if you do it in excessive amounts too often, your skin can become dehydrated and look dull.
- For women, you should not consume more than one serving of alcohol per day. Meanwhile, men should limit alcohol consumption to 2 servings per day.
- One serving of alcohol is equivalent to 350 ml of beer with an ABV (ethanol content) of about 5%, 150 ml of fermented wine with an ABV of about 12%, or 44 ml of liquor with an ABV of about 40% (80 proof).
Method 4 of 4: Knowing the Right Time to Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Consult a doctor if your skin health is compromised. Some examples of symptoms of skin problems that should be wary of and should immediately be examined by a doctor are skin that is red, swollen, itchy, scaly, and has a rash
Because all these symptoms can underlie various types of skin diseases, immediately consult a doctor to get the most appropriate treatment.
- Let your doctor know if you are interested in applying natural methods of treatment. Supposedly, the doctor can recommend a method that is safe and suitable for your skin.
- For example, you may have rosacea, eczema, or a yeast infection.
Step 2. See a doctor if your facial skin has not completely cleared within 4-8 weeks
Most skin care methods, including natural ones, will only show results after a few weeks. Therefore, if your skin condition doesn't improve within 4-8 weeks, it means you need to try a different method. For that, see a doctor and ask for treatment recommendations that are more suitable for your skin condition.
- Tell your doctor that you have used various natural treatment methods and if possible, would like to continue using them.
- Tell your doctor all the methods you have tried.
Step 3. See a doctor if you develop pimples that grow widely on the surface of your facial skin
Although various natural methods can help clear the face of acne, not everyone is suitable for using them, especially if the acne is fairly wide and evenly distributed. To get more serious treatment, immediately consult a doctor because most likely, you will need to take antibiotics to treat skin conditions from the inside.
If your acne is caused by hormonal changes, try taking hormonal birth control pills to get rid of them
Step 4. See a dermatologist if nodules or cystic acne appear on your skin
Be careful, nodules and cystic acne can leave scars if not treated immediately. Also, they may not be curable with topical medications because they are located deep within your skin. That is why, you should immediately check your skin condition to a doctor or dermatologist and ask for appropriate treatment recommendations.
Since the nodule or cystic pimple takes root deep in the skin, you're more likely to be able to get rid of it by taking oral medications such as antibiotics or hormonal birth control pills
Step 5. Immediately treat allergic reactions that occur after using topical beauty products
Although rare, allergic reactions can occur after using various types of beauty products, including facial cleansers, moisturizers, and essential oils. If you experience this situation, don't worry and see a doctor immediately. In particular, go to the Emergency Room (ER) if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the eye area, lips, or face
- Throat feels narrow and congested
- Head feels light like I want to faint
