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Spot Zappers
The very sight of a new blemish has women searching for a cover-up. A better
approach, however, is to make sure spots never show up-or at least, never grow
very big-in the first place. Whether
pimples are a daily battle for any one of
you, or a once-in-a-while occurrence, over-the-counter help is available.
The four major
factors and one minor one that contribute to the formation of
blemishes.
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 Hormonal
activity
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Overproduction
of oil by the oil gland
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Irregular or
excessive shedding of dead skin cells, both on the surface of
skin and inside the pore
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Buildup of
bacteria in the pore Less likely to cause problems but still a
problem for some is:
-
Irritation or
sensitizing reactions to cosmetics, specific foods (rarely), or
medicines
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Easy spot treatments
Do not pick at your spots - you can cause nasty scars! If you positively
cannot leave a blackhead or
whitehead alone, try placing a clean forefinger on
each side of the clogged pore and spread the skin taut. Often, you'll find the
stuff in the pore pops out on its own.
 For mild to moderate acne and occasional blemishes, over-the-counter products
are effective. Benzoyl peroxide is the best spot-stopper around. It unblocks
pores, dries up excess sebum, exfoliates the area, and kills the bacteria that
cause pimples. Sulphur has long been used in spot medications-either alone, or
with benzoyl peroxide-to dry excess sebum, lightly exfoliate the area, and kill
bacteria before it can cause a pimple.
If you have problems with spots, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic,
Retin-A, or azelaic acid, Which is a grain-derivative that unblock pores,
exfoliates, and kills bacteria.
Salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid) is a popular ingredient in spot
creams and is found in some cleansers, astringents, and
masks. A relative of
aspirin, it works by penetrating pores to loosen impacted sebum and dirt, which
cause blackheads and can lead to whitehead and cystic pimples.
Recipes for Home Blemish Treatments
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Mix 1/2 teaspoon of yeast with a few drops of warm water to make a
paste. Smooth over the pimple and rinse off after 20 to 60 minutes. Use once
a day.
-
 Mix 1/2 teaspoon of
baking soda with a few drops of warm water to form a
paste. Smooth over the pimple and rinse off after 20 to 60 minutes. Use once
a day.
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 A drop of
tea-tree oil can be dabbed on spots up to twice a day. Test a
small patch on your forearm 48 hours before using it to ensure it does not
irritate your skin. It is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial, and has a
drying effect on the skin.
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Other essential oils that are considered beneficial to acne are camomile,
cedar wood, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, palma rosa, patchouli,
peppermint, tangerine. Most of these need to be diluted with a mild carrier
oil first.
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Camomile tea, once cooled, makes a good daily rinse for your face.
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Topical treatments containing
zinc may also be useful.
For oral consumption
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 Take a herbal supplements containing
burdock root, blue flag and sarsparilla.
-
 You can also take
echinacea, which is antibacterial.
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 Milk thistle seed has been know to help some sufferers.
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 Drinking
aloe vera juice also helps acne and cleanses the gut.
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 Make sure you eat plenty of foods with
antioxidants
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If necessary,
top up your diet with supplements of
vitamin E, selenium, zinc and copper
• You can also top up with a supplement of
beta carotene
• If you get flare ups in line with your menstrual cycle, take
vitamin B6.
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 Herbal teas made from
burdock, red clover and yarrow.
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 Evening primrose,
flaxseed and hemp seed oils are also beneficial to the skin
because they contain essential fatty acids.
Related Links
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