Acne Factor #4
The last factor that contributes to Acne development is abnormal keratinization. While that may sound scary, abnormal keratinization is just a fancy term for cell buildup. Since acneic skin tends to be oiler, the oil interferes with the cell layers natural ability to shed which causes a buildup. Properly exfoliating can greatly help the skin layers to shed which will automatically help alleviate another acne factor: bacterial colonization.
Since this whole series of blogs is meant to offer alternatives to medication for acne, let’s get the ball rolling on natural exfoliants. There are both chemical and physical forms of exfoliation. Chemical requires no scrubbing and physical involves scrubbing.
The best and most effective exfoliation will be one that your esthetician performs for you. Chemical peels and microdermabrasions are extremely effective to remove excess cell buildup. Depending on what grade your acne is and the amount of pimples on your face, you may have to go with one form of exfoliation over the other. Your esthetician will know which to use. The general rule of thumb is, if you have a lot of pimples that have pus in them, chemical exfoliation is best because since we are not performing any rubbing motion, the chance of spreading the bacteria and breakouts is minimal.
Here are also some other more natural remedies to try. Make sure not to go too crazy with exfoliation because it is very easy to over exfoliate your skin which will have more negative effects than positive.
Honey. Honey helps to speed up the natural exfoliation process and has humectant qualities, which helps attract moisture to the skin. This makes it a great hydrating facial scrub. Squirt a nice sized dollop into clean hands and scrub face gently, washing with warm water.
Yogurt. Yogurt contains lactic acid, the same alpha hydroxy acid found in skin care treatments, only milder. It soothes, smoothes, and evens skin tone. Apply plain yogurt to the face and let it sit 20 minutes, then rinse.
Sugar. Sugar cane is a natural source of glycolic acid, also an alpha hydroxy that can boost new skin cell production as well as smooth and soften the skin. Mix a half-cup white or brown sugar with enough olive or grapeseed oil to make a paste and apply to face in circular motion. Let sit for 10 minutes and wash away with warm water.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice is another natural alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells. Mix one-quarter-cup each of lemon juice, apple juice, grape juice and cane sugar until sugar dissolves. Then apply the mixture to your face with a cotton pad, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
Papaya. Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which dissolves dead skin cells. Papain may also heal skin and cause fine lines and age spots to lighten. Papain is most potent in young fruit, so select green papayas. Mash the fruit into a smooth paste and apply to the face, leaving it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
In general, medication is over prescribed in the United States and acne is no different. Before you take the prescription and run, try using the natural ingredients used in these blogs to keep your acne under control and learn new, healthy habits that will last you for life. Your esthetician can also be a great help and source of knowledge when it comes to maintaining and correcting your acne .