Scalp Acne
This can be a difficult form of acne to treat because the weight of hair causes perspiration and blocks air flow to the scalp. The hair is a friendly environment for common skin fungus as well. A good way to start getting your scalp back in shape is to restore your hair and scalp to their natural pH with baking soda and vinegar.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water and make up a separate solution of a half cup of apple cider vinegar with a half cup of water. Pour the baking soda mixture on the roots of your hair and massage gently all over your scalp. Don’t worry about the rest of your hair, as the baking soda will clean it when you rinse it out. Use the vinegar and water as a conditioner for your hair and leave it on for two minutes before rinsing.
Face Acne
A good facial care routine repeated daily is the first step for controlling facial acne. Warm weather can lead to clogged pores and it is more important than ever to use preventative measures for your skin.
Blemishes can also be controlled with many inexpensive products:
• Cornmeal: Exfoliant, gently scrubs off dirt and dead skin cells
• Apple cider vinegar: Astringent; kills bacteria and balances skin pH
• Witch hazel: Natural astringent and anti-inflammatory
• Plain yogurt: Nourishes and moisturizes the skin; restores pH balance
Also try wearing your hair up during the warm and humid summer months. This will keep excess oil off of your skin and diminish perspiration.
Body Acne
Some people get acne breakouts on the back and chest caused by oil and dead skin cells interacting with bacteria. Clogged sweat glands can cause red, bumpy skin and one way to prevent this is by running a rough, wet cloth over your ears, neck, chest and back a couple of times a day. This mild exfoliating treatment will help prevent oil and perspiration buildup that can lead to acne.
A natural way to cure body acne and give your body an overall boost is to take an Epsom salts bath. Epsom salts are inexpensive crystals of a mineral called magnesium sulfate. In addition to giving relief from acne, Epsom salts add a boost of magnesium, zinc, potassium and vitamin D. These rejuvenating substances are absorbed directly into the skin.
