*NOTE: I am not a professional. Everything on this blog post is what has worked for ME personally. Do I guarantee these will work for you? NO. Also, for many of these you have to continually use them for some time before you start to see results. I recommend a LOT of patience. Good luck with your skin! :D
I have combination skin, and I often suffer from acne or hyperpigmentation from acne scars. I used to spend lots of money at Walmart or at drugstores trying products like Neutrogena, Acne-Free, and Clean & Clear. None of them really helped my skin, so I started looking up alternative methods, which is where I got the idea of using more natural products for my skin, rather than harsh chemicals like salicylic acid.
First of all, let's start with a CLEANSER!
I am currently using Quaker's Oats (just the cheap kind you can find in the grocery store!) to wash/gently exfoliate my face. I started this after watching a video by Bubzbeauty. This doesn't prevent/help acne much, but it is a great, natural way of cleansing your skin, and it is CHEAP.
Like I said before, it makes me feel 10x better when I know that the things I put on my skin are edible food, not scary chemicals.
This has honestly helped reduce hyperpigmentation, and given me smoother/ brighter skin overall.
I've been doing this for about 2 weeks, and I'm not going to stop anytime soon! The only cons are that it is REALLY messy, especially if it gets in your hair...
Next, let's talk about toners/astringents.
I have been using Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar for as an astringent/toner every night after cleansing my face. It's a very strong acid, so I would recommend 2 parts Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 part water or green tea (which is also great for skin!).
Apple Cider Vinegar has made such a difference with my acne, and again, I'm relieved that I don't have to put chemicals to be soaked in my skin!
I also have used just green tea as a toner, it works really well and tightens your skin very nicely! For the green tea method, I usually make a cup of green tea, and then pour that into a jar to use. Then, I will pour a little bit into a cotton pad to apply to my face every time I need it.
Next, I want to talk about MOISTURIZER.
Just recently I realized that all the exfoliation and astringents were making my skin very dry and irritated. So, I decided to start using moisturizer right after I did my skin routine, and it has made my skin much happier! Yes, for this step I DO use a drugstore moisturizer, my favorite is Cetaphil! For the days that I want extra acne/blemish protection I like to add a few drops of tea tree oil to the moisturizer before applying to my face. Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic, so it clears bad bacteria from your skin, preventing/helping acne.
AT-HOME MASKS/FACIALS
Also, if I want to moisturizer or help soothe dry skin, I usually juice some cucumbers to make a relaxing toner/mask. Once I have my juice, I will cut a mask out of paper towels, fold it up, and saturate it with the juice. I then leave it for 20 minutes before taking it off, waiting for it to fully dry, and then moisturizing. Cucumber is great for skin, which is why it's used in so many facials!
Another mask I do is an easy anti-acne facial made out of yogurt and honey. To make this, I put a big spoonful (trust me, you do NOT need much) of plain Greek Yogurt in a bowl. Then, I take two spoonfuls of honey, and mix the two together well until it creates a smooth consistency. I apply this to my face with my fingers (make sure they are clean!)!
Yogurt has lactic acid (a gentle form of alpha hydroxy acid), which is great for skin brightening and helping your overall complexion. Honey is also commonly known to have anti-acne properties and it kills bacteria!
I hope you enjoyed this post, and thanks for taking the time to read it! Good luck with your skin, and let me know if you try anything! Thanks!
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