If you have read any of my posts, you know that I always stress the fact that most chronic skin conditions must be healed from the inside out. As an acupuncturist and herbalist, I use the tools of my trade (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine) to improve the overall health of the body as the main treatment for skin problems. But there are still some really simple things you can do at home to help reduce blemishes and improve the quality of your skin. Below are 2 simple and inexpensive changes you can do today that will really make a difference to your complexion. This cleanser and toner are great for skin that suffers from blemishes, acne, uneven skin tone, dryness, or rosacea. They are also great if you just want to simplify your beauty routine or start using more wholesome, natural products on your skin.
- Make your own wholesome cleanser. Stop using harsh chemical facial cleansers or soap. Instead, make your own facial cleanser using honey and oatmeal (rolled oats – like the kind you buy in the cereal aisle). Get a small clean jar (glass or plastic is fine, just be sure it is really clean). Dice up the rolled oats or grind them in a coffee grinder (but not too finely). Add enough to fill your jar halfway. Fill the rest of the jar with honey and mix it in. You now have an awesome facial cleanser that you can use twice daily. Be sure to apply it to a damp face (otherwise it will be way too sticky) and rub in GENTLE circles then rinse it off. The honey has wonderful anti-bacterial properties yet won’t dry out your skin and the oats gently exfoliate without irritating your skin.
- Use a vinegar toner. Make your own toner using apple cider vinegar (ACV) and distilled water. In a small bottle, add half distilled water and half ACV. If that smells too strong for your liking, water it down a bit (two-thirds water, one-third ACV). Apply to your clean, dry face using a flat round cosmetic pad or cotton ball. Leave it on – it will dry quickly. Apply it after every time you wash your face (twice daily). Apple cider vinegar is your face’s friend – it helps restore the acidity to the acid mantle. This acid mantle is the thin, slightly acidic film on the surface of your skin that helps reduce the over-proliferation of bacteria. If you want an even more effective toner, check out our herb-infused AcneHerbal™ Facial Toner.
I can’t make any guarantees, but I think you will be impressed at how quickly these 2 simple tips will improve the texture and appearance of your face (or chest or back) in just a few days.
Nice post! We’re doing some exploration of dermatology and skin conditions on my website right now, too, and one thing people often overlook is proper hydration. Drinking enough clean water each day will improve your skin without doing much else. I talk a little about this in my last post: http://www.aquasana.com/blog/2011/07/what-is-dermatology/ And I had no idea acupuncture and holistic treatment could treat acne. (I am a harsh chemical user, myself, mostly because I have very troubled skin: dry, eczema, and oily.) Excellent!
YES! Drinking plenty of water is SOOO important for your skin no matter what type of dermatological issues one is dealing with. Want younger looking skin? Drink up the water! (By the way, I also advocate using shower filters for people who have eczema and allergic skin reactions.)
my pimples come and go, always repeating. I think it might be my body is not ‘clean’, any suggestion? I’m trying to drink more vege and fruit juice now to improve my bowel system.
Also, sometimes i have inflamed pimple and they often leave marks eventhough i did not pick them. Pick or no pick, they leave scars, and my scars are very hard to heal, slow-healing. it all started during my first job 11 years ago in a furniture factory. it had never stopped before. i’ve been using natural skincare for 2 years now.
I intend to write additional posts about acne and explain these things according to Chinese medicine theory. Too long to write about in a comment here – check back for it!
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Great post! Thank you! Can you tell me how long the oats and honey cleanser will last once it’s made up?
Well, I am not exactly sure. Honey does not spoil – it is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. But with the oats in it, that may change things. The longer it sits, the more the oats absorb moisture from the honey and the stiffer the concoction becomes. So I would suggest making it in 4oz. (1/2 cup) batches and then when it gets used up, make a fresh batch!