During adolescence, I endured a host of awkward stages. The only rite of passage I had managed to avoid during my teen years was acne. I coasted through middle and high school with skin that remained clear with little more than a splash of soapy water. It wasn’t until I turned 24 that little red bumps began to emerge on my cheeks, forehead and along my chin. I immediately stockpiled my medicine cabinet with all the most “high-quality” acne products (cleansers, toners, gels, etc.) I could find, only to further irritate my sensitive skin or alleviate the bumps and redness for barely two days. After a year of trial-and-error and exasperation, I discovered three remedies to ease and eliminate my acne that amounted to less than five dollars from my bank account.
What is Acne?
According to Suite101.com’s own Noreen Kassem, “The sebaceous glands in the skin secret an oily substance caused sebum. Sebum collects in skin pores along with dead skin cells, forming an ideal spot for the growth of bacteria that causes pimples.” People with combination skin or oily skin tend to be most susceptible to acne. I grew up with sensitive skin that had a tendency toward dryness. However, as I entered my twenties I noticed a greater sheen to my complexion as oil began to build up and thus began my acne problem. Likely culprits of adult acne include stress and hormonal changes.
The Regime That Cleared My Skin
- Baking Soda as an Exfoliating Cleanser: Baking soda does not contain the harsh chemicals many expensive acne products contain and is much gentler on the skin. It acts to oxygenate the skin and because acne cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, pimples quickly dry out and will eventually fade completely with routine use. I mix baking soda with a few drops of water—making a paste—and apply a thin layer onto my face once a night. I then wait for the paste to dry and harden completely, and rinse it off. However, skin reactions and sensitivities can vary from individual to individual. You may find that using baking soda once every other day is more suitable for your skin type or that it is not suited to your skin at all.
- Lemon Juice: After reading several testimonials online about the use of lemon juice on acne, I tried it for myself. Lemon juice not only aids in reducing redness and accelerating the fading process of acne scars, it increases the radiance of one’s complexion. I apply a thin layer of lemon juice to my skin every other day in the morning. I allow the juice to dry and then rinse off as the lemon juice will become sticky.
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3%: Hydrogen peroxide 3% is found in brown bottles in any drug store often at less than two dollars. I apply hydrogen peroxide directly on my pimples with a q-tip each night after exfoliating with baking soda. Like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide oxygenates the skin, making it impossible for pimples to survive and preventing the arrival of new acne breakouts.
