Acne cures are a lot like diets — there isn't one master fix that will work for every person. But, if you've been trying everything you can for years, then the following regimen is worth a shot.
I learned about it from one of my past dermatologists, who was as frustrated with my stubborn acne as I was, and it has worked wonders for me ever since. Try to stick to these 7 steps for at least 7 days, then decide whether the results warrant a continuation of the routine.
What You'll Need (Total Cost= ~$20):
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
- Apple Cidar Vinegar
(Stick with me here, we're not cooking, and this will work!)
- Johnson & Johnson Cotton Balls
- Neutrogena Moisture Oil Free Formula Combination Skin
- I know you will probably think I'm crazy on this first one, but you will need to stop using all acne creams, ointments, scrubs, etc. You've probably been using all of those things for years, just like I did, and where have they gotten you? Exactly, they've sent you scouring the internet looking for a way to do what they haven't done! Remember, you only have to try this for 7 days, and if your skin doesn't agree, then simply go back to your "comfort creams".
- In your morning shower (you do take one right?), make sure the first thing you do is wash your hands! So many people skip this step, but think about it. Your hands are full of germs and bacteria, and if you go straight to your face with them, you're now rubbing those same nasty critters all over your face too. So, wash your hands thoroughly, before proceeding to step three.
- This is where your Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
comes in. Wash your face thoroughly, but gently. Slowly rub your hands over your entire face for about 60 seconds, then rinse.
- Now, grab your Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
(I keep mine in a coffee thermos in the shower to keep the moisture out, and it's easy to pour). Pour about a silver-dollar-sized mound into your hand. Mix in a little bit of water, until you get a bit of a paste (you'll get good and fast at this within about two times). Massage this paste into your face very gently. Be careful around your eyes, because this stuff will sting if it gets in them. Cover your entire face with your homemade baking soda mask. Leave it on while you finish washing the rest of your body (about 2-4 minutes), then rinse it off, again, very gently.
- Get out of the shower and dry off. Make sure your face is completely dry, then grab your Apple Cidar Vinegar
- Once the vinegar solution is dry (about 10 minutes), apply the Neutrogena Moisture Oil Free Formula Combination Skin
. That's it, now go about the rest of the day as you normally would.
- Last step, right before bed, wash your face again gently with the Cetaphil Cleanser, rinse, and dry.
Why It Works:
Many acne products and creams only provide temporary relief, but then tend to dry your face out, sending your oil glands into overdrive, and you break out again. So, leave them completely out of the equation for just 7 days while trying this regimen.
The reason for the Cetaphil is obvious — it's very gentle and does only what it's supposed to do (gently remove excess dirt and oil from your skin). Then, the baking soda paste acts as a very gentle and natural exfoliator, removing dead skin cells. Also, baking soda is "base"-ic, as in "bases" and "acids" from high school. This is why you follow it up with the apple cidar vinegar, which is…you guessed it…acidic. This combination balances out the pH of your skin, and the apple cidar vinegar even acts as a toner, tightening and firming your skin. Finally, the Neutrogena lotion moisturizes your skin and keeps it hydrated to avoid any overproduction of oil.
Try this for 7 days, and if it doesn't work, then simply resume what you were doing. But, if you're like me, and you've tried every acne product, cure, and pill known to man, then this all natural cure might really be "the cure".
If you have any questions about the routine at all, just leave a comment, and let me know how it works out for you.
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Thanks for this tip!! I will definitely try this one as I am having breakouts in my forehead since coming to satan’s sauna (aka as Dubai, Middle East!!). Never had zits when in Japan, bummer. Here’s praying this will work on me too. Question: do I have to stick to that baking soda brand? or any baking soda will do?
Hey Grace!
No problem, and no you don’t have to stick to the Baking Soda brand. Just make sure that it’s Pure baking soda. You don’t want something with any added ingredients. The only thing you should see on the label is:
“Sodium bicarbonate”
Just follow the above steps for 7 days, and let me know how it turns out. Try and stay cool over there in “Satan’s Sauna”!
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