Naturally Kick Acne & Blackheads

I don't know anyone who wakes up in the morning to a pimple or numerous blackheads and thinks "Yuss, my face has so much character today, I'm not even going to bother with make-up!" None of us are fans of spots on our faces. I love the idea of not feeling like I need to wear make-up and cover up blemishes. However, for a lot of people, or maybe just me, clear skin is synonymous with confidence.

I have four awesomely easy and natural ways you can clear up your skin. One of the key ingredients I have learned and discovered recently to be amazing for helping to create clear, glowing skin is TOMATOES! Who would have thought the humble tomato could be so useful and part of my beauty routine!

This special vegetable is full of lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red colour. Lycopene protects vegetables from harmful sun rays, and can also help to do the same for our skin, and it can provide gentle lightening effects (https://www.refinery29.com/lycopene). Tomatoes are also full of antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for our insides and our skin.

There are two ways I use tomatoes in my beauty routine:

1. TOMATO PUREE FACE MASK

Blend one tomato with a piece of cucumber about 10cm long. For dry skin, add 1 tsp olive oil. NB: this is a really mushy mask and is messy to apply, so do so over a sink.

Gently massage for as long as you have time for. You can let this sit on your face for up to 30 minutes or even longer before rinsing off with cool water. Use this up to three times a week, or even daily initially, until your skin clears, then you can just use this every one to two weeks as maintenance.

2. TOMATO SALT SCRUB

This is the easiest! Simply take a thick slice of a tomato and sprinkle a generous amount of salt on it (about 1-2tsp).

Gently scrub your skin, paying particular attention the areas affected by acne or blackheads. Rinse with a cool face cloth. Like the puree, you can use this method on a regular basis.

3. LEMON SODA BLACKHEAD DESTROYER

WARNING: Citric fruits can cause sun sensitivity when applied to the skin so, this is best used at nighttime and it is important to ensure it is thoroughly washed off.

This is another super simple paste you can make up and store in the fridge for a week and use over a few days.

Lemons are anti-bacterial which makes them perfect for getting rid of the bacteria that causes blackheads. They are also rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which can help to brighten skin, and lemon juice acts as a natural exfoliator believe it or not!

Baking soda acts as an exfoliant and is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria. All good things for removing pesky blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, it would be wise to apply a very small amount of this paste to start with as some people may react slightly to the baking soda.

Simply mix 1 tsp baking soda with 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply to blackhead affected areas and let sit for around 20 minutes before washing off with cool water.

4. CLEAR SKIN CLAY MASK

The hero ingredient in this mask is the clay.

Bentonite Clay

This little beauty, straight from the earth, has been used for centuries to promote healing and cleansing in all manner of ways. It is full of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium which give the clay a detoxifying effect. In terms of its benefit for the skin, it helps to:

a) unclog and shrink pores

b) removes excess oils

c) draws out toxins

d) makes skin softer

e) gives your skin a natural glow

f) exfoliates

g) evens skin tone

SO MANY GREAT THINGS!

Honey

Naturally antibacterial and full of antioxidants, honey helps to get rid of and prevent acne. It contains moisturising benefits, and enzymes that make it a gently exfoliator, it can fade scar, slows down ageing, and boosts complexion, just to name a few benefits!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Don't let the smell of ACV (apple cider vinegar) put you off using it on your skin. The smell does not remain, I promise! ACV helps to balance the pH levels of your skin, making it a great toner, it is anti-inflammatory, kills bacteria and removes excess oils and dirt.

LET'S GET MAKING!