Two Natural Ways to Combat Acne and Dry Winter Skin

Okay, I'll say it loud and proud. I'm 33-years-old and still get acne. It sucks, but I do. And, apparently, some of my friends get it too. On top of that, sometimes my face gets dry and scaley. Since I AM 33, I've learned a few things about myself and have picked up a few tricks and new products along the way.

Blue Light Special

In my Twenties, I used terrible creams and medications that would dry out my skin something awful. One even swelled my eyes shut (which I will neither confirm nor deny was used to play hookie from school). Earlier this year, I heard about blue lights. So, I looked it up and ordered Sirius Pulsar Blemish Clearing Device. It's like a little pen that heats up and has a blue light to put on the blemish you feel driving its way toward your face's surface. I use it at least twice and so far, I've never had one actually make it. The blue light and heat kills the bacteria. Sometimes a small knot forms but it doesn't hurt and goes away quickly.

What made me think about blogging this was the commercial I saw on TV this past weekend for the IlluMask - LED Anti-Acne Light Therapy Mask. You might look really dumb for 15 minutes, but if you have persistent acne in more places than a simple pimple that pops up here and there, this might be a great option for you.

Oil Me Up

The second thing I have learned is that when it comes to my face, oil is my friend - not my foe. This sounds really weird, I know. One would think you are trying to eliminate oil from your face but the truth is, the oiler your face is, the more oil you need.

WHAT?

Yes, I said it. Kat Mykals explained to me why using the correct oils on your face helps with blemishes. The natural oil on your face is used for "self cleaning." When you strip your face of natural oils, your skin goes into oil reproduction mode to replace lost oil. Now, I'm not saying dip your head into a vat of cooking grease or wring out a strip of bacon on your face. If you wash your face and apply the proper oils, you'll see a difference in your skin and less acne.

This oil cleansing methodology suggests:

• Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil or Olive Oil.
• Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil or Olive Oil.
• Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil or Olive Oil.

I have also had great success with applying coconut oil under my makeup. It's so thin, it will absorb into your skin within minutes. I also apply Vitamin E oil before bedtime. It's pretty gross so don't expect anyone to make out with you but you'll be happy with the results in the morning. I've seen much clearer skin after I started my oil rituals.