Safety Guidelines on How to Remove Pimples

Pretty sure, the moment a pimple appears on your face, you get disappointed. And the first thing you think of is how to remove pimples. And how exactly do you plan to do that?

There are many ways to remove pimples; some are directed to remove pimples in a snap while some are designed to remove pimples in the long run.

Following are some guidelines on how to remove pimples properly without threatening to spread more infection in surrounding area.

Apply a benzoyl peroxide medication to the pimple but do not apply medication to the surrounding area.

A facial mud mask may do the trick. The mask could shrink a pimple.

Buy and apply anti-bacterial, oil-free concealer to the affected area. This could make the pimple’s redness blend well with the skin color so as to make it less noticeable.

Do not forget that pimples are caused by numerous factors: hormonal activity, buildup of bacteria and shedding of dead skin cells. Try as much as possible to counter all of these pimple-causing factors by engaging in a lifestyle that is beneficial for your skin and body. Make sure your skin is always clean, try to eat food good for your skin, avoid oily food, and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Do not touch your pimples. Or even if you don’t have pimples, try not to touch your face often as the face is sensitive and touching it with hands that is full of invisible bacteria and dirt could bring more pimple-causing bacteria to your face.

Try, as much as possible, to control yourself from attacking the plugged sebaceous glands. Do not pop your pimples as they can cause infections and may even leave a scar on your face. Scars look much worse than pimples because they are permanent and are hard to make them unnoticeable.

If you still can’t resist yourself from popping the pimple, just make sure you do it when your hands are clean. Lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a cotton swab or tissue. Clean the affected area after you have popped it. If after you have done the step and the pimple did not pop, do not do anything. Just leave it alone. It will pop when it is time.

Blemishes caused by pimple take about a month to completely disappear. Have patience, the marks will go away in time.

If you are desperate and wanted to a quick pimples remedy, consult a dermatologist first. He may opt to give you a shot of cortisone that will eliminate the pimple.

If you have recurring cases of pimple breakouts, it is best to talk about the case with a dermatologist as this may be indicative of a presence of a chronic skin disease. Dermatologists have the authority to let you use other medications that will solve your skin problem like antibiotics, or even Accutane for severe cases of acne.

Think hard before using Accutane as though it is the only one that provides a long-term solution for severe acne, it also has side effects.

Get Rid Of Your Pimples Fast

The moment we see a pimple pop out of our face, we usually get disheartened. Especially when the pimple pop out on a very imperfect timing, such as when we are having a pictorial shoot, a presentation to make to a big crowd or have to meet VIP guests. For sure, the first thing we want to do is get rid of pimples fast.

Can you really rid of pimples fast? Below are some ways to get rid of pimples fast. Though they won’t necessarily make the pimples disappear in just a blink of an eye, they could be a good acne pimples treatment.

Toothpaste may be effective in cleaning your teeth but do you know it could also be used for treating pimples? Just put a small amount of toothpaste on your pimples before going to bed. Toothpaste can help you to dry out the area with pimples. The following morning, you’ll be amazed as to how the toothpaste dry out your pimples.

You may also combine equal amount of lemon juice and rose water in a container. After which, apply it to your face or other pimple-filled area through the use of a cotton ball. Leave the solution there for about 20 minutes before washing the area. Fifteen to twenty days of continuous application can help get rid of pimples fast. It is also effective in removing blemishes and scars.

Other than using home remedies for treating your pimples, there will always be anti-pimple medications on the drugstores that promise you to get rid of pimples fast.

If you have stubborn pimples that seemed to not respond to any measures you do to get rid of them, here is the deal. Soak 2-3 teaspoons of dried basil leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 10-20 minutes. After which, allow them to cool down. Then, you can now apply the solution to the affected area with the use of a cotton ball.

Or if you want to get rid of pimples fast but are hesitant in taking in lot of medications and using different products, just make sure you eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water as water is beneficial to the skin.

If the above procedures did not let you get rid of pimples fast, say in an overnight, you may just do improvements such as putting on skin tone make-up or concealer to make your pimple-filled skin appear blemish-free. Make sure that the products you use on your face are oil-free and non-comedogenic so that the products won’t add up to clog your pores.

For maintaining a pimple-free face or skin, just make sure you wash and clean the skin every day. Keep in mind to avoid using soaps that are too strong for the skin as they could dry out and leave your skin irritated. If you are washing your face, wash first using warm water to open the skin pores and let the dirt and impurities on the pores wash off. Then rinse the skin with cold water to close the pore opening.

how to cure acne

How to Stop Acne Reinfection

Reduce your skin's re-exposure to those nasty acne causing bacteria by making everything your skin routinely contacts as clean as possible. This gives your skin a better chance of healing up and staying acne free. Doing this process while also treating your acne with whatever medicines you use will greatly increase the success of your acne treatment.

Steps

  1. Buy the necessary items from the 'things you'll need' section below. Hang your new pillow in the sun to air out the cover and stuffing.
  2. Wash the rest of the things on the list in hot water with bleach and laundry detergent. Dry your things until they are hot and really dry. Use these clean things and only these clean things every day for at least 30 days.
  3. Change your pillow case every day. This is the primary step that will really make a difference, to have a clean thing to rest your face on while sleeping. Change your top sheet every day for at least the first two weeks, then go to every other day for a while.
  4. Wear a fresh T-shirt and/or bra every day.
  5. Wash your face and dry yourself with fresh towels every day.
  6. Wash these things by themselves, in hot water with detergent and bleach every 4 days. There's no point in sharing bacteria. Stop your pets from licking you; a dog's tongue is a bacteria camp.
  7. Change your toothbrush every week for two weeks, then once a month thereafter. Your tongue actually has more bacteria than your dog's does.
  8. Focus on not touching your face with your hands. If you do, wash your hands.
  9. Wash your hands at least four times a day anyway, and clean your fingernails each time.
  10. Wash your eyeglasses and jewelry with soap every day. Wash your hair every day and try to wear it off your face.
  11. Expect to notice a difference after about 2 weeks, and see increasing improvement in your skin as long as you continue to do this.


Tips

  • Buy inexpensive things; this process is hard on them and they won't last.
  • You can use things you already own. The bleach will change the color of anything that isn't white, and over the course of a few weeks, make the fabric of anything that is not all cotton brittle and fragile, so don't use anything you want to keep around very long. But this might be an opportunity to get new things in a month or two, when your acne has cleared up.
  • Hang all your things out in the sun to dry, if possible. The sunlight has additional bacteria killing power, and it will make all your things smell really good.


Warnings

  • Skip fabric softener or dryer sheets; they irritate skin.
  • Change laundry detergents after two week if you don't see a positive difference.
  • Follow directions carefully for the correct amount of bleach you add to your wash water. If you don't put in enough, it won't remove the bacteria and your effort will be wasted. If you put in too much, it will damage even all cotton material. If it isn't thoroughly rinsed out, it will be another irritant to your skin.
  • Examine your lifestyle. Is there anything else in your environment that touches your face a lot that you need to clean? Your cellphone? The eyepiece for your camcorder or camera, maybe?


Things You'll Need

  • Buy a new pillow.
  • Buy 4 white all cotton top sheets and 4 pillow cases.
  • 4 white all cotton t-shirts.
  • (for women) 4 inexpensive bras.
  • 4 all cotton white hand and bath towels.
  • A half-gallon of cheap store bleach.
  • 3 new toothbrushes.


how to cure acne

How to Treat Adult Female Acne

Hormonal teen acne is bad enough, but what if you are in your 20's, 30's or even 40's, and that acne hasn't cleared up? If you've tried every OTC product under the sun and still nothing works, maybe this article can help.

Steps

  1. Find a dermatologist. He/She can give you antibiotics and/or topical creams to treat acne, if necessary.
  2. Find a certified aesthetician (internet is a good resource). He/She can give you facials based on your skin type, along with home care routines and other advice.
  3. Find good products for your skin. If you have sensitive skin, lean more towards sensitive skin products (obviously) or even organic/natural products. The harsh chemicals in some standard acne products can worsen the irritation. If you are blessed with skin that doesn't irritate easily, you can even try something like Clean and Clear, or Proactive.
  4. Monitor your diet. Though no definite connections have been made between food/drink and acne, some people find that eliminating sugary drinks and junk food helps. Also, cutting the caffeine can help too.
  5. Drink plenty of water. Its just plain good for you.
  6. Exercise. It brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin through blood flow, and also, sweating may clean out the pores. Shower afterwards.
  7. Finally, wear an oil-free sunblock every day. Treating your skin for acne will make it more sensitive to the sun, which increases your chance of skin damage. Trust me, even though having nice clear skin and a tan looks hot, skin cancer does not. If you don't believe me, try typing in "skin cancer" into Google Images.


Tips

  • Search the internet for acne advice. You'll come up with plenty of tips, maybe some that contradict each other, but you just may find something that works for you.
  • Keep your self-esteem up. There are studies that correlate depression with a variety of ailments.
  • Research, research, research! Become familiar with your condition: know the fine details. This may not help to clear up the acne, but at least you'll know why it happens. Perhaps you'll be able to point out things in your everyday life that worsen acne (like how when you touch your face with your hands, the bacteria from your hands is transferred onto your face).


how to cure acne

How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne

So you popped a zit, it starts to bleed, and then it turns into a wee scratch. To top it off, a few days later you have this little dry scab. Well, here are some ways to prevent the rupturing of Acne, and a bit of aid in the healing of popping-induced scars.

Steps

  1. Stop popping! It's tempting, but honestly, it make things worse. If you absolutely must pop, make sure that the area (and your fingers) are clean and disinfected. After you pop, gently clean the area with warm water and a washcloth, then cover the popped pimple with ice for a minute or two. This will reduce the swelling. With a cleaner pop, and a smaller area to infect, you greatly reduce your chances of getting a scab or scar.
  2. Keep with your regular acne treatments. Continue your twice-a-day face washes and applications of astringent. If you don't have a very regulated method of treating and preventing acne, then it's time to start one.
  3. Keep in mind that moisturizing isn't always best. In all honesty, you want these little scratches and scabs to stay dry. This, in a sense, causes the scab to wither away and fall off on its own, which reduces scratching and irritation—thus reducing scars.
  4. Allow to heal naturally. Sometimes, the best method of dealing with acne scars and cuts is just to let your body do the works. Keep the irritated area clean and dry, and use as little make-up on the area as possible.


Tips

  • Avoid touching your face. Your hands can transfer additional oil and dirt to an infected area.
  • Scars tend to be more noticeable on pale skin. You can combat this with a safe self-tanner (not to be confused with tanning booths and/or sun-tanning, which are unhealthy for your skin). You could also buy a natural redness-countering concealer.
  • Neosporin is ideal for speeding up healing time thus causing lesser scarring. There is also Neosporin Scar Solution.
  • you can use plain yogurt to apply your face it will moisturize your face and purify it and your skin will heal much faster


Warnings

  • Picking at the scabs and scars will only make things worse.
  • If your acne ruptures even when you don't touch it, you need to see a dermatologist. Bleeding or excessive acne is not natural, and may be the result of an infection or allergies. Get treatment as soon as possible.
  • Acne is caused by a bacterial infections - more times than not. So understand that popping zits only spreads the infection.
  • Do not use Neosporin if you are allergic to it!

how to cure acne

How to Pop a Pimple

You don't necessarily have to wait around for that Mount St. Helens on your forehead to erupt on its own. It's fairly easy to pop a pimple, but proceeding without caution can cause more pimples or scarring. This article discusses "whiteheads," where the pimple has a white top and liquid pus underneath the skin.


Steps

pimples
pimples
  1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. It should be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and alcohol-free. Use very warm water, soaping up for at least 20 seconds. Cold and lukewarm water don't dissolve oil or kill germs nearly as well, but hot water irritates the skin and causes flaking.
  2. Rinse thoroughly for another 20 seconds and pat dry with a clean towel.
  3. Dab the pimple with a 100%-cotton pad soaked in an all-natural astringent such as witch hazel to assure no extra dirt or residue is left behind.
  4. Take a clean washcloth and run part of it under very warm water. Immediately apply it directly to the pimple, so you can open up the pore and make it easier and less painful to pop. Do this for about 60 seconds, re-running the cloth under warm water if it starts to cool off.
    • An alternative is to gently slide the warm washcloth over the pimple several times, without squeezing or pushing into the pimple.
    • You can substitute a salt water mix in a damp (not dripping) cotton ball to soak the pimple for 1-3 minutes.
  5. Using cotton swabs, cotton balls, or your finger tips, very gently pull outward, around the pimple more than towards the center. It should not take much effort. If it doesn't burst, do not try to apply harder pressure. Soak the pimple in warm water again and retry.
    • The cotton swabs and cotton balls are preferable because they are less likely to damage your skin, whereas the tips of your nails can cause intense irritation.
    • If you do use your finger tips as a last resort, thouroughly apply some hand sanitizer all over your hands first.
  6. Wipe the pus up with another cotton pad or your finger.
  7. Wait 10 to 20 seconds, then start to press the pimple gently again with clean fingers. Repeat as needed and/or until you start to see blood emerging.
  8. Wrap your finger in a new cotton pad and press gently right on top of the pimple to stop the bleeding.
  9. Leave it be for a minute or two--don't touch it, cover it, or apply anything to it right away. After it's had a chance to chill out, wash your hands thoroughly, then wash your face as directed in the first step.
  10. Spread a generous amount of aloe vera gel or an antibiotic ointment onto the pimple, then cover with a bandage. If you dislike the bandage on your face for cosmetic reasons, you can apply the aloe or ointment and then leave it uncovered, though covering it would be most effective.
  11. Replace the bandage and apply more ointment or aloe once or twice a day. If the area is still swollen, wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and hold it against the bandage for 30-60 seconds at a time.


Tips

  • The most important thing to do is not to try and force a pimple to pop that isn't ready to pop yet. If it is just a red bump and you can't see any yellowish-white pus just beneath the surface, just wait. Prodding and pinching when it is at this stage will cause nothing but harm.
  • The key to popping a pimple is to sterilize everything and minimize your skin's exposure to bacteria and any other foreign matter. Fingertips are not recommended because fingernails can harbor bacteria that can enter the newly ruptured skin.
  • If the pus and dirt have congealed under the skin to form a blackhead, you can use a blackhead remover to safely remove these blemishes. Rather than just applying pressure on two sides of the pimple, these removers apply even, equal pressure on all sides. See the Related wikiHows below.
  • Extremely resistant pimples can be forced open with a needle or small pin. Sterilize the needle or pin either with alcohol or by holding the needle or pin in a flame for 10-15 seconds. Let it cool a few seconds before gently puncturing the top center of the pimple.
  • If you get a scab, don't pick at it.
  • To remove one of those stubborn pimples on the upper lip, try pricking the white head with a needle, soaking the pimple with a hot wet cloth, and then slowly applying pressure around the base of the pimple.


Warnings

  • Some people have mild allergic reactions to aloe vera gel, marked by rashes and itching. Obviously, don't use it if you've had this experience with aloe vera in the past, or test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure.
  • It's important when taking care of pimples to use 100% cotton balls/pads or gauze pads. Toilet paper and paper towels contain harsh, sharp fibers that often stick to your skin.
  • You should only do this when absolutely necessary. Popping zits is terrible for your skin, and can cause major infections and scarring.
  • You may need to see a doctor if your pimple scars, gets worse, or does not significantly heal after one or two weeks.
  • Never try to pop acne cysts. These are deep, painful, hard pimples seen in people with severe acne. Cysts must only be treated by a medical professional.


Things You'll Need

  • Clean towel
  • Clean washcloth
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pure, gentle, non-comedogenic face cleanser
  • Natural astringent such as witch hazel or rosewater (optional)
  • 100% cotton face pads or balls
  • Aloe vera gel, polysporin or neosporin
  • Bandages (optional)
  • Ice and paper towel (optional)

how to cure acne

How to Get Rid of a Pimple

While there are ways to avoid acne on the whole, there are also times when you get that one pimple in the worst imaginable spot, and you feel like you're walking around with a giant bulls-eye on your face. Well, here's how you can single out that one pesky zit and make it disappear ASAP.

Steps

  1. Do not touch or pop the pimple. It will only make the pimple more obvious and risk infection and scarring. Instead, take up the following routine, twice a day, until it disappears.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin to touch your face.
  3. Wash your face gently but thoroughly with a mild, medicated soap and warm water.
    • The water shouldn't feel hot, and lukewarm is a little too cool.
    • Do not use a washcloth, as the scrubbing action could pick up and distribute bacteria to other parts of your face. It is best to use your hands.
    • Wash for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pat your skin dry with a towel.
  5. Apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical cream on the pimple. If the spot is under the surface of the skin and hurts to the touch, use benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic Acid should work well for all other acne spots.
  6. After topical treatment is dry, apply a basic face moisturizer (preferably allergy-tested, fragrance free, and oil free). Without moisturizing, the skin around the pimple can dry and irritate your skin, possibly making the pimple more inflamed and noticeable.
  7. Cover the pimple with medicated concealer (optional).
  8. Learn how to prevent acne in the first place, so that you stop that next monster pimple before it even starts.


Tips

  • Wear sunblock (oil-free) when you go out on a sunny day. Since pimples are raw skin, sunburn will only make it worse.
  • Hands off your face! Do not touch or pick at your spot, this will not help it to go away faster.
  • Homeopathic alternatives include tea tree oil, baking soda paste (mix with a little water, apply and let dry), and witchhazel.


Warnings

  • 2.5% to 5% Benzoyl-Peroxide Solutions are sufficient; 10% or higher can irritate the skin and exacerbate the problem.
  • Don't use rubbing alcohol. It will sting like crazy and dry and irritate your skin.
  • Do not cover your pimple with make-up, as this will trap oil and dirt.
  • One should cleanse, gently exfoliate, and moisturize one's skin twice daily. Go to an expert for a skin consultation to find out what strength of soap and clarifying lotion you should be using for your skin type.

how to cure acne

How to Make Your Own Acne Treatment


  1. Use cold water. Fill an empty 1 gallon jug with water and put it in the freezer for 2 hours. Pour the water into a bowl or sink, then dip your face in the water for 25 seconds (5 dips for 5 seconds each). Repeat a few times every day.
  2. Make a soap mixture. Put a bar of soap in a small container. Boil a cup of water and pour it over the soap in the container. Close the container and keep it shut for at least 2-3 hours or until the soap dissolves. Wash your face normally and make sure it's dry and not oily. Get the mix that is in your container and spread it around your face; be generous while applying. Let it dry. Then wash your face out very gently using a face sponge. Do this 1 to 2 times a day, but no more than two because then your skin might over-dry and peel.
  3. Create a face mask using a solution of one finely crushed aspirin tablet per tablespoon of cold cream. Spread over your face, wait 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  4. Mix 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of lime juice, 1/2 cup of apple sauce, and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. You should have created a thick creamy substance.

    • Rub on your face, neck, and back in full motion circles that will allow the cream to get into your pores.
    • Let this sit on your face for around 10 minutes.
    • Wash off with a washcloth drenched in ice cold water.
    • Repeat 1-2 times a day, until your zits are gone!
    • Mix baking soda and water for a good cream to dry up the pimples sooner.
  5. Make a strong acne solution by diluting 50% apple cider vinegar with 50% clean pure water. Once acne has improved, keep it at bay with a milder solution of 20% apple cider vinegar and 80% water.

    • Do not use cheap vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is about $3-4 for a large bottle at any supermarket (more at health food stores). It will last months.
  6. Put on mint toothpaste to help dry up pimples. Wear it overnight and wash it off the next morning. This is a classic home treatment.
  7. Use hair conditioner. Not many people would expect this, but it works very well to clean out and NOT irritate the skin. Rub it on any area affected by acne. If the area with conditioner on it gets itchy, or for any reason you are compelled to touch the area, refrain. Do not touch it. Leave the conditioner on the affected area for approximately a half an hour. Then, when the chosen time is up, wipe it off gently.


Warnings

  • Don't go in a chlorinated swimming pool, very often. It dries out your skin and makes your acne red and shows your zits even more!
  • Make sure you don't scratch or pop your pimples! You'll just end up with scars that won't make you look your very best!

how to cure acne

How to Add Natural Ingredients to Face Cleansers for Healthy Skin


Mother Nature has made some natural extracts that you can easily add to your favorite acne or face wash for smooth and healthy skin. So why not take advantage of these materials?

Steps

  1. Use natural sand and salt water from the beach. Go to the beach with an empty water bottle, and collect the sand and water. When you get home, put the sand and water in a large bowl. Gently apply it to your face using your hands. (If you do rub, rub in light circles.) Leave on for a few minutes and wash it off!
  2. Put a teaspoon of sugar in your favorite facial wash or peel and rub together. Apply as you would any facial wash.
  3. Heat water so it is warm. Then put a large amount of salt into the water. Dip a Q-tip in the salty water and apply to pimples. Try to keep at each pimple until their size is much smaller.


Tips

  • Be gentle, do not rub or press too hard.
  • Don't rub the ingredients too hard on acne.



how to cure acne

Common acne (aka "acne vulgaris") is a skin condition characterized by what are often called pimples or zits. It can occur anywhere on the body and at any age, though it typically affects teenagers on the face and back. You can take steps to avoid and prevent acne, as well as keeping yourself healthy and presentable, by doing the following.

Steps

  1. Remove dead skin cells regularly by exfoliating. Use an abrasive cloth or scrub, or use an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Remember that over-exfoliating can actually increase the likelihood of red, dry skin by irritating the skin.
  2. Remove bacteria from your pores. Your skin can become "allergic" to this bacteria. Use bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide by rubbing, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region or washing with a medicated soap bar/wash. Keep in mind that this may cause dryness, local irritation and redness.
  3. Avoid exposing your skin to other sources of oil and irritants.

    • Break the habit of touching your face.
    • Keep bangs off of your forehead--the oil and the hair products (if any) can clog pores.
    • If you use a phone a lot, don't let it touch your face.
    • Change your pillowcases and sheets once a week to prevent the build-up of oils and bacteria that can re-occupy your pores.
    • Use non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup. Choose cosmetics that are water-based and hypoallergenic. Avoid oil-free products, coal tar derivatives, and heavy creams. Make sure you wash your skin thoroughly every night to remove makeup residue.
  4. Review your diet and the research surrounding the links between diet and acne. The relationship between food and acne is a debatable topic. Your diet may or may not have an effect on acne.

    • Studies have shown a correlation between milk and acne. Try substituting with soy milk and other calcium-rich foods.
    • Excessive consumption of foods high in iodine (e.g. some seafood) may worsen acne but probably won't trigger it
    • Research suggests--but does not prove--that a diet with a low glycemic index may reduce the likelihood of acne. High glycemic foods to replace with healthier alternatives include:

      • soft drinks (drink water instead)
      • sweets (substitute with fruit)
      • white bread (replace with whole wheat bread)
  5. Remove other potential causes of acne. Some factors, such as being in puberty, can't be altered, but these can, with the approval of your doctor:

  6. Try asking a skin doctor also known as a dermatologist about your acne
    • Minimize use of medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens
  7. Keep your bedsheets clean. Wash your pillow case on a regular schedule to reduce the transfer of natural body oils.
  8. Wash your face at least two times a day. Use face washes such as Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash or other face washes.
  9. There are no perfect creams or medicines that make your face smooth, soft and acne-free.


Tips

  • Watch your diet and observe the effects it has on your skin. Whatever science has to say, every body is different and how yours responds to certain conditions can best be determined by you alone. As with any common condition, keeping your body hydrated is sound advice.
  • Avoid drinking too much alchohol (especially beer) and eating spicy food. These increase the level of heat within, believed by the Chinese to be linked to acne. Salads, avocado etc will cool.
  • Drink herbal tea eg. Rooibos or green tea at least once a day to help detox your system.
  • Try Dan's regimen of gently washing your face twice a day, then applying generous amounts of benzoyl peroxide and finally putting on a good non-comodogenic moisturiser. This worked wonders for me. More information can be found at www.acne.org
  • Cleanse the colon by taking psyllium husks with water once or twice per day. This is another excellent way of detoxing the body. Psyllium can be found at most chemists / pharmacies / drugstores.
  • Sometimes the best way of taking care of this condition is by doing it naturally, as in using natural products. Recommended are some such as : Witch Hazel, to be applied with a cotton swab after washing face. Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Body Soap, which because of its Tea Tree elements, can reduce pimples on the face quite well if used at least twice a day.
  • Neutrogena is a good product that can prevent or treat acne! it is sold at any drugstore.
  • If you can afford it, I highly reccomend this place called Skinprint (I don't know where all of the branches are but there is one in Red Bank, New Jersey) They mix a face wash, moisterizer, and other products that are perfect for your skin, they test it in the beginning. The only problem is it's expensive, but it's worth it.
  • It may not seem like it, but green apples are extremely good for preventing and fighting existing acne - both on your face and around the body (like the back - eek!). To avoid acne, eat one green apple a day (cut it into slices if need be and eat it throughout the day). And (here's the big secret) to reduce existing acne, cut a green apple into quarters and rub two of those quarters over the acne areas. If needed, use the rest, or just eat them. Combine this with plenty of water and voila - clear skin!

Warnings

  • Do not make any drastic changes in your diet or skin routine without first consulting a medical professional.
  • Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or overdrying skin.
  • You should only scrub your face if you have no existing pimples. Scrub lightly; avoid scrubbing too much or with too much pressure.
  • Benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect on clothes and hair. It may also increases sensitivity to the sun, so you might find that you burn faster!

how to cure acne

Acne is a broad term covering blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads. This condition can strike at any age. While there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid acne with good results, here's how to treat existing acne so that it disappears.

Steps

  1. Stop popping the pimples and zits. This will only risk encouraging your acne to stay due to inflammation, irritation, and possibly infection. If a pimple comes up in a particularly bothersome place, learn how to target a single pimple. And if you're determined to pop, learn how to pop a pimple safely and properly.
  2. Remove dead skin cells regularly by exfoliating. Use a gentle scrub with natural exfoliants like ground walnut shells, or use an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Remember that over-exfoliating can actually increase the likelihood of acne by irritating the skin. Pat dry, rather than rubbing, since rubbing can cause irritation to the fresh, skin you've just revealed.
  3. Use a good toner. Spray onto face or wipe on with a cotton ball and wipe off with a clean, dry cotton ball. This gets rid of excess cleanser and tightens pores. Good, inexpensive choices include plain witch hazel for normal to dry skin, or 3% hydrogen peroxide for oily skin. 70% ethyl rubbing alcohol can also be used for severe oiliness, but it can really dry out your skin and irritate it more. Some toners are medicated, too, and this stage is the best stage for using a medicated product if you're only going to use one medication. Lemon juice is a good option too
  4. Bacteria in pores is one cause of pimples. Reduce the amount of bacteria by using toners containing anti-bacterial agents like alcohol, peroxide and benzalkonium chloride, and by using creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, which kill bacteria as well as cause the skin to regenerate faster.
  5. Maintain a routine. Most acne treatments take time to work. It usually takes between two and eight weeks before you see any significant improvement, so you are going to have to be patient. Once you've gotten your acne cleared up, it's important to continue with the treatment that's working so it does not return.
  6. If all else fails, contact your GP. They may be able to prescribe specific mild antibiotics that can eliminate acne.


Tips

  • Acne medications may+/7 cause your skin to initially break out worse than before because all FDA-approved acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur) are causing your skin to regenerate faster. This brings existing acne pimples already under your skin (but not visible yet) to the surface, which in turn causes a massive but fortunately temporary break out. Give the medications about one to two weeks and you will notice a big difference in the quality of your skin.
  • See a dermatolagist if over the counter remedies do not work. They specialize in skin care and can prescribe you medicines that help you improve it.
  • Don't stress out! Stressing out can only makes acne worse. Find ways to stay calm in your life.
  • Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated can help your condition improve, because the "waste management" control system in your body requires a lot of water to do its job. Without enough water, the body has difficulty removing some waste products efficiently.
  • Look for face washes which contain the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide. This is the key ingredient in some of the best face washes. use a 5-10% benzoyl peroxide of mild to moderate acne and 10% for severe.
  • Try smashing one tablet of asprin in a small bowl, then adding lemon juice to the mixture. Apply to the affected areas overnight. It boosts the healing process, while reducing redness.
  • Try putting toothpaste (paste NOT gel) on your face, cover it with a bandage and keep it on all night, when you wash it off in the morning your acne will look better. The astringent and surfactant nature of the toothpaste will help diminish the appearance of pimples. But the toothpaste has been known to burn sensitive skin of the face, so be careful. If your face does burn, stop acne treatments, and work on healing your burn.
  • If nothing is working for you, drink four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted with water daily. It works very well for some people and is worth a try. Another good solution is fresh from the plant aloe vera gel, taken orally.
  • You can also try taking a Zinc tablet everyday.
  • Phototherapy or blue-light therapy is an increasingly common form of treating facial or body acne. It uses light that interact with porphyrins in skin bacteria to reduce bacteria production and rectify acne. Many dermatologists use this form of treatment in a clinic setting, but it can be costly and time consuming. Health Canada recently approved a new product that has the same therapeutic effect, but it can be administered by the individual.
  • Get plently of sleep! They don't call it "beauty-sleep" for nothing!


Warnings

  • Whilst getting a mild facial sunburn can help get rid of acne by accelerating the removal of pimpled skin and thus forcing the body to generate more skin faster, this increases the risk of skin cancer considerably.
  • Do not use too many different types of acne medication at the same time. It can cause more irritation and increase your acne.
  • Consult a doctor if your acne is open or bleeding.
  • Benzoyl peroxide-based products can (and usually eventually do) bleach hair and fabrics. Be extremely careful using them around brightly colored or dark colored fabrics, as you can end up with ruined towels and shirts.
  • Make sure you are not allergic to products/ingredients mentioned in this article before using them.
  • Be careful with what prescriptions you take! Some oral prescriptions can cause irreversible liver damage. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before taking them.
  • Don't buy multi-step "activ" style solutions. If you read the labels, they contain the same active ingredients that other over-the-counter acne medications contain: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur.
  • If you try using toothpaste, be warned as the burns can leave worse marks
  • These things cause spots:
  • Lack of sleep
  • caffeine
  • soap
  • sweat
  • not going to the toilet
  • smoking
  • alcohol
  • hair products such as gel wax and hairspray
  • computer screens give off low radiation that stimulate production of grease in the pours
  • oily foods as well as loads more


how to cure pimples

Home Remedy Treatment for Acne

Acne is a disorder of the skin. This disorder causes to skin to have blackheads or whiteheads, pimples or zits, cysts, and lesions. This is a disorder seen mostly in teens and young adults. This shows up in the face, neck, back and chest of the teens and young adults.

People go for home made acne treatment depending upon the extent of damage the acne causes in an individual. The need for home made acne treatment arises to reduce or eliminate the outbreak of acne and to prevent scarring in the skin due to severe acne. Using benzoyl peroxide lotions in home made acne treatment helps in effective cure and prevention of new outbreaks of acne. Most of the people in USA and around the world have been affected by acne at some point in their life. For severe acne oral medicines are also prescribed. Use of oral medicines help in home made acne treatment, for easy and quick cure of acne.

Home remedies are best remedies to cure acne. Some of the home remedies to cure acne are orange, garlic, and cucumber. Peel of orange paste applied on the affected area helps to cure pimple. Paste of fenugreek helps to cure pimples. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking at least 1 liter of water daily is also one of the home remedies to cure acne. Home remedies to cure acne have no side affects if your not having any allergic to certain fruits and vegetables.

Natural treatment and allopathic treatment are both available for acne treatment. The allopathic treatment for acne includes across-the-counter products which are prescribed to be used for 4 to 6 weeks. Turmeric is one of the home remedies to cure acne, which is an anti bacterial herb. In olden days, turmeric was used by every one, because it has lots of medicinal value. Japanese scientist found that rooibos tea helps to cure acne, which is also one of the home remedies to cure acne.

how to cure pimples

READER FEEDBACK -- THANK YOU!

acv

Vitamin E and Lecithin Capsules
2/1/2006: Marty from Pomona, CA writes, "I tried every thing for my clogged pores. I was taking 1200 IE of natural Vit E and still no change. Then I added lecithin capsules and walla, all my clogged pores went away in a week. My nose now feels really smooth and all those little crusty whiteheads (and whatever the heck that crusty stuff on my skin was) is going away. Yippie! Just had to share that. Best Regards, Marty"

CRUSHED MULTI-VITAMIN
12/7/2006: Anna from Kansas City, MS writes, "I really never have had a problem with acne so when I developed a pimple on my chin it was somewhat of a big deal. I'm not used to something on my face hurting like it did. At first I popped it and pulled out that little yellow bullet shaped thing from the middle ( what is that, the infection or dried pus?) It bled a little then a bit more pus came out - still hurt of course. I decided to try ACV which hurt and made me develop immediately a fine rash of bumps all around the blemish. I think it is because my skin is very sensitive and it just burnt it a little - or because I had the opening in my skin for it spread faster... Then I thought of crushing half of a multi vitamin and making a paste. I did so, applied the paste to the blemish, put a bandaid over it ( it did hurt for a few minutes) and Voila! in about an hour the spot had dried up and was on its way to healing and not feeling tender! I would definitely do this again!"

ESSENTIAL OILS
4/3/2007: Mila from Sacramento, California writes: "I tried essential oils, more specifically, rosemary and coriander oils, for my blackheads and active acne, and a miracle happened with my face. Here is how I do it: at night I wash my face first if i have makeup on with my regular camphor based cleanser, then about an hour later i heat up a huge pot of water, and hold my face above the steam for about 10-15 minutes, i also cover my head with a big towel, so the heat does not escape. The steam helps open up the pores and let the toxins out. Then I take a shower and rinse my face off oil and toxins. After i get out i pat my face dry and apply coriander and rosemary oil mixed together. It's been a couple of weeks, and my face has cleared up so much, I am amazed. There are other things I do too, like drinking less caffeine and eating less sugar ,taking flax and omega 3,6,9 oils, also praying to God( I'm a christian), and my skin has been great. It doesn't get congested anymore, it's color is more healthy and even, I am absolutely amazed. I am 22, so I know acne at my age is an internal problem, so I recommend to anybody the essential oils(coriander and rosemary), but also checking your diet, some foods cause your skin to congest and breakout. Hope this helps)) I think I'll be using essential oils now,for me they've been more effective and a lot less expensive than facials and pretty much all brand name products i've tried in my life, and trust me i've wasted thousands of dollars on lotians, facials, cremes, etc. God bless you, and hope you find this comment helpful."

ANTI-BACTERIAL HANDWASH
2/25/2007: Anon (asi35437[at]hotmail.com) from Perth, Australia writes, "I have tried several things to attempt to aid my pimples since the age of 13 (I am now 16). Over the counter products, home remedies and even Proactive. But just recently i have started washing my face morning and night with Palmolive anti-bacterial handwash, which was about 3-4 australian dollars, and can be found at any grocery store. I started to see small improvements the following morning, and within that same week almost all of my pimples had vanished. I was also using Bio-Oil, which I think is around 20 australian dollars for a 60mL bottle and can be found at any chemist or pharmacy, as a moisteriser because it reduces the appearance of acne scars. It has been about a week that i have been using this regemine, my skin is a lot better, my scars are less visable though I have just a few pimples left. I am also thinking of using an anti-bacterial facial cleanser instead of the handwash, but I'll keep you updated about everything. I don't recommend that you use the handwash more than twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, because it could dry your skin out and don't use the Bio-Oil on broken skin. I also recommend that you use a moisteriser in conjunction with the handwash. A couple more things to add: try to avoid touching your face when not necessary, if you pick or pop a pimple(which I don't recommend) immediately wash the area with the handwash and wash your hands with the handwash before and after washing your face, to avoid spreading bacteria. If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me and don't forget to leave me feedback!"

Painted Iodine
2 Readers Report Success!

Donna, from Aspen, CO writes us about the wonders of iodine solution to cure acne (among other things): "I totally cured my PMS, as I used to have severe anxiety, temper flare ups and acne. I paint myself with 2% tincture of iodine every AM & PM. Noticed the change within 2 days! Also, my allergies went away, my teeth weren't sensitive anymore.

Recipe: Paint about a 2" X 2" area on your stomach area, always moving the spot around to different locations (or the skin gets dried out and itchy). Just two days ago I forgot to paint in the morning, by evening I had a acne starting to form on my chin, I quickly painted my tummy, and when I awoke the next day it was gone!

If your paintings don't absorb then you can put off painting, maybe every other day. It means your iodine level is okay, maybe you really don't need any. However, I read that 80% of Americans are iodine defficient. They used to put iodine in all of our flour products (before 1966), then they discovered bromide, it is easier, cheaper, less messy and makes ingredients mix well, so it's in all of our bread, flour products (except "sprouted grain" breads/products & 100% organic) cakes, even Gatorade and Mountain Dew (it was found in Dansani water too)!

Fluoride, chlorine, bromide & iodine are all halogens, their atomic weight determines which one deletes the other, fluoride being the winner (doesn't that make you happy). Iodine is the loser, so all three delete iodine. That's why we are all deficient, we cannot escape fluoride, chlorine and bromide! So, paint paint paint, you only absorb what you need!"

Tish, from Granger, IN comments: "I just started painting twice a day. I have always had irregular menstral cycles and cysts and recently started having problems with acne. It has been about 1.5 weeks now and my acne is almost gone. I have had acne problems for the last 6 months and tried everything over the counter and topical you could imagine. I was ready to give up and go to the doctor for meds. Thank God for iodine! It is too early to comment on the female issues, but I am
having some positive signs in this area too."

Read more about iodine here.

Strawberries -- the power of red
Matt writes us, "According to the ancient Egyptians, fresh strawberries (when eaten) help acne. So do wetted strawberry leaves applied on the face topically."

Apple cider vinegar AND Strawberries
Sandra, from San Antonio, TX writes, "I use acv for my acne except I combine strawberries with it and it really works. I soak the berries in the vineger and then crush them strain it and I apply it on every night before I go to bed. It took about 3 weeks but my face cleared up considerably."

Frozen Strawberries & Orange
Jade, from Staffordshire, UK writes, "I mixed 2 large straberries and 1/2 a peeled orange together mashed up. I then put it in the freezer until it was a block (usually put it in overnight). The small block should be wrapped in a cloth or towel and put on the affected area. This should be repeated 2 or 3 times per week and then you should notice a difference."

Cucumbers
In a blender, liquify a peeled cucumber. Apply the juice to problem areas. Also drink four or five cups of cucumber juice daily for a week. Doing so is said to purify the blood and lymphatic system, resulting in clearer skin.

Molasses -- PROMISING CURE!

Recipe: 2 teaspoons of black strap molasses with one teaspoon of sulphur (MSM) once or twice daily to cleanse the blood. Skin eruptions may increase initially -- an indication that the blood is being cleansed.

Read more about cures with Molasses here.

7/24/2006: Nathan from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam writes, "Supplementing my diet with molasses has decreased my acne about 97% in two weeks. I take two tablespoons when I wake up in the morning, and two before I go to bed at night. It eases digestive problems, so if your acne is related to constipation, it's a sure-fire bet. It also supplements you with minerals such as Chromium, which about 90% of Americans are deficient in."

Honey and Cinnamon
A reader tells us, "A paste of honey and cinnamon. 3 Tablespoons of honey to 1 cinnamon. Apply topically. Dries acne out takes about 2-3 weeks."

12/7/2006: Ruth from Arcardia, CA writes, "For months I've been stressed out and my face has been breaking out with red swollen pimples, which just wouldn't go away. I spent a lot of money on expensive facial cleansers, toners, and lotions...none worked. After finding information via internet regarding honey and cinnamon paste for acne, I tried it. The next morning the pimples were visibly improved, shrunken. I did a test by not putting the paste on one part of my face, and sure enough that part remained the unchanged. I'm on my 4th day sleeping with this paste on my face and very excited that something so simple is working."

Toothpaste
5/4/2007: Brianne from Shawnee, KS writes: "I just wanted to add that I also use toothpaste for acne. It won't help prevent acne, but if you have a pimple, put a dab of toothpaste on it before bed time. Sleep with it on and wash it off in the morning. You will find that the soreness, redness and swelling has gone down considerably!"

Nick, from Ontario, Canada tell us, "To reduce pimple redness, apply toothpaste (yes, toothpaste!) so it covers the pimple. Wipe/rinse off after a couple minutes, and the redness should decrease a little while after."

NAY
8/8/2007: Jay from Alloway, New Jersey writes: "TOOTHPASTE DOES NO T WORK IT ONLY MAKES PIMPLES WORSE, MORE SWOLLEN, RED, AND THEY LAST ALOT LONGER. I DONT KNOW HOW IT WORKED FOR THOSE RECOMMENDING IT BUT FOR ME, WITH THE OCCASIONAL BREAK OUT I DONT HAVE PROBLEM SKIN OR SENSITIVE SKIN THE TOOTHPASTE MADE MY PIMPLE INFLAMED. MAYBE THEY SHOULD MAKE CLEAR WHAT THE INGREDIANTS ARE IN THE TOOTHPASTE THEY USE THAT SEEMS TO BE SUCCESFULL FOR THEM. MAY BE ITS A CERTAIN INGREDIANT THAT IS NOT IN ALL TOOTHPASTES. REGARDLESS... I WONT TRY IT AGAIN."

Salt
1/25/2007: Jennifer from Foley, AL writes, "Fill your sink up, about 1/4, with warm water. Then pour some salt in it. Soak cotton ball in it for 30 minutes and swish it around, making sure its all salty. Squeeze out the cooton ball and apply on the pimple. If your face doesnt start to tingle, add more salt to the cotton ball. When your face does start tingling, push down for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, DON'T WASH THE SALT OFF YOUR FACE. Apply honey on your face and leave on for 15 minutes. When 15 minutes is up, rinse off and apply a dab of toothpaste and leave on overnight."

Mallory, from Chester Springs, PA writes, "Wet some of a paper towel with warm water and shake some salt on it and put the salt over a pimple if it stings, it's working."

Nutmeg & Honey
Seonid, from London writes, "Nutmeg and honey works great and cures acne."


Orange Juice and Honey
Erik, from VA writes, "Use three tablespoons of OJ to one tablespoon of honey leave on for 30 mins. Take a shower and wash it off, it's very sticky. Works within one to two weeks for back and chest acne, havent tried it on the face yet."

Vitamin B5
Cindy, from Milwaukee writes, "I have had acne for years - was geting worse till I saw a site w. info on B5 for acne - B5 helped my acne.. About B5 - I'm not sure how/why it works - I take about 3,000 mg/day. But, it can cause hair loss - remedied by taking L-LYSINE (1,ooo mg), BIOTIN (1,ooo mg) and I also take Alpha Lipoic Acid 300mg. - This info is somewhere on http://www.clearskin.net (General Acne discussion) - you can SEARCH. The B5 worked immediately for me- strange.

how to cure acne

Cure Acne & Pimples Naturally

SILVER WATER, ZAPPER, HOT WATER
11/15/2007: Gabi from Czestochowa, Poland writes: "The best thing to kill all those ugly and painful things on our skin is #1 Alkaloidal Silver Water, #2 Dr Hulda's Clark Zapper and #3 hot water (hot shower) Silver water helps also heal burns (even those infected). When you apply SW to affected area it looks like nothing is happening but after couple of hrs pain subsides (boil, burn) . On second day you see that the boil doesn't get worse. usually 3rd day you start noticing that boil starts getting smaller. I practiced SW on all my friends with skin problems. It works, is cheap. It is wonderful cure on all kind of infected abrasions (with pas). I would never use antibiotic ointments! All you need is just 1-2 drops or gentle tap with the tip of your finger. I keep my SW in hair spray bottle. It produces very fine mist."

ACV AND ALOE VERA FOR ACNE
10/04/2007: Martha from Lawrenceville, GA writes: "I've always had trouble with acne -- I could never get my skin completely under control. ACV helped -- taking it internally -- but I still broke out in a monthly cycle. I started using aloe vera gel on my face a few weeks ago, and my skin has cleared up dramatically. I've not had one breakout, and my skin is getting to be so pretty! I just use a generic aloe vera gel that I picked up in WalMart."

COCONUT OIL AND ALOE VERA FOR ACNE
10/03/2007: Jennifer from Kirkland, Washington writes: "I have been using a mixture of coconut oil and aloe vera gel (4:1 ratio) on my face for my acne for only 2 weeks and it has almost completely cleared it up. I have had moderate to severe acne since I was 13 (I am now 37), and have tried everything under the sun to diminish it. Some things have helped more than others, but this is the first time my skin has felt so good and looked so good in almost 25 years!"

EAR WAX
10/02/2007: Jasmine from Tampa, Florida writes: "Everytime i feel like Im getting a blemish my mom tells me to put earwax on it and it seems to make it smaller and it doesnt hurt as much as it used to.It worked with me so it wont hurt for you guys to try it. :]"

DOVE SOAP
10/02/2007: Nina from Budapest, Hungary writes: "I started using Dove soap recently, and it completely cured the back acne i had in a month. I also have been using an all-natural shampoo. I think the root must be not using anything with sodium sulphate laureate. Or maybe not. Let me know if this helps anyone else. (A friend of mine got a very extensive bacterial skin infection. The dermatologist told her to use NOTHING but dove soap! That's why I thought I'd try it.)"

MILK THISTLE AND ALOE VERA
10/01/2007: Atoya from Washington DC, USA writes: "I just recently started to develop acne after my 25th birthday, before I would have a pimple or two only around the time of my cycle. Since then I have basically tried everything I could get my hands on over the pass eight months or so to rid myself of this embarrassing ailment. One day on one of my usual quests to find a real cure, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe looking for some type of multi-vitamin, hoping that I would find justice. An elderly Sales man, who was very knowledgeable, told me that my liver was full of toxins and Milk Thistle and Aloe Vera would clear my ailment right up. I took 200mg of Milk Thistle a day and 1 capsule of Aloe Vera and it did just that. After about a week later, I could see a huge difference – no breakouts. Your bowel movements will become more and more frequent which is what helps to release the build up of toxins in your body. He told me to take it for about 2 months and I should be okay. I still keep some on hand but at a lower dosage since my initial cleanse, I take 70mg (a lower dosage) two to three times a week for maintenance. It is not good to take any type of herb for an extended period of time unless recommended by your physician. Believe me, this inexpensive concoction is a sure-fire way to rid you of all of your stubborn acne."

WITCH HAZEL FOR ACNE
10/07/2007: Courtney from McMinnville, Tennessee writes: "I heard about this website from my stepmom, and i decided to look at something for acne. I have suffered from acne for about 4 years now and I tried so many products to clear it such as: Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Clearasil, Cetaphil, and St. Ives. None of them worked. I switched to Proactiv, which made a big difference but never fully made my face clear. I read on the website that acv worked wonders, so i put it on a cotton ball one night and applied it to my face. My face turned red, and I looked like a crab. It also burned my eyes. I didnt do that again, and so i tried witch hazel as a tonor, and it has done so much. It cleared up the redness around my nose, I have a glow to my face, and my face feels so smooth. I also am still using proactiv as a wash and lotion, but not the tonor."

9/24/2007: Breanna from Tucson, Arizona writes: "Witch Hazel has worked wonders for me. Ive always had a mild case of acne and nothing would work, not even the self proclaimed amazing brand "pro-activ" but then my mom's best friend just told me to use witch hazel on a cotton ball and i would apply it every night right after i would wash my fash with a bar of olay soap and a washrag. My acne was cleared up 100% within three days. Hope it works for you if you try it!"

GREEN TEA
9/20/2007: Mika from Santa Barbara, California writes: "The airport security took all my cleansers and astringent last month so i've been looking for a hollistic replacement. Apparently, used green tea tea-bags work wonders! It immediately turns those starting-to-swell-and-i-know-it's-going-to-last-a-month zits into whiteheads, ready to pop or naturally pop itself by the next day! I'd make a cup of green tea, wash and dry my face while the tea steeps itself, then I take the tea bag out (let it cool a little first, but warm enough so it opens those pores) and wipe it across my face like a cotton pad with astringent. Let it air-dry. I sit on the couch and drink the tea while i wait for the 'astringent' to dry off. I heard this stains your skin green, but it works like foundation on me because i have an olive complexion.

** CAREFUL, green tea stains sinks, so wash down the sink after every use. **"

GARLIC

6
YEA
1 NAY

WARNING -- GARLIC CAN BURN!
12/17/2006: Ani from Melbourne, Australia writes, "I read on this website that you can apply garlic to your acne to get rid of it. Well so i went to the kitchen, chopped up some garlic, mixes it with a tiny bit of water to make a mash. I applied it to my face and covered it with bandages and tape and went to bed. When i woke up, I was hoping my acne would be all gone but instead, to my horror, I had blisters and burned skin! It even burned all my healthy skin! Now i look even worse then before. I have put honey on my skin and left it on all day. I look disgusting now. I should of just tried a little bit on and then just rubbed it off.

YEA
9/20/2007: Mika from Santa Barbara, California writes: "RAW GARLIC. garlic is a natural, powerful antibacterial. the antibacterial compound is called allicin. It works when eaten raw. yes, RAW. it burns the stomach, but well worth the immediate results. I finely chop a clove of garlic when my acne gets severe, put it on a spoon, and swallow it with some water like powder medicine.

*** CAUTION: do NOT eat on an empty stomach!.

I HIGHLY recommend you eat it with/right after meals or have a bottle of antacids ready. ***

This causes garlic breath and you sweat out garlic because your blood carries allicin through your body. Think about it--antibacterial sweat and blood! My face clears up after a good night's sleep and i get no new acne when i do this twice a day (morning and before sleep). The only downside is that it doesn't help take away scarring. Oooh, and smelling like garlic. My mom says I reek but personally, i love the smell."

9/26/2006: Paulette from Mississauga writes, "Garlic is amazing. I eat it both raw and cooked. I noticed it brought my blood sugar level down, so that was a good side effect. I try to eat some everyday raw in salad, roasted and mixed with butter for bread or just top it on soup after the soup is cooked. I had a great body cleansing effect. I then decided to crush the garlic and mix with apple cider vinegar for application on stubborn acne. Great results. One week later I started adding onion to this mixture and apply to face with a natural bristle eyeshadow brush. If it was too heated, I would apply raw honey. I have used exfoliating creams, lightening creams and had peels to clear up stubborn acne and spots from face, but there was no comparison to this garlic, onion and apple cider vinegar mixture. The acne literally walked away, the spots faded gently, but consistently and progressively. There was nothing left on my face that should not be there in the first place, it all left. In one month my face was clear radiant and rosy. I will never again waste my money on pharmaceutical expensive skin care products."

2/4/2006: Mona from Toronto Ontario writes, "garlic capsules did wonders for my badly acne suffered skin.after all nature comes to my rescue."

Ratna, from dar es salaam,Tanzania comments: "I have slight pimple skin but after starting on raw garlic once a day I've began to see the zits disappear and the blemishes are slowly fading away!!! I take 1 big clove with my lunch (for the after smell you can chew on some fennel seeds it will go) and it really helps.You'll see the difference in 5-6 days. Also have started to take fresh vegetable juice on rising. Its made of carrots,white gourd,apples and a little tomato.The difference in my skin was seen in 2 days!!This juice also cleanses your colon and you know when you have a toxin free system it shows on your skin!!"

Mike, from Manila, Phillipines writes, "I have had recurring acne for several years now. I've read about garlic here and tried it. I chop one clove of garlic and squeeze the juice on the affected area and blemishes and let it stay there overnight. The blemishes are gone in just 2 days, it will immediately flake into something dark brown, and you just have to peel it off.Same with fresh pimples. Quite painful at first, and you have to close your eyes cuz it really stings while it's on your face. also the smell might make you dizzy. After 2 or 3 minutes it will die down and the next day, just wash it off. If you're just staying home I recommend not washing it off. Garlic is fantastic!!!"

Cara, from Vancouver, Canada writes, "... garlic helps with burns or skin irritations (such as acne). Crush a few cloves and mix with a little water (just enough to make the mashed garlic stick). Add the crushed garlic to the burn or skin irritation and cover with gauze and tape down. Replace the dressing (crushed garlic and gauze) every few hours as needed. Heals like a charm!"

BEST REMEDY: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

16 Yea

Note: It's the 3% drugstore brand that everyone is talking about.
Costs about .79 for a bottle that will last ages!

9/14/2007: Ella from Alberta, Canada writes: "I tried the hydrogen peroxide remedy for acne and it has been simply amazing! I was in the bath one evening and I had a bad flare up on my right cheek of probably about 5 or 6 pimples that I had popped, got out some hydrogen peroxide (I use stronger percent than 3 though) and poured a bit on to a piece of tissue paper and held it to my cheek for roughly 10 minutes. Yes it stung! But it went away quickly. The stuff literally flattened all those inflamed pimples I had which felt super smooth, I was SO relieved! I thought, hey..I'm going to try this every day! I rub the solution on my face about 3 times per day. My face is so clear now with no pimples!! I have a history of red marks left over from 10 years of acne and the HP has lightened them significantly and it's only been about a week since I've been doing it! Since it bleaches hair I thought well hey, it would probably have some effect in fading red marks too, makes sense right? If I get a breakout, I hold a soaked cotton ball to the area for a few minutes, then later on the redness is gone and the pimple is flat. I LOVE this stuff and I think all acne sufferers should try it. Works so fast!!!"

9/12/2007: Mark from Austin, Texas writes: "Peroxide cured the Acne/Folliculitis on my face and scalp. I had these painful, sometimes puss filled, and often crusty red bumps on my scalp and forehead/temples since fall of 2002. It was gross, it was ugly, it was embarrassing, and it was now 2007!

Since 2002 I have been to 3 Dermatologists, each one progressively hitting me with stronger and stronger treatments (I stopped short of Accutane), and have been through countless 'remedies' before attempting peroxide. After about 3 - 4 weeks of applying the peroxide topically 2-3 times a day, the bumps are gone -completely gone. The only downside is that I have brown hair that is now a burnt orange color and blonde in a few spots. But hair grows back.

When I say I've tried everything I mean it, from prescriptions to over the counter to changes in habits. The following is a list of some of the stuff I've tried without success:

Dr. prescribed medication: Monocyclene, Tetricyclene, Evoclin, Retin-A, Ketoconazole 2% shampoo.

Over the Counter stuff: Proactiv, facewash, facewash pads

Shampoo: Every strength and every brand of Medicated shampoo out there, t-sal, coal tar, 2% pyrithione znic, natural shampoos, tea tree oil shampoo, nioxin.

I've shaved my head, changed laundry detergents, I've changed my sheets every other day, I've used triple antibiotic ointment, tea tree oil (not diluted), organic athletes foot oil, hydrocortisone 1%, cranberry pills, showering 2-3 times a day, even diaper rash ointment - yes, that's right, diaper rash ointment.

Most of these attempts yielded mediocre temporary results. After about a week of use, any bumps that disappeared returned with a vengeance.

All along all I needed was a $1 bottle of peroxide. Amazing.

Good Luck!"

4/30/2007: Sheila (thehottestshedizzle@yahoo.com) from Turlock, CA writes: "peroxide has really helped acne on my face. it clears it up rather well. the down fall is that it sort of burns your eyes and face sometimes... for this reason i apply it at night, and when i wake up in the morning... MY FACE IS CLEAR."

4/9/2007: Tammy from Wellston, Oklahoma writes: "Alright guys and gals, I just want to inform you of something, a little "experiment" I did after a bit of research on pricey Acne products ... Proactiv--or the cheaper but same version Acne Free. The main ingredient in these is Peroxide .. oh yes. The product is made up of a 3 stage process. First to cleanse your skin .. for those of you with oily skin, plain ole alcohol will do wonders as it not only cleanses the skin better than anything it also rids of excess oil and tightens the face, but ONLY for oily skinners out there ;) .. Followed by number 2, which is a astringent and toner ... use some witch hazel, cost about 5 bucks ... Finished with the over all killer of acne ... Peroxide .. yep. Peroxide. Thats the secret to those pricey products .. why pay so much when you can pay only 7 bucks for your own put together kit of the same ingredients?? After the Peroxide, get you some baby oil and DAB it onto your face .. rubbing any mosturizer into any part of your skin only aids in the stretching of the skin ... who wants that?? Literally DAB it on your face and neck before bed, acts as a wonderful moisturizer and a protectant of whatever your pillowcase might try to share with your beautiful face. One more thing, get ya some Castor oil, it too is cheap, few bucks a bottle, DAB it around your eyes and get yourself some good 8 hour sleep. Ladies and Gents, don't forget this great free tip, DAB .. never RUB. I am 33, and in all my life have never had a zit/pimple/blemish thingy until just 2 years ago I reached what looked like adult puberty .. in these few years I have tried all. Even the ACV (which Im not knocking as it works too .. just not as well for me as this biz). Give it a shot .. for under ten bucks you too can look like lil miss jessica simpson when she commercialed for proactiv ;) ... good luck to you all. we are all different so find what works for you best."

Mike from Redford, MI writes, "I read into some of these herbal remedies. None of them seemed to work for me. I tried toothpaste, and simply looked dumb. I tried some pills from the dermatologist. Nothing worked. I assumed I was doomed to have an acne infested complexion for the rest of my life. But then, I applied peroxide, with a cotton ball twice daily. It stings, it dried out my skin a bit, but after that, my face cleared up in a few days, and the redness went a way after a week. It's amazing, so for those without hope, try this it worked for me."

1/29/2007: Pauline from Nairobi, Kenya writes, "Thanks alot guys for informing us on hp i used it on my acne and it was gone for 2 days and also i used it for my mouth and my bad breath and it was gone in an instant thanks guys am from kenya and i will recommend it to my friends bye mbenya"

10/4/2006: Jules from Laguna Hills, CA writes, "i have these irritating pimples that appear on my chin and although herbal remedies helped overall, i really have to say that hydrogen peroxide gets rid of pimples. i used the suggestion of applying a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide on a pimple for several minutes, and it really worked. i noticed that if i get it when i first notice it, the red bump never flares up. if i get it when it's a whitehead, it burns it, but it takes a couple of days to clear up - which is better than it taking a week or two. i highly suggest hydrogen peroxide. now if i can only stop them from appearing at all!"

8/11/2006: Julie from Placerville, CA writes, "I'm 15 years old and am tired of always having painful, deep, long-lasting sores on my face. I also don't want this acne condition to continue to my adult life, so i decided to go online today and look for a cure that was low-cost and preferably organic. i JUST read this article and remembered we had some hydrogen peroxide in the cabinet. I ran and soaked a cottonball and held it on one of my pimples for almost 10 minutes (as one of the feedbacks had said) i must say, i was worried that so much exposure to hydrogen peroxide would bleach my skin, and i thought it did lol. but the whiteness went away (as i knew it would... i was just worried.. lol) and i noticed that the pimple was SIGNIFICANTLY smaller and not NEARLY as raised up as it has been before!!!! I look into the mirror and i was SHOCKED!!!!! i could barely tell it's there at all!!!! this was truly amazing, thank you for posting this remedy!!! I have used hydrogen peroxide on pimples before, but i hadn't ever held it on for more than a few seconds. ten minutes is key. it WORKS. I am sure that it will help with the future and present pimples, and i am so happy that i will be zit-free for my picture day at school!!! (i can use makeup to cover up some of the redness and irritation. hope that goes away soon =) ) thank you again!!! i'm going to tell all of my friends who suffer from acne as well!"

6/1/2006: Lis from Paterson, New Jersey writes, "The hydrogen peroxide dried my pimple by the following morning. Although hydrogen peroxide helps externally, starting at the root of the problem by cleansing your internal system is a safer, more effective bet."

5/31/2006: Gina from Boston writes, "I have a tendency to break out on my chin, nose and forehead when the weather heats up in June and the air becomes even more toxic to breathe. I find that if I hold a hydrogen peroxide saturated cotton ball for 10 minutes to the area prone to breaking out, it will literally dry everything up. I do not experience redness. If I have already broken out, the pimple will dry up overnight and completely disappear within 2 days. It is amazing! I am going to try peroxide on a mole now using the same technique."

5/30/2006: Volce from Imperial, Mo writes, "I used to break out every other day or so with one or two pimple. My face always seem to have 3 zits on it. I've also have some red marks left around the cheek area. I've been using Hydrogen Peroxide after every shower and before bed. It would be lying if I said I've never broken out, but since I've started about 2 weeks ago. I've broken out once or twice and my face is looking clearer then ever. I'm using some make up now to cover up the redness, till it fades completely... Can't wait :)"

11/18/2005: Sarah from Tennessee writes, "I use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of pimples. It really works! Whenever I have a breakout I soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply liberally to the pimples and/or acne. I only apply it to the pimples themselves. This truly works! Within 24 hours the pimples are gone. I have a friend that uses it for this purpose as well and also my cousin. Spread the word! I never use anything but hydrogen peroxide for pimples."

JoAnne, from NYC confirms, "I have been spending $36 every month on a product to help break-outs. It works, but that's a lot of $ to spend each month! I read Mike's remedy and decided to give it a try when I ran out. Sure enough, it works like a dream. I use a cotton ball soaked in peroxide 2x a day (morning and night) and if it's hot outside, once or twice more. I hold a soaked h2o2 cotton ball to any break-out areas and they have healed within a few hours. This is good stuff! Only suggestion I have is to invest in a good moisturizer as peroxide does dry out the skin. Thanks, Mike!"

Doris, from Chicago, IL writes: "I have used hydrogen peroxide, and yes it will clear the redness which is infection and dry up within an hour, depending how red it is, it may take longer, but it definitely works. I have found that the constant use of peroxide caused my pores to stay open. Any suggestions for closing up the pores?"

Sharon, from Los Angeles, CA writes, "I love the hydrogen peroxide for pimples! I've been doing it now for about a month -- since I read about it on your site. I hold a soaked cotton ball to the pimple for about 3 minutes. The next day it has almost disappeared. Oh, one reminder -- don't let the peroxide sit on your eyebrows for very long... in a week or two you will notice them turning orange! Ha ha... Yes, that was me..."

1/26/2006: Sarah from Tamarac FL writes, "I started using Hydrogen Peroxide on my acne ridden face and in just 3 days my acne just started to go away. I have been trying alot of those 'as seen on tv' products and nothing helped I even tried over the counter drugs, dermatologist recommended stuff and other natural remedies but nothing worked. Who know that a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide was the answers to my problems all along!!!! Thank you!"

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WITH ROSEMARY OIL
8/24/2007: Beth from Nashville, TN writes: "I use a toner consisting of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts water with a few drops of rosemary essential oil twice daily as a toner after cleansing and this has helped tremendously with my acne."

OIL PULLING
8/23/2007: Angie from Sparta, MO writes: "I have been oil pulling a little over a week now with sesame oil and my acne has improved. I would recommend anyone having acne to give it a try."

PROBIOTICS
7/8/2007: Emily from Pearland, TX writes: "I have been through so many acne treatments (including 2 rounds of accutane) yet I was still getting cysts and spots everyday. I was also having recurrent yeast infections every month. I got off birth control which helped for a while. THEN i started using apple cider vinegar 3x a day, and an antifungal with oregano oil, pau d'arco, caprylic oil etc. Those helped a lot , but I was still getting very hard and painful bumps. What I believed helped me to get rid of my acne was adding probiotics of very meal. I make my own kombucha, kefir and kimchi and they have done wonders for my whole body including the yeast problem. They are also very cheap!"

Bill from Fremont, CA writes, "Something that works great for my skin is to open one capsule of Bifido Factor by Natren in a small amount of lukewarm filtered (non-chlorine) water and drink it down. Do this 3x/day preferably before meals. This friendly bacteria helps to heal the digestive system which in turn has an amazing effect on the skin. This remedy is a little more expensive but it better addresses the underlying problem."

RAW, GREEN VEGETABLES FOR 3 DAYS
3/28/2007: Linda Phillips from Phoenix, AZ writes: "I am in my late 50s and have endured mild to moderate acne my entire adult life, until several months ago when I vowed to find the cause and end my frustration. It was clear to me that this was not hormone-caused acne of teenagers, but a reaction of my body to something. I know that I am sensitive to soap, shampoos, conditioners, etc so have avoided these products as much as possible. But the key for me was diet. I went back to the basics and ate only raw green vegetables and drank only filtered water for 3 days. I noticed an immediate improvement in my skin. I then very gradually added back foods, starting with only natural food such as fruits, nuts, grains, beans, vegetables. I avoided anything processed or foods which may contain hormones (meat or dairy). I discovered that I am sensitive to anything enriched with vitamins (white flour, white rice, breakfast cereals, some pasta, etc.) This is an unusual sensitivity but I firmly believe that acne that persists beyond the teenage years is caused by a senility to something and that no topical treatment is as effective as finding the cause and eliminating it. This method may be helpful to others who want to find the cause of sensitivity acne. I wash my face with only tepid water, use no products on my face, and use Shikai brand shampoo which contains no sodium lauryl sulfate. I am elated to have clear healthy skin for the first time in my life."

ELIMINATE COKE
3/20/2007: Roy Morris from Mississauga, Canada writes: "Stop drinking coke! I have had terrible acne since grade 6, and recently i stopped drinking coke. My entire face has almost cleared, and my body is starting to heal. It has been the biggest change i have ever had. Also less or a natural cure, the clinique product line drys out the skin the fastest of any product i have used. Currently I am 1st year university and have tried almosty everything, but eliminating coke, and using the clinique product line has helped immensly."

ELIMINATE CAFFEINE
Mary Jo, from St. Louis, MO writes, "Deciding to give up caffeine was one of the best choices I've made in a long time! After just one week without any, my face has not "caught on fire" even once, and no significant breaking out. Instead of coffee or colas, I drink chamomile, dandelion, and red raspberry leaf (with a pinch of angelica) in teas, using honey or beet sugar to sweeten. Now that I have found this great site, I'll be trying some of the natural remedies recommended here! Much thanks to everyone."

ELIMINATE DAIRY
12/29/2005: Bibi, from
Fairhope, AL writes, "Eliminate dairy foods from your diet if you want to clear away acne."

ELIMINATE CORN SYRUP
Eric, from Charleston, WV writes, "Since avoiding "all" foods that have "high-fructose corn syrup" or fructose/sucralose, I have had no breakouts. I also avoid milk and opt for USDA organic yogurt. High fructose corn syrup is in everything. I strongly believe that eliminating it along with milk and chocolate/sweets will help."

ELIMINATE JUNK FOOD
9/11/2006: Jose form Canoga Park, CA writes, "i do a lot of sports and i try not to eat cheese and chips, chocolate and all the junk food. Eliminating the junk will cure acne and make your life easier. Try it, it will work, trust me."

DRINK FRESH CARROT JUICE
Tony, from Toronto writes, "I notice drinking pure carrot juice everyday works to clear acne.. Also eating/drinking watermelon juice does the same... Now I incorporate these two fruits into my diet for healthy looking skin..."

MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGULAR!
10/9/2005: Lisa, from Fairview, OR writes, "A REAL ACNE CURE I've had acne since I was 12. I'm now 26 and it still plagues me. I've tried everything to get rid of it. While acne can have many causes, I believe that most acne occurs when the body is too toxic from elimination problems. A healthy person should have 2-3 easy bowel movements each day. If not, the system backs up, and eventually waste products have to come out the only way they can--through the skin. This can cause acne. So if you want to attack acne at the source, start taking fiber! Get yourself regular. Every time I have gotten myself regular, my skin has cleared, and when I start feeling blocked up, my face breaks out. It makes sense!"

ELIMINATE DAIRY and FAST FOODS
8/23/2006: Alex from Nampa, Idaho writes, "I completely cut Dairy from my diet. My acne was clearing up dramatically just after a few weeks. My breakouts were minimized by over half. But i was still breaking out at times. I cut all fast food from my diet, or anything that has lots of oils and non natural fats in them. i stopped my intake of soda pop, candy etc.

I now eat a lot of fruits, vegetables (salad is great) and i drink at least one glass of green tea a day. My breakouts have gone down so dramatically and it's so amazing, it's all in diet. Not everyone has a strong body to fight off toxins, so you MUST take care of your body. The average diet of today is so horrible. I'm only 20 and i know this, everyone should know this. Actually i think everyone does know it. They just don't care anymore and enjoy fast food cause of the easiness, and taste. But i tell you what, once you cut it out, you soon learn to love the taste of these great foods that god put here for us. To the point where fast food just sounds like poison, cause that is all that it really is!!"



STOP USING SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
1/21/2006: Chet from Los Angeles, CA writes, "STOP USING SLS (SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE) AND ANY SULFATES IN YOUR BATH PRODUCTS!!! This ingredient is found EVERY body and face soap...and EVERY shampoo. IT IS ALSO WHY YOUNG MEN ARE GOING BALD!!! For acne, I'm trying the lemon juice exfoliation and the cucumber juice face mask. Seems to be working."


acv APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

35
Yea 3 Nay

8/16/2007: Michelle from Gladwin, MI writes: "I had been suffering from reoccurring urinary tract infections, and reading a lot about ph levels in the body. I found out by using ph strips that my body was at a 4.0 on the ph scale. I started taking the apple cider vinegar to change my ph (which is now stable at a 6.5). My urinary tract infections cleared up, my acne cleared up, my heart burn cleared up. I am completely shocked and grateful that I ran across this home remedy."

8/16/2007: Kathleen (leenkat2001@yahoo.com) from Nairobi, Kenya writes: "I've had acne for the last 14years, am 29, got worse after age 18. Had tried all, including chinese and african herbal treatments, nothing worked. Stumbled on your site and started the ACV remedy and only 3months and my skin is almost perfect, by the way it was all over my face,chest, back and upper arms. Will never stop using it. Recently was having black tea and put ACV one teaspoon and it tasted nice like lemon tea, want to continue taking ACV in my tea, is it ok, does the heat or tea leaves interfere with the effectiveness of the remedy. Also which vinegar works better for the hair rinse white or ACV? Have dandruff. Thanks."

7/17/2007: Patrick (4jack[at]gmail.com) from Conowingo, Maryland writes: "Hello, I've been visiting your site for a while, but I would like to be added to the "YEA'S" on a few home remedies.

Cayenne Pepper for Sore Throat. This is how I first found your site. Nothing is worse than a sore throat, last year I had a killer sore throat with no other symptoms. After reading about cayenne pepper I decided to gargle it. Gargling a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in about 6 oz of warm water every couple of hours did a great job of healing my sore throat really quickly. However it was really nasty and made me dry heave a couple times. I just discovered a new sore throat yesterday. This time I am simply warming up about a cup of water in the microwave, adding some honey for taste, and dashing in a good amount of cayenne pepper (3-4 dashes). I am not gargling with it, because I'm just not good at gargling, So I let each sip sit in the back of my mouth a bit and then I swallow it. It actually taste pretty good. It's like tea with a little kick!

Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne. My wife has always had trouble spots for acne right on her cheek next to her ears. Apple Cider Vinegar is the only thing that has had a real effect. She applies it once or twice a day, with a cotton ball. Great results. We also just received Apple Cider Vinegar capsule that we can take to avoid drinking it. They are available at GNC, but we order them online for cheaper.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sunburn. I recently went boating and got sunburn on both my ankles from sitting funny. When I got home both ankles seemed to have about the same amount of burn, however the right ankle was hurting me slightly more at the time. I decided to try an experiment. I applied Apple Cider Vinegar to only my right ankle and left the left ankle untreated. I simply applied Apple cider vinegar with a Cotton ball 2 or 3 times a day. After the first night, my right ankle was in a great deal less pain than my left ankle. I kept applying it to my right ankle and by the second day there was no pain at all, while my left ankle was severely painful and sensitive to touch. I stopped applying apple cider vinegar to my right ankle after about 3 days because it just didn't hurt, My left ankle continued to hurt until day 7 when it the skin started peeling. The skin on my right ankle did not start peeling until day 9. Everyone should try this to convince themselves that Apple Cider Vinegar really works!"

7/11/2007: Elizabeth from LA, CA writes: "I have had cystic acne since I was 12. I have been under the care of a dermatologist for several years and have used every product available; including two rounds of Accutane. Now that I am 24, I am trying more natural, less invasive cures. I did notice a significant improvement in my skin when I cut out ALL dairy; it's really not that good for you anyway and there are many delicious alternatives, you won't miss it. My diet is mostly vegan now. I originally tried ACV for a recurrent yeast infection, and then read about it's success with acne. I definitely noticed an immediate improvement; I put a capful in my large water bottle that I drink daily anyway and also use it as an astringent, but I dilute that too. I get a lot of sore throats and the owner of my health food store recommended ACV in tea with honey; that also seems to help. It's really inexpensive and worth a shot."

7/1/2007: Carlitos from Venice, CA writes: "I am drinking the apple cider vinegar with water for two weeks now, and glad to see no more pimples on my face. I also apply it on my face at least twice a day after I wash with a cleanser and use witch hazel as a toner. It is amazing stuff."

4/29/2007: Kelsey from Centennial, Colorado writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar is the best acne cure that you could possible have! Sure it doesn't taste very good but beauty does come with a price and thankfully it isn't an expensive one... But I also use proactive face wash along with it. Put it [ACV] on your face twice a day and drink with water 3 times a day. It's funny to watch when someone picks up the wrong water by mistake though!!!"

4/24/2007: Erika from Toronto, Canada writes: "hi I'm erika from canada, i was diagnosed of contact dermatitis last march i dont have this b4 maybe i got this from a glycolic peel now i have sensitive skin i cant use make up at all b'coz it reacts easily to may skin. until i found a site about th acv. .i dont internally use it but i put some on my face like i tbs 2x day believed it or not the rash is gone my acne is gone now is april i can tell you since i started putting acv on my face together w/ lemon for the acne my skin is clear. that's the truth and I'm really happy of the result.. so anyone who suffer from acne or allergy why not try this first. you will know the wonder of the acv. it works for me.. hope this will help .. God bless us all...mwahhh :)"

4/18/2007: S. from toronto, canada writes: "okay...so i was very speculative of the apple cider vinegar treatment for acne, but after using almost every treatment out there my doctor said what was left was accutane. Now, knowing i wanted to do everything to avoid having to go on accutance, i came to this site and was intrigued by the entry of someone who TRIED accutane with little result but apple cider vinegar worked for them. I began taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (pure, 5%acetic acid) in a glass of water 3 times a day and I SWEAR TO YOU...my face has become soo clear with NO breakouts. THANK THE LORD! even my doctor was amazed at how much my skin improved in such little time! God does really make a natural cure for all those stubborn problems. if youre doubtful, TRY IT, you have nothing to lose but your acne."

3/17/2007: Nastaran (diddl_and_moon@yahoo.com) from Urmia, Iran writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar and Garlic cure my pimples in just 5 days. I use twice a day acv on my pimples and just one time garlic on the pimples. it works amazing. have a try."

3/12/2007: SM from Ontario, Canada writes: "I've struggled with acne for about 10 years now, and I'll admit I had some major doubts about the apple cider vinegar cure. I tried various medications, including two rounds of Accutane (a powerful antibiotic). The Accutane worked for about a year after I took it, but then things started going back to how they were. I was unbelievably frustrated. I couldn't possibly imagine how ACV would work - something which seemed so simple. But it did. I'm still in shock from the amazing results. I'm using organic, unfiltered / unpasteurized ACV with "mother" (5% acetic acid). I take two tablespoons stirred into a medium-sized glass of water (you'll get used to the taste), three times a day. After only a few days, I started seeing a difference. Blemishes stopped appearing almost entirely, and those that did appear were very small. Now, after about two weeks, I've stopped breaking out altogether. My pores have become much smaller, and my skin really does have a new glow to it. I'm still really shocked when I look in the mirror. The true cures for our ailments come from the earth. God created the elements which compose that which will heal us. Apple cider vinegar is no exception. It truly works. There is nothing to lose - try it! Honestly, if it helped heal me, it can help heal anyone. I'd like to say thanks to everyone who wrote in to Earth Clinic to express their success with ACV. If it were not for all the positive testimonials, I probably never would have tried it. Thanks Earth Clinic - the information you provided made a major difference in my life. God Bless!"

2/9/2007: Ashley (ashley.bruton[at]yahoo.com) from Fayeteville, NC writes, "I have suffered from acne for as long as I can remember. I recently started applying ACV before bed and my acne is completely gone, my pores are much smaller and my skin looks so much healthier. I only apply it at night because I don't dilute it and it has a strong odor. I would highly recommend everyone to at least try this...what do you have to lose?"

1/17/2007: Tunesia from Louisville, KY writes, "try the 50/50 acv and water dip cotton ball in it and rub on face just like witch hazel, if that's too strong dilute 20/80 acv/water. also put a fourth of a cup of acv in your bath water, this all helps me with my skin."

Anonymous writes, "I went to this web site and decided to try apple cider vinegar for my acne. I started drinking 2 tablespoons 3 times a day and applying it topically at night, and sometimes I would put vitamin E on my face in the morning after I rinsed it off. Well I wasn't really getting any results until about 2 months into this regimen. I almost wanted to give up but I kept on it and I now have a great complexion. I actually now only take the ACV internally maybe once a week but I still apply the ACV to my face daily. I had, had acne since I was 13 and I am now 21. ( 8 years!) I would usually have about 15-20 pimples on my face at one time and right now at this moment I have only one!! Which will soon go away. I've noticed that the ACV also heals the pimples quicker and it is also helping with my many years of dark scars. The ACV has made a world of difference on my face. Oh, I also stopped using all of those special acne face washes which were not helping anyway. I only use a mild hand soap on my face in the evening then put the ACV on with a cotton ball, then in the morning I simply rinse my face with warm water. I don't use any soap which also has been working way better than those acne soaps. I also have been visualizing my face being smooth and clear which is also a help because our thoughts have a lot to do with what is manifesting in our life."

7/8/2006: Kate from Cranford, NJ writes, "I recommend applying ACV to your face topically once or twice a day. Then once a day, I take lemon iced tea powder and make a glass of iced tea and then add a tablespoon of ACV to it. It helps acne a lot and the ACV and it gives the iced tea more of a lemon taste."

5/25/2006: Lora from Troy, MI writes, "Apple Cider Vinegar has already helped my family so much in the last three days since we've started to use it regular. I first found out about it's benefits when I read a little book from the grocery store check-out line. I started to put it on my face for my acne and instantly things started to dry up. I gave it to my daughter when she started to get a cold, and it has stopped the cold symptoms and cough! And now, I have a little sore throat and it is helping me greatly! I can feel the acv working as soon as I take a sip of my tea."

1/11/2005: Misty, from Charleston, SC writes, "ACV applied in small dosages directly to acne, dries it up and makes it go away. I started taking about 2 tablespoons every other day and that has also helped my acne."

Angelina O, has found that applying ACV topically to her face several times a day (4 or more times) has cured her of a "very bad complexion". She reports that she applies it straight and that while it burns her skin a bit, it still works like a miracle!

Cheryl writes, "My daughter developed a case of moderate acne, and after trying a number of different things for over a year which helped very little or not at all, she started drinking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day and applying it topically once at night. She has been acne free for two months. It took about three weeks to clear up."

Anne writes, "I have had acne for years, I started using apple cider vinegar on my face a few months ago, and have seen major improvements. I don't have nearly as many blemishes and the ones that do pop up every now and then are small.

Nicole, from Sherman Oaks, CA writes, "Apple cider vinegar has helped cure my acne. I have had pimples under the skin on my chin for several years. I tried everything and they would not go away. I started using acv in the morning and at night. My pimples have dried up and the redness is clearing up."

Andrew, from Sydney NSW writes, "Apple Cider Vinegar has Cleared my Acne up very well, I drink it and also apply it to my face twice a day. Works a treat!"

Mario, from Humble, TX writes, "Ever since I was a teenager I've been dealing with acne. Sometimes bad, sometimes worse. When I turned 32 my acne (most of the times under control) went very bad. I tried several things, among them, zinc, flaxseed oil and vitamin A, and even though it improved I didn't notice a big change until I started drinking and applying topically ACV. I drink it 3X a day and also noticed that I haven't got any colds, or canker sores, which were very common to me. The skin on my face has improved a lot. I'm so glad I found out about it."

Cecelia, from Berlin, Germany writes, "I was so fascinated with what I read on this site about Apple Cider Vinegar that I decided to start taking some. I use a recipe I found here: dilute 1 tbs 5% ACV in a cup of hot strong green tea with 1 tbs of honey and drink this once in the morning when I get up and again just before bed. None of the ingredients are labeled organic; they are straight out of supermarket shelves, but something is happening after just two days! My normally drab, pimply oily skin is glowing for the first time since I was a kid and it looks much clearer. My once every two-three day (if lucky) toilet visits have turned into twice daily offerings :o) and I have a lot more bounce in my step. I am going to replace the tea, vinegar and honey with organic versions for enhanced benefits and will start using it on my pimples too, if they ever come back!"

1/12/2006: Fatma, from Mombasa, Kenya writes, "I have been using a the following mixture for 1 week and I see a big difference in my acne.

1cup ACV
1cup honey
8 cloves of garlic

Blend all the above ingredients together and put it in a glass container. Tightly
seal it and put it in the fridge for 5 days. Then apply it every night."

Kristina, from New Providence, PA writes, "Today was the first day I tried vinegar on my face. (used plain white) And already I can see and feel a difference. I plan to keep using it a couple times a day and I really hope it clears up my acne. I want to thank everyone who posted that it works."

4/23/2006: "Maamu from Mukka Chok writes, "I have insane acne problems since 15 now am 23. Recently started drinking organic ACV with organic honey in hot water 3x a day, it works. People should try this, and forget all the crap those infomercials on TV tell you they just want your money..."

5/20/2006: Tmduke from Atlanta, GA writes, "Apple Cider Vinegar cured the acne beneath the skin and made pores appear smaller, also added a glow to skin. WONDERFUL! I used ACV as a toner to my face twice daily for beneath the skin acne and enlarged facial pores and I saw a fantastic difference in 3 days. There are only a few visible pores left, only seen when I stand close enough to the mirror to see my breathe. I also have a glow to my skin that is unbelievable. I've always loved my skin but didn't always treat it with love an care--but now seeing it glowing and healthy I am intent to add ACV to my diet for internal cleansing too. Thank you God for ACV!!!"

NAY
3/7/2007: Jaaadu from Woodside, NY writes: I HAVE TRIED ACV 2TBS WITH HONEY IN THE MORNING AND IT MADE ME BREAK OUT MORE.I M NOT SURE IF ITS HELPING IN ANY OTHER WAY THOUGH I JUST STARTED USING IT."


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA
1/26/2006: KLC from Stratford, CT writes, "I've actually been using combination of baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar to clean my face and my results have been very successful. Here is what I do daily:

Morning: I use a deep cleansing face wash. Lather and let sit for 1 min, then rinse with ACV.

Night: I add baking soda to the deep cleanser (excellent make-up remover!), lather and let sit for 1 min. Then rinse with ACV. I get a quick foaming reaction that gives a deeper pore cleansing!


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND ASPIRIN TONER
Anonymous writes, "Instead of buying expensive facial products, I mix up my own "toner" using 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar and a few aspirins. The acids in the vinegar force your old skin cells to flake off, much like the store-bought "alpha hydroxy" products. The aspirin is my own anti-acne solution. A lot of acne products use salicylic acid, which is basically aspirin with a few small chemical differences. The aspirin won't dissolve completely, but it doesn't seem to matter. This works especially well against those big, deep acne spots which older people often get. I've been using this twice a day on my face for five years now and people are always amazed when I tell them my real age (44). One caution, though: Be sure to also use a face lotion with at least SPF 15 everyday--even in winter (Oil of Olay knock-offs are fairly cheap)--because the vinegar mixture will make your skin thinner (just like the expensive store-bought ones will) and more susceptible to sun damage. The SPF prevents age spots from forming, and that's worth the money in my book. "

5/21/2007: Debbie (rainynights22001@yahoo.com) from High Point, North Carolina writes: "My first time on your site. I truly enjoyed reading the info. I tried the ACV, WATER and ASPIRIN for acne and redness. I was amazed it almost completely went away the first time. I only left the mask on for about 2 or 3 minutes. I did not know how my skin would react and did not want to take a chance on doing any damage to my face. But I washed the mask off and my skin was glowing. A small amount of redness was left but I know tomorrow when I use the mask all of the redness will be gone and that is what I wanted. I had a burn from too many products . Your mask hepled tremendously. Thank you"

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE & MOLASSES
3/18/2006: Lisa from West Plains, MO writes, "I started drinking acv two times a day, morning and before bed. My routine goes like this: 2 little paper cups, one with a little hydrogen peroxide and the other a little acv. I take a cotton ball and soak it with the peroxide and I then use it all over my face (like astringent), careful to avoid my eyebrows. Then I wet a q-tip with the acv and dab any pimples. It is very effective with whiteheads. I hate to throw out the acv so I drink what's left. Drink in small amounts, one big swig will leave you feeling like your gonna get sick. I know from experience. When I started this routine I broke out a lot, I think this was because it was getting all the icky bacteria and toxins out of my body. It took a couple weeks but I had faith and kept up the routine. I also take two tbs. of blackstrap molasses morning and night. I am able to go from a laying down position to sitting up on my own. I am disabled and pretty much bedridden. Is this a miracle? I think so. I have more energy and don't sleep during the day which left me feeling more tired and unable to sleep at night. I take the molasses before the acv."

Here's a description we found on the internet of how apple cider vinegar helps cure acne. The author is unknown:

"When the blood is deficient in some minerals or biochemic salt, ill-health is the outcome e.g. boils break out, suppurating blisters become apparent, pimples appear on the face etc. It has been found however, that cider vinegar helps with the cleansing as well as the clotting of the blood. Oxidation of the blood is very important and cider vinegar is again an effective treatment for this. Besides introducing the important minerals into the blood stream, as mentioned above, cider vinegar also helps in the clotting of blood. This is of tremendous help to those people who are commonly termed 'bleeders', as they live their lives in fear of cutting themselves due to the bloods inability to clot, and it will also enhance the healing process."

Earth Clinic secret: Besides helping acne, Apple Cider Vinegar will have your skin glowing with a healthy flush if you drink it throughout the day. No kidding!

Click here to read much more about ACV!

steAPPLE CIDER VINEGAR STEAM
• Steam your face by putting it over a pot of boiling water with a towel over your head to trap the steam (you can also use an electric kettle if you have one, but be careful to be far enough away from the kettle as it will spit boiling water!). Steaming will loosen dirt and oil. Apply apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball afterwards to remove the dirt and oil buildup. Use this method once a week.

THE NAYS
3/3/2006: Natalia from San Diego writes, "WARNING:DO NOT spray apple cider vinegar straight to your face before making sure you're not allergic to it. After I read all the great reviews about the benefits of ACV on acne treatment, I went to the grocery store, bought some ACV, put it in a spray bottle and applied over my face and neck. My skin started burning and I thought it was just working the way it's supposed to, until I noticed bright red spots that looked like skin rash all over my face and I washed it off right the way. I've never had any allergy problems so I never test anything before using, but this was a scary experience. I'll try hydrogen peroxide for acne treatment next time, no more ACV for me."

8/2/2006: Melody from Colorado writes, "I am trying apple cider vinegar for my acne, drinking it three times a day as well as applying it topically at night. But my skin is getting worse. I started 2 weeks ago."

VITAMIN B3 and H202
Doris, from Los Angeles, CA suggests, "Vitamin B3 is best for acne. Also tea tree oil, chamomile tea, and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide when put on a pimple helps reduce redness infection, and dries out the pimple then it just falls off, never pick at it though."

H202 & WITCH HAZEL
3/5/2006: Alexa from Glendale, AZ writes, "Hydrogen peroxide and witch hazel cures pimples. Wash your face with a simple cleanser 1-2 times a day, and after you wash your face, use whazel on a cotton ball, then on pimples use a cotton ball with peroxide on it."

ASPIRIN MASK -- PROMISING REMEDY!
4/2/2006: Corrine from Arlington, V A writes, "I read a blog on the internet about aspirin masks. I tried it and it is unbelievable! My skin looks and feels amazing after just one mask. If you can find aspirin powders, that works best, otherwise plain aspirin will do the trick as well. I emptied 2 aspirin powders in the palm of my hand with a little calamine lotion (just enough to make a creamy paste) and applied to my face in a circular motion and let dry (approx. 5-10 mins.) I then added a little water and and again massaged in a circular motion and then rinsed it all off. A great exfoliator and it worked BETTER than any store bought product I've ever bought! (Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is in a lot of acne products) It also immediately got rid of the redness my skin is prone to having--AMAZING! A MUST TRY."

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
5/9/2007: Bea (bea_colon2222@msn.com) from Holyoke, ma writes: "hi, my daughter is 12 and has had acne for about 2 years now. i tried several products including pro-active, dermatoligist rx, over the counter, etc. They have only worked for a week or so. Then i started reading up about acne and found that it is caused by a bacteria that forms inside the pores/hair follicles (whatever you wanna call it) and applied some antibiotic ointment to the face and back. and it has worked in only 2/3 days. even lightening the dark spots a bit."

NAY
10/02/2007: Max from Richmond, Virginia writes: "NAY for Antibiotic ointment to treat acne; While this does initially get rid of any blemishes present on your face, the bacteria in the pimples gradually develops a resistance to the antibiotic, and the acne becomes harder to treat with anything, and you break out more."

THE EYE DROP AND Q-TIP METHOD
3/18/2007: Amina from San Francisco, California writes: "if I feel a blemish comming on and I have some where to go, I usually get a q-tip wet with eye drops and put it in the freezer. when the q-tip is frozen I put it on the pimple and it take the red out and reduces the swelling. thanks for this great site, after reading all this great information, I thought I'd share one of my own."

PANTOTHENIC ACID CURES SEVERE CYSTIC ACNE
2/26/2007: Jess (Jrbardinelli@hotmail.com) from Johnson City, TN writes, "I have suffered from severe cystic acne, the most severe, painful, and deepest of acne for at least 13 years (since puberty). I've tried everything. Nothing topical worked because the acne was so deep. I finally found the cure! A form of vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, in extremely high doses cured my acne completely! I have been taking 10g of pantothenic acid a day for almost a month. Within a week I could see huge results and within two weeks I was completely clear. I'm so glad I decided to try this instead of trying Accutane like the rest of my family. If you decide to try this build up to 10g/day over the course of a week (if not, it can cause stomach upset) and continue the 10g/day regimen for 2 months. After that you can gradually decrease the dosage down to a maintenance dose of 1-2g/day. This information is supported by a study done by Dr.Leung in China. The initial 10g/day dosage is extreme-the pills mostly come in 500mg doses which ends up being 20 pills/day but if you're desperate like me then it's worth it. I split mine up into 2 doses/day and dissolve the pills in a drink. It doesn't taste good but its better than having to take so many pills. I've read that smaller doses work but it may take longer to see results. "

MULTIPLE REMEDIES TO CURE ACNE
2/20/2007: Deonnise (trinisrhott[at]yahoo.com) from Arima, Trinidad writes, "A COMBINATION OF REMEDIES, learnt from this site, is ridding acne from my face. A problem I have struggled with for years is finally saying Bye-Bye! I have introduced my body to OIL PULLING; I alternate days by eating either 1 TOMATO or 1 tbsp MOLASSES first thing in the morning. I do the BROWN-SUGAR SCRUB twice per week. I use HYDROGEN PEROXIDE after washing face; wash pillowcase regularly; apply VIT E before bed; apply a different FACE MASK once per week; apply CLEAR TAPE over troubled areas and peel away dead skin cells once per week. I also drink water regularly (spring/purified/tap). Thank you Earth Clinic for alternatives, and thank you fellow readers for sharing your tips."

ZINC OXIDE FOR WHITEHEADS
Anonymous from Missouri writes, "This is very inexpensive and it should be somewhere near the band aids and neosporin section at the store. Just dab on heads at night and in the morning they are dried up. If they're small then the zinc oxide will draw out more pus resulting in it being bigger than before you put it on. Just use the creme again and it will dry up the whitehead."

COCONUT OIL

6 Yea 0 Nay

8/21/2007: Rachel from Pittsburgh, PA writes: "Coconut oil used as a daliy and nightly moisturizer instead of chemical riden synthetics healed my dry, acne-prone skin!"

1/17/2007: Amy from Boise, Idaho writes, "I have been using topical prescription acne meds for 2 years and have done pretty well. This winter I have had a terrible time with dry skin and acne. I have tried exfoliators and lots of moisturizer to relieve the dry skin flakes and have seen no improvement. Just more pimples and flakes. One morning I woke up with a large rash on my neck where I had used an exfoliator. That night I started using coconut oil on my face and neck. (not virgin, Spectrum brand refined) My neck looked much better the next day and I did not wake up with any new pimples which I was very surprised. It was scary putting something so oily on my face! My large pimples under my neck went away in 3 days. My flaky skin was gone in one day. My skin looks great, soon I will try the virgin coconut oil for my face and to include in my diet. This is the first time I have ever been able to say that something natural and possibly a fad REALLY worked for me."

10/17/2005: Samantha from Moravia, IA writes, "I got some coconut oil from a friend that told me to put it on at night before i went to bed. I do not know what kind of coconut oil it is, but i put it on every night. I have always had a problem with acne and red blemishes on my face. The coconut oil cleared my face within days. I was stunned. I have tried face cleansers, proactive, skin buffers, etc. nothing worked for me. I will forever be grateful for the tip to use coconut oil."

2/8/2006: Ann from Reading, England writes, "I suffered from acne, tried most products in the shelf but nothing seemed to work. A friend told me about coconut oil which i have been using for the last five months all the acne cleared and the marks are clearing gradually. alt is a miracle cure!"

3/22/2006: Mia writes, "Organic Unrefined coconut oil cleared my face of blemishes and marks. I started breaking out on my face a couple months ago and I didn't know what to do. I tried everything. Then my dad told me about coconut oil and the health benefits it has. I did alot of research for it and it seemed like a good skin remedy. I decided to try it. I noticed a HUGE difference the next day. It has cleared my skin incredibly. It has made my skin soft and glowing just like it had been before. Coconut oil has also made me more energetic and even healthier. IT IS AN AMAZING MIRACLE CURE!!"

Read more about coconut oil here.

COCONUT OIL AND ZINC
6/26/2007: C.J. from Rossford, Ohio writes: "I developed adult acne at age 18 despite dry skin. Recently, I was told to take zinc for my acne, but was already taking 200% and didn't want to risk overdosing, so I thought I'd crush a tablet and make it into a mask with coconut oil. Coconut oil sounded really good to me as it would moisturize and fight acne at the same time. Using this mask daily has made my acne much less red and started the healing process on my lingering acne scars. The zinc promotes healing and the coconut oil is supposed to have antibiotic properties. I crush one zinc tablet and add the contents of one coconut oil capsule to make a mask. Leave it on for 20-60 minutes. The longer the better, in my experience. Rinse it off with water and a mild soap. Follow up with a balancing toner."

DRINK WATER
Liza shares the following with us: "I started drinking 10 glasses of water/day, for no reason other than I had started exercising regularly and I wanted to be healthy. About 3 weeks into this regime, I noticed my acne had completely disappeared, I had not been using anything topically for my acne at this time nor did I change my diet besides the drastic increase in water intake. Another bonus was, my regularly dry skin is now as soft as a baby's (even my hands!) and I don't have to use lotion at all--even after shaving my legs. When you first start drinking lots of water you are in the bathroom quite often--including in the middle of the night. This subsides after a week or two--your bladder becomes accustomed to the increase and adjusts. I learned the easiest way to drink 10 glasses of water/day is to drink out of two of the 1 liter water bottles or 4 of the smaller size (20 fl. oz.) bottles. For economy, I refill mine. I also try to drink 1 liter by noon and the second liter by 4 p.m. (So I'm not in the bathroom at 1 a.m.) I recently read an article by a doctor in Connecticut that said drinking that amount of water will reduce allergy symptoms, constipation and some other common ailments, (including acne and dry skin). Her article also mentioned that drinking juice takes away water from our bodies because the sugar level in the juice is higher than that of our blood so water is supplied from our body to our gut to dilute the juice. (In other words, it takes away water, rather than adds to it.) I regularly don't drink anything besides water --I'm never thirsty! Her article also said that you can count as one of your 10 glasses of water an herbal tea or a glass of 1/3 juice with 2/3 water."

ICE
Marvin writes: "PUT ICE ON YOUR AFFECTED AREA -- ABOUT 1 MINUTE 4 TIMES A DAY AND IT WILL GONE IN 2 WEEKS."

STEAM
Marvin also adds, "STEAM your face by boiling water and putting your face over it carefully, then wash with cold water after. the hot steam opens the pores and the cold water kills the germs."

HOT WATER
Caidah, from Los Angeles writes, "Boil water until its steamy hot, then take it off the burner and take a rag and dip it in the water (not the whole rag, just the end) and place it on the affected area, it may burn, but it works! I did it and so have a lot of my friends, just don't burn yourself!"

TOMATOES
6/19/2006:
"Nature Lover" from Grand Rapids, MI writes, "Tomatoes have improved my skin. They also cure my low-intensity digestion problems. Whenever our skin does not look healthy-- pimples, etc, I and my wife found this very useful: First thing in the morning, take half a tomato. One full if it is small or a Roma tomato. Cut into 4 to 8 pieces. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper powder. Eat it. And do not eat anything for next 30 to 45 mins. That's all. Within 2-3 days, you should notice a change. If you do, continue for next 2-3 days. Make sure you eat it in the morning on an empty stomach. I guess is that it removes certain bacteria/ worms from the stomach and directly improves the skin. Hope it helps you too!"