Salt water is a powerful acne medication that works by cleansing the cells and reducing the bacteria – while keep the skin pH levels intake. Salt water straight from the ocean is one of the best ways to take advantage of this because its natural and rich in minerals.
Salt. “Fine-grain sea salt is especially great for acne or quick treatments during flare-ups. It can be used on the face or body, and cleans deeply, removes dead skin cells, eliminates fluid retention, balances moisture, pulls toxins from pores, and relaxes muscles.
In a bowl, mix 1 tsp (5.5 g) of sea salt with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of Manuka or medical honey. Rinse your face and then gently work the honey and salt into your skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash the honey-salt mixture off of your face with cold water.
Salty Foods
Iodized salt, which is the kind that you usually sprinkle onto your food, can also aggravate your skin more and cause breakouts.
It actually really helps our skin aswell.
Salt water is a powerful acne medication that works by cleansing the cells and reducing the bacteria – while keep the skin pH levels intake. Salt water straight from the ocean is one of the best ways to take advantage of this because its natural and rich in minerals.
“Salt acts as a mechanical exfoliant and scrub, removing dead skin cells. This leaves the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter. Through osmotic actions, salts absorb toxins and draw out dirt and oil.
A natural exfoliant that is safe for your skin
The reason why table salt is a good alternative is that it's fine enough to get into your pores without tearing your skin. Salt is a natural exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin softens your skin, and restores hydration.
Use a hydrocortisone cream as a spot treatment.
In this instance, use it as a spot treatment, and try to leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be when you try to shrink the pimple.
Using Epsom salt for acne may help alleviate inflammation and reduce swelling. It may also help to exfoliate dead skin and loosen blackheads. The value of using Epsom salt for acne has not been scientifically proven, but many people swear by it.
Apply a spot treatment that can dry out the pimple. Examples of spot treatments include tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Apply to the pimple and area around it, using clean hands, to target the pore and oil builtup underneath.
If you've only got a few hours…
Grab an ice pack, or a single ice cube if your fingers can bare it, and apply it directly onto your pimple. Hold it this way for as long as you can stand it, then take a break for a few seconds, and repeat at least twice more.
Acne could benefit from the exfoliative, pore-cleansing effect of ocean water – specifically, magnesium-based ocean water. Theoretically, the salt can draw out oils from the skin and dry out pimples.
Salt water naturally absorbs bacteria in the skin. It also tightens the skin to reduce pores, and sucks pore-clogging oil and toxins out of the skin. Eventually, this action helps to reduce breakouts and you get clear and glowing skin.
Your best bet for quickly calming things down and reducing the size of your breakout is to treat it with ice (FYI, cold has anti-inflammatory properties). Simply wrap an ice cube in a clean towel and hold it to your pimple on-and-off for five minutes. You can also use an ice roller or cryo balls if you have them handy.
The high concentration of sea salt can dry and irritate the skin - leading to excess oil production. This overproduction of oil can then seep into the skin, causing more breakouts to occur. It's also important to be selective of which saltwater you're going to swim in.
Popping your pimples isn't the only way to clear your skin. Here are some other options: OTC remedies that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be used daily to clear up breakouts and clarify pores. A cold compress or ice can be used to relieve pain and swelling from cysts, nodules, and pustules.
According to Manway, Vicks VapoRub “isn't appropriate to be used on the face due to the thick, greasy vehicle that can easily clog pores and promote the cascade of further acne.” So, while using Vicks on a pimple likely isn't dangerous to your health, it could actually backfire and cause more acne.
Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars. Because popping isn't the way to go, patience is the key. Your pimple will disappear on its own, and by leaving it alone you're less likely to be left with any reminders that it was there.
There's no evidence that hydrogen peroxide can safely and effectively cure acne. In reality, hydrogen peroxide may actually increase scarring on the skin by interfering with the wound-healing process. It can also cause skin irritation and burns if used at too high of a concentration.