This inexpensive natural skincare routine for adult acne is a great way to prevent and reduce blemishes! It also costs way less than other methods!
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Ah, adult acne. What fun it is! You know, when I was a teenager, I very rarely had a pimple. I was fortunate to have clear skin that tanned easily. However, as I got older, that changed. Starting in my early to mid-twenties, I started getting more acne, primarily on my chin. It still wasn’t considered “severe,” but it was enough to annoy me! It seemed to be primarily hormonal in nature, and although I didn’t typically have a lot of blemishes at any one time, the ones that I did have were deep, cystic type acne. These were painful and difficult to conceal. As soon as one would go away, another one would crop up!
I visited a couple of dermatologists, who prescribed both oral and topical medications, and while I experienced a decrease in blemishes, I also experienced side effects of the medications. And I was still breaking out! I have sensitive skin, and many of the topical medications caused my face to be irritated, dry, red, and much more likely to sunburn. Even many over the counter products, especially those which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, would irritate my skin. Not to mention the fact that I was interested in starting a family and many acne medications are not safe to use while pregnant. And let’s not forget that many of the products, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are expensive! It was not in my budget to spend a lot of money on products every month, especially when they weren’t really working.
So, a couple of years ago, I started to change my skincare routine, and the results have been amazing! I now rarely get a blemish, and when I do have one, it is much less severe and goes away much more quickly. I haven’t needed prescription acne medication for years. While I can’t guarantee this will work for everyone, my inexpensive natural skincare routine for adult acne has made a huge difference for me, and you may want to incorporate one or more of these into your own skincare routine!
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I no longer wash my face twice a day.
Crazy, right? I used to wash twice a day. Initially I used expensive face washes, but later switched to a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser, like Cetaphil. I quit washing my face in the morning. At night, I use an activated charcoal goats’ milk soap from Little Seed Farm. You guys, it is seriously awesome! I have somewhat sensitive skin, and it is not irritating or drying. The activated charcoal helps to remove impurities from the skin, while the goats’ milk and oils in the soap are nourishing and moisturizing. One bar lasts me a few months! I also really like their Clay + Kefir soap, which is great at sloughing away dead skin cells and smoothing fine lines.
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I moisturize my face with oils.
This was a bit of a leap for me. How many of us grew up thinking oil was the antithesis of clear skin? Everything was marketed “oil-free,” and we were told that oil is what causes blemishes. However, it actually depends on the type of oil. If your skin is too dry, it actually produces its own oil, or sebum. This is what can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Some oils, though, are really good for your skin and can help to prevent breakouts, since your skin doesn’t need to produce as much sebum. And some oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which further help! Since I don’t wash my face in the morning, I use a mineral water “toner” (I soak a cotton ball in mineral water and wipe it on my face), which is very refreshing and helps me to wake up. While my skin is still damp, I moisturize with the Elasticity Serum from Little Seed Farm. This is a hazelnut oil infused with essential oils and herbs. I love that it is moisturizing, smells great, and absorbs pretty quickly. I apply 5-6 drops while my skin is still damp, which allows the moisture to be locked in a little better. My skin feels so soft and silky after applying the serum, and it works great under makeup. The smaller bottle lasts for at least 5-6 months for me! At night, after washing with the activated charcoal goats’ milk soap, I use the mineral water toner again and then moisturize with organic Argan oil. There are many brands available at different price points. I like the Acure Organics brand, as it is a great value for the price and comes in a bottle with a pump, making it easy to dispense. I usually use two squirts from the pump every night, and one bottle usually lasts me about 4-6 weeks. Argan oil used to be my moisturizer both in the morning and at night, but it is a little heavier than the Elasticity Serum, so I had to allow a longer amount of time to pass before applying my makeup when I used the argan oil. Now I just use the argan oil at night and the Elasticity Serum in the morning. But really, you could use either one both morning and night.
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I use essential oils.
Now, I know the essential oil debate is a hot one. People will argue over which brands are pure, how they should be used, and so on ad nauseum. I am not going to get into any of that, but I will say that using a blend of oils from Plant Therapy has been helpful in keeping my face clear. I simply add one drop of the Zit-Fighter Synergy blend to a couple of squirts of Argan oil and apply to my face every other night. One bottle of this blend lasts me several months.
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Once a week, I do a bentonite clay mask.
I purchased this brand from Amazon, and I’ve had it for years and have barely made a dent in it! I simply mix a small amount of the clay powder with some distilled water (apparently minerals in tap water somehow lower the efficacy of the clay) in a small glass jar, making a paste for the mask. Then I apply the mask to my face for about five minutes, or long enough for the clay to dry and harden, then rinse with water before washing my face. This is a great mask for removing impurities without drying skin. If I do get a blemish, I apply this paste directly to it for a few minutes, and it really helps the blemish to clear up faster. You can make extra and store it in the glass jar in the bathroom, so you’ll always have it ready when you need it. And–bonus!–you can use this clay for so many other things, too! Check out this amazing list of 45 Ways to Use Bentonite Clay.
And that’s it! A simple, inexpensive natural skincare routine for adult acne. Wash less, moisturize with oils, use an essential oil blend, and do a mask once a week! I’m so glad I made the change, and I’m so glad I found some options that are affordable and natural, yet work really well for me. Now I will admit that it requires a little bit of investment on the front end, but considering that these products last me for months (or years!), the routine is really super inexpensive. You could always implement the routine in stages–I’d recommend starting with the goats’ milk soap and an oil for moisturizing.
Have you found a skincare routine that works well for you? Let me know in the comment section!
Disclaimer: This information should not be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to serve as a diagnosis or treatment of any condition. You should always consult your health care provider if you have questions about your condition.
Brianne says
Hi you use the mineral water like in the picture?
Chrysti Benner says
Yes, that’s what I use! 🙂
Anita says
I like your sharing very much. I have been using Neutriherbs skin care products. Their body lotion and essential oils are my favorite products. They all use natural ingredients and formulas, which are very friendly to sensitive skin.