Frugal Skincare: Anti-Acne

This is the first post in a short series on choosing the correct skin care products for your skin.  Each skin problem needs a specific ingredient to get the best results.

With a preteen in the house, finding an effective acne treatment has become a priority.  The best products for acne, oily skin, blackheads, melasma and enlarged pores contain salicylic acid.  Salicylic acid is derived from willow tree bark; the same as aspirin, which is why the aspirin facial is effective (see previous post).

Using salicylic acid products should result in smaller pores, more even texture, and fewer breakouts.  I suggest using the mildest products you can find, then work your way up in strength until you find the product that works the best.  There may be some mild stinging with salicylic acid, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.

If you have acne please stay away from physical exfoliation (brushes, scrubs, washcloths) and allow the salicylic acid to do the work.  You should be washing your face twice or three times a day with a mild soap.  Rinse with at least twenty splashes of clear water.  Use a clean hand towel to dry your face; change the towel every day.  Apply your acne treatment according to the package directions.

Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face.  The idea is to keep bacteria away from your skin.  This is why you should always use a clean towel to dry your face.

If you have very oily skin, I would recommend a gel based product.  It won't give you an oily feeling and you will be more comfortable.

Use the right product for the problem and don't hesitate to use store brand products.  Good skin care doesn't have to cost a fortune.

God bless,
Pam

Take Sunscreen Seriously

I would like to say that I have always been dedicated to using sunscreen, especially since I live in Florida with it's intense sub-tropical sun.  However, I am from the "seek a tan at all costs" generation.  We used to slather ourselves with oils with no SPF (sun protection factor) and lay out on the beach for hours.  Add on sailing, swimming and bike riding, and I now have plenty of sun damage on my fifty plus aged skin.

As I hit my late twenties the scary data on UVA rays started coming out and I became pretty consistent with using sunscreen on my face, but pretty much ignored the rest.  I also wasn't aware of how much sun damage I could get just doing everyday activities like driving the car or working around the house.

I now have severe sun damage showing up in two areas, the left side of my face (the side the sun hits when I drive) and my neckline.  Definitely going to give the dermatologist a big payment at my next appointment.  I have already had several basal cell carcinomas removed and I know I have more.

We now know that UVA rays cause sunburn, but it is the UVB rays that cause the skin damage.  Sunscreen packages must now state whether they block UVA or UVB rays or both.  Obviously, you want to look for sunscreen that blocks both types.

Above is a photo of my favorite sunscreen.  It is not oily and doesn't make my face break out.  I use it on my face, neck, neckline, arms and hands every day.  If you wear cosmetics it will not affect how they apply and last.  Neutrogena makes several good sunscreens, all of them non oily.

A couple of other places to put sunscreen you may not think about:  If you aren't wearing a hat put sunscreen on your ears and the part in your hair.  My mother developed a carcinoma on her scalp in her later years because of sun exposure.  Consider a lip balm with sunscreen and reapply regularly.

Last, but not least, there is nothing good to say about tanning beds.  They are just plain bad for you.

Enjoy the outdoors, but do it safely while wearing sunscreen.

God bless,
Pam

Frugal Home Remedies: Aspirin Mask for Acne

This is a simple mask for acne that can quickly be made at home using products most of us keep in our kitchen.  You can use it as an allover mask or as a spot treatment for troubled areas.  If you have sensitive skin I would test it on the inside of your elbow before applying it to your face. * If you are allergic to aspirin do not use this mask.*

Ingredients

Some people recommend using up to 7 or 8 aspirin and thickly covering your face with the mask, but I would prefer that you only use as many aspirin as you would ingest orally.  The reason for this is that your skin absorbs some of the aspirin into it's capillaries and, therefore, into your entire circulatory system.

To make the mask put one or two aspirin in the palm of your hand.  Add a few drops of water to completely dissolve the aspirin into a mush, then add a tablespoon of honey.  Mix thoroughly, then apply to your face.  I would only leave it on for five minutes at first.  If you tolerate the mask well, you can increase the amount of time at a later application.

The main ingredient in many over the counter (OTC) acne treatments is salicylic acid.  Aspirin contains salicylic acid's close cousin acetylsalicylic acid and will unclog pores in the same way.  Honey is a natural antibiotic and is soothing to the skin.  Some people like to add yogurt or oil to the mix.

Please be careful when removing this mask to avoid getting any in your eyes.  Acid in eyes equals trouble.  This is mask will also work well to exfoliate dead skin cells to give your skin a fresh, smooth look.  When you apply this mask take a few minutes just for yourself to lay down and rest.  That way you will be rejuvenating more than your skin.

God bless,
Pam