acne

Beauty How To

Blast Blemishes With This Two-Ingredient Spot Treatment Recipe

When you're plagued with a persistent pimple and need to clear it up fast, never fear.

When you're plagued with a persistent pimple and need to clear it up fast, never fear. Here's an easy, two-ingredient spot treatment that comes together in no time. All you need is a small bowl of crushed mint leaves and oats.

Procedure:

  • Take a handful of fresh mint leaves and pulverize them with a pestle in a bowl.
  • Next, add moistened oats to the mixture and mix until it forms a paste.
  • Apply evenly to your face, or just to your affected areas, and wait 20 minutes.

Relax and take deep breaths during your waiting time; allow time for the oats and the oils to absorb. Apply twice a day as needed, storing the remaining mixture in a sealed container in the fridge.

Source: Shutterstock and Flickr users S Diddy and ZeHawk
Skin Care

Banish Blemishes Now! Pick the Right Spot Treatment For Your Skin

If you get a blemish or two, spot treatments can be the key to zapping them away.

If you get a blemish or two, spot treatments can be the key to zapping them away. But if you notice your skin isn't clearing up, it may be that you're using the wrong type of spot treatment for your skin. Learn about the three top ingredients to look for and which is best for your skin type. You'll be on your way to clearer, flake-free skin in no time. On Kirbie: Stella and Dot necklace, Rhyme top from Piperlime.com

Skin Care

What We're Sweet On: An Acne-Fighting Brush Head

Since I've made 2013 the year that I finally clear up my skin, I've pulled out all the stops when it comes to my face washing regimen, including joining the Clarisonic cult.

Since I've made 2013 the year that I finally clear up my skin, I've pulled out all the stops when it comes to my face washing regimen, including joining the Clarisonic cult. But the brush head is where all the magic happens, and Clarisonic's Acne Cleansing Brush Head ($25) might very well be a miracle worker. The velvet-smooth bristles slough off dead skin cells, and the sonic movements work to release clogged pores, leaving you with a face that's smoother, clearer, and more receptive to your acne medication. Almost immediately my skin was noticeably clearer, and when I do break out, you better believe those suckers clear up in two days or less. Acne sufferers, you'll want to start sipping this Kool-Aid.

Eco Beauty

Make Your Own Soothing Acne-Fighting Gel

Gone are the days when splotchy white zit cream was the cure-all for the pimple blues.

Gone are the days when splotchy white zit cream was the cure-all for the pimple blues. Gone also is the notion that you have to sacrifice using natural ingredients for chemicals in order to get the acne-zapping job done. In Sophie Uliano's book Do It Gorgeously, the eco expert has lots to say about how we can go DIY with natural ingredients. Her soothing acne gel recipe is perfect for calming inflammation and preventing breakouts. It includes marigolds (which contain natural acne-blasting salicylic acid), bacteria-fighting tea tree oil, and just a dash of vodka. Get the instructions when you read more.

Skin Care

What We're Sweet On: A Way to Limit Sweat-Induced Breakouts

Exercise does a complexion good, but sweat can cause breakouts.

Exercise does a complexion good, but sweat can cause breakouts. The solution: Alba Botanica ACNEdote Clean 'n Treat Towelettes ($6). They're easy to throw into any gym bag, so you don't have to worry if there isn't a sink on hand. And even though the cloths contain skin-clearing salicylic acid and witch hazel, the drying effects are practically nonexistent. Plus, if you have glasses (like me), it's a great way to clean off any bacteria around the frames, further barricading against breakouts. Now you can work out without the worry.

Hair

Your Ultimate Guide to Clear Skin, Perfect Hair, and Gorgeous Nails

Spring has sprung, which means it's prime time to get your beauty routine in tip-top shape.

Spring has sprung, which means it's prime time to get your beauty routine in tip-top shape. But with all the things that can cause acne, frizzy strands, and less-than-stellar nails, who can keep track of them all? Well, we've rounded up all the culprits for your common beauty headaches and given you the simple swaps to improve them. Just keep clicking for your ultimate guide to hair, nail, and makeup perfection.

Source: Shutterstock
Skin Care

What We're Sweet On: Acne Treatment Without the Annoying Side Effects

One of the biggest problems with acne treatments is that while they wipe out spots, they often leave skin raw and irritated (not to mention how they can bleach and stain your bedding).

One of the biggest problems with acne treatments is that while they wipe out spots, they often leave skin raw and irritated (not to mention how they can bleach and stain your bedding). British beauty brand Medik8 is here to save your complexion and sanity with its Betagel Spot Treatment ($80). Made with azelaic acid to decongest and soothe, this nongreasy product goes on like an oil but instantly soaks into skin. And because it's not harsh — Medik8 is known as the "green cosmeceutical brand," after all — you can use it all over your face, not just on individual spots. Salicylic acid exfoliates and puts bacteria in its place, while niacinamide instantly takes down the redness. You'll love how quickly your riled-up skin will mellow out, and your sheets will love it too.

beauty tips

5 Ways to Know If the Acne You're Fighting Is Really Rosacea

Had a bad breakout of bumps on your cheeks and chin that just won't go away?

Had a bad breakout of bumps on your cheeks and chin that just won't go away? Experiencing a lot of redness? What you're dealing with may be a very common skin ailment, type 2 rosacea — not acne — and your course of treatment could be exacerbating the problem. Rosacea is commonly mistaken for acne because the bumps look so similar, but some treatments that help reduce acne flare-ups can actually make rosacea much worse. Be sure to see a dermatologist for either acne or rosacea, but here are quick tips to help you spot the signs of rosacea.

Shopping

Spring's Cropped Jackets Don't Short on the Cool Factor

The Spring runways were filled with a new cut of cropped jackets from the likes of Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Giambattista Valli to name a few.

The Spring runways were filled with a new cut of cropped jackets from the likes of Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Giambattista Valli to name a few. From fitted ladylike renditions — think Michelle Obama style — to boxier silhouettes, we love this trend because, frankly, we're tired of wearing our heavy Winter coats, and this jacket will make for the ideal transitional piece into the warmer months. From Acne's standout bright green leather jacket to more feminine wares, shop the best from the batch right now.

Source: IMAXtree

Skin Care

3 Ways to Hide and Smooth Out Your Acne Scars

If you have acne scars, then you'll know that not only are they hard to get rid of at home, but they can also be difficult to cover up as well.

If you have acne scars, then you'll know that not only are they hard to get rid of at home, but they can also be difficult to cover up as well. Before you give up, though, look no further than our three-step method to treating (and hopefully eliminating!) these pesky scars in the comfort of your own domicile.