Natural Solutions for Zits and Pimples

How many times have you made plans to go to a big party only to wake up on the morning of the big day and discover that you have a giant zit or pimple on your face? No doubt the zit or pimple shows up in a totally inconvenient place, like the tip of your nose, just left of your chin, or in the middle of your forehead. Yikes!

Before you run to your local drugstore to get an over-the-counter remedy, you might try these simple home remedies for zits and pimples:

Toothpaste
Believe it or not, toothpaste tends to dry out zits and pimples, and reduce swelling and redness. Apply toothpaste and allow the area to dry. Wash off with warm water.

Goldenseal and Myrrh
Many people have this combination at home for other skin issues. Applying a goldenseal and myrrh salve will cause the pimple to burst quickly, and then recede.

Aspirin Mask
Crush a few aspirin and mix with spring water until it forms a paste. Apply the mixture to zits, and allow it to sit dry for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Enzyme Mask
Nothing "eats" through the gunk in zits and pimples faster than digestive enzymes. Mix enzyme powder (you may have to empty it from the capsule) with spring water and apply to your face. Allow the area to dry before rinsing it off with warm water.

Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar
Both of these liquids will help dry out zits and pimples. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the juice or vinegar with spring water. Apply to your zits for 5 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

What to Do Before Zits and Pimples Appear
If you are a high-stress kind of person and you KNOW that zits and pimples will pop up on your face on any big day, then take steps before they appear. Here are 3 action steps to take several days before "the big day":

Probiotics
Add extra acidophilus and bifidus to your daily regimen. These probiotics are the "friendly bacteria" in your gut and they keep your internal system healthy and clean. When your gut is clean, your face is clear. Your facial skin is always a reflection of your internal health. Taking extra probiotics will help keep your system running clean during times of stress, which means a shiny, happy face! Tip: the strongest probiotics are the ones kept in the refrigerator (don't buy the ones stored at room temperature at your local grocery store).

Hydrate
Your body works extra hard when you are under stress, and needs extra water to help flush toxins out of your system. Drink up to a third more water than you usually do when you are under stress. This helps your body regulate itself so you don't end up with signs of stress (like dark circles under your eyes or zits).

Energize
When you are stressed, your cells tend to run down like worn-out batteries. To energize your cells, give them the fuel they need to do their jobs: coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a crucial ingredient in your cells' energy production. It is literally the "gas" that powers your cells. Adding extra CoQ10 to your daily regimen will help you feel more energized, alert, and ready for action. It will also nourish your heart and help keep your skin clear.

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Photo credit: 8/365 Yay for Pimples!