Assess Acne Type & Conduct Self Remedy

The first step to treating acne is to identify the type of acne and the stage it is at. It can be broadly classified to White Head and Blind .

White Heads

White Heads are blocked pores with a layer of dead skin over the opening. There is a small amount of inflammation and not advisable to squeeze when it is still forming. Apply some lemon and baking soda paste to the spot to first dry it. Drying it significantly does not make it disappear completely, but it reduces its impact and lifespan. Scrubs should not be used as it can irritate and cause micro damage. Once there is no inflammation (no redness or tenderness or ‘shiny look’) and the whitehead is more than the redness, it is nearly time. It is the right time when the whitehead looks like it's bulging out of the skin, the best way to rid of it is to pop it in the right way.

Home Remedy (Lemon + Baking soda):

1. Add lemon juice to baking soda to form a thick paste
2. Wait till paste stops sizzling (neutralisation reaction is complete) 
3. Apply paste to just pimple area and not surrounding skin 
4. After the paste dries, keep it on for at least another 30mins or overnight for actual drying effect 
5. Remove past by brushing with tissue, splash cool water 
6. Rub Aloe Vera or Vaseline to help with healing

Right way to pop: 

1. Use head to draw the blockage to the surface of skin and open pore 
2. Hold a cotton ball soaked in hot water for a minute on the tip of the white head, avoid surrounding skin 
3. Break only the very top layer of the skin (there should be no blood or pain) and pus will start to ooze out by itself 
4. Apply pressure from both sides and gently push in a rolling-up motion. The downwards pressure is created so as to force the “contents” to the top till no more pus comes out. 
5. Do not continue to squeeze till blood is produced as this leads to bruises and scarring. 
6. Cold a cold cotton ball with some pressure on area for a couple of minutes to stop any bleeding and swelling 
7. Leave it alone to heal and dap some Vaseline to aid healing.

Blinds

Blinds are pimples with no head. Inflammation is deep within the skin. The early stage blind is a red and sore lump. Best thing is to ICE it (5 mins with 10mins interval for an hour) to reduce blood flow to the area, reduce swelling and pain. Increase water and fruit food intake. Apply some Tea Tree Oil to reduce inflammation.

Home Remedy (Tea Tree oil):

1. Use 100% pure tea tree oil, e.g. Thursday Plantation
2. Apply neat and small amount, directly on the blemish (use a cotton tip) - tea tree can cause dryness, flaking, redness on normal skin 
3. Just some aloe gel or Vaseline to improve its staying power.

The later stage is forming a head (aim to draw it to a head and treat on surface). Use a hot cotton wool and hold it on top of the spot, on off for a time to draw the pimple out. Once it turns to a white head, follow the treatment as above.

Diet change

1. Cut out dairy completely for 2-3 weeks
2. Take vitamins by drinking fruits and vege smoothie 
3. Take some omega 3 (stabilize hormones), probiotics (to clear the gut) 
4. Exercise to sweat it out (clear the pores) but make sure face is clean before exercising