Saturday, March 13, 2010

Apple Cider Vinegar Sugar Scrub for acne marks and blemishes

Apple Cider Vinegar Sugar Scrub for acne marks and blemishes

Shelf life: Please store in refrigerator immediately after using, stores up to 2 weeks.

***I do not endorse any particular brand of apple cider vinegar, I only use this brand because I like the size of the glass bottle, as it is easy to store in my fridge. Any brand will do, I have used several.***

Stay tuned for other uses for apple cider vinegar, one of which being my FAVORITE hair rinse.


Some fun info:

Apple cider vinegar has alpha hydroxy and amino acids, which are good for skin. Apple Cider vinegar when applied to the skin balances ph of skin, detoxes, and is packed with vitamins which repair and renew skin, while softening. Sugar exfoliates. Honey is a natural humectant (provides moisture), and is a natural antiseptic. Green Tea has anti-aging, and detoxing properties. Lemon lightens naturally (for red acne marks) and smells energizing. Well, in my opinion, it smells energizing. :)

Step 1 Add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar (DO NOT use regular vinegar) in a small or medium bowl.

Step 2 Add two teaspoons of already made and cooled organic green tea to the apple cider vinegar. Add a few squirts of real lemon juice (I use it in the bottle form, but you can use a lemon slice if you want, I just never have lemons around).

Step 3 Mix and then add five teaspoons of sugar and mix again.

Step 4 Add one teaspoon of organic honey and then add two more teaspoons of sugar. Mix well.

Step 5 Use your fingers to spread mask on face gently. Apply and gently exfoliate by rubbing in a circular motion. Do this for two to five minutes. Do not scrub hard. Let mask stay on face for about eight to ten minutes.

Step 6 Exfoliate gently while rinsing off. Store any unused mixture in a small glass jar with screw top (how about a clean baby jar?) How cute is that? Label it so no one will eat it! (eww yuck!) and refrigerate, use within 2 weeks.

***I recommend applying a bit of pure aloe vera gel to face and letting it dry and soak into skin afterward. Aloe heals and soothes.***




You can also use apple cider vinegar (acv) as a homemade inexpensive toner for your face, it is good especially for oily skin, but can be used for other types as well. This may help even skin tone and lighten red colored spots left from acne. (This won't lighten over night, but will assist in speeding up the process.) Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons witch hazel. Mix well. Dip cotton ball and apply on face.

Acne Reducing Aspirin Honey Witch Hazel Yogurt Mask

Bee Vintage Honey Disclaimer: If you are allergic in any way to salicylic acid or aspirin....DO NOT USE THIS MASK!
****As with all homemade masks and beauty products, be gentle and careful, and be aware that I am NOT a dermatologist nor do I endorse any product as safe to be used. I do not guarantee that you will have results. I only tell you what works for me. I hope you get good results as well.
Only you know your skins sensitivity. I am just sharing ideas and homemade products I use. Use at your own caution. :)
Also note that this does not cure your breakouts or red marks overnight, but it helps speed recovery. I recommend this mask 1-2 times a week, if your face is able to tolerate this. All skin types have different levels of sensitivity.****
Ok, now that I have said all that....if you are not allergic or extremely sensitive, proceed further:
Acne Reducing Aspirin Honey Witch Hazel Yogurt Mask
Dissolve 4 UNCOATED aspirin into a small lid or shallow container with 3-4 drops of witch hazel in (use a lid or container that has enough depth to add a few liquids)
Add about a teaspoon of plain unflavored yogurt, and 1 teaspoon honey.
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar is desired for extra exfoliation. I am a big believer in exfoliation. :)
Make sure the aspirin is fully dissolved into a powdery mush, and mix everything together.
Gently apply mixture to face with finger tips on face, rub gently in circular motion. The aspirin and the sugar help with exfoliation, the aspirin when combined with liquids becomes a form of salicylic acid, which is used in some acne medications. Honey provides moisture and is a natural antiseptic.

The honey binds the mixture, and helps keep this on your face when applied.
Once applied and gently rubbed in, let it set for about 15-20 minutes until it dries. If your skin is sensitive, you may need to rinse off after 5-10 minutes.
Then rinse with warm water, and gently pat dry. I suggest putting some aloe vera on your face to soothe and protect, after using this mask.