DIY Zit Zapper

Don't pop it, zap it!

Whether you are a long time sufferer of Acne or just get the occasional blemish on your face and body this is a great recipe for you to try. It's a natural Honey Vera Tea Balm.  Easy to make and inexpensive. I found the original recipe in The Green Beauty guide and tweaked it so that it has a more powerful antibacterial effect as well as hydrating.

First I will provide you with the recipe and then provide you the reason to why I believe it works. Granted this depends on the level of Acne you have. Either way, it is worth the try before spending hundreds of dollars on other treatments. And remember, the best way to prevent acne is a cleansing routine that is consistent.

Honey Vera Tea Balm Recipe 

1 Tablespoon UMF 16+ Manuka Honey

1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera (preferably fresh Aloe juice squeezed from plant)

7 Drops of Organic Tea Tree Oil
3 Drops of Organic Wild Oregano Oil (DO NOT exceed 3 drops)
500 mg Vitamin C (as a natural preservative)

Whip them together with a fork or a hand held blender for a few seconds until well blended and place in a small container that holds up to 5 ounces. I like to use blue glass bottles for liquids and for balms plastic or tin containers. You can purchase these on amazon for just a few dollars and you can reuse once you run out.

I recently wrote an article about Manuka honey benefits to the body, especially your skin. Some go as far as saying it is nature miracle cure. See the created link to learn more. Synopsis, Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 16+ is the best for you inside and out. It is extremely healing and hydrating to the skin.

See this link to learn more about the great benefits of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis). I have become such a great believer of the power of Aloe that I started to grow the plant myself. I am even planting new ones an contemplating selling them to friends and clients for use. It is a must have in the home for treatments inside and out. Especially in the kitchen when we often get those little burns.

Check out the Tea tree oil article to learn more about this great essential oil. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal so it is great for cleansing the skin. Often used for acne and dry scalp issues. Avoid use if you are pregnant, nursing or on male children.

See link for Wild Oregano oil for more information. With Oregano, preferably Wild Oregano oil as it qualities are better have a anti-fungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiseptic and antioxidant component that is great for the cleaning the skin of acne blemishes and excessive sebum (oil). 

I hope that some of you take the time to try this out for yourselves. Please let me know how it works for you. If you have your own tweaks and would like to share them, please do.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

        

Tea Tree Oil benefits against Acne

The leaves and the twigs are
distilled to create the essential oil.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) is an essential oil created from the Melaleuca alternifolia leaves. Native to Australia. Originally used as inhalation medication to treat colds, coughs and topically to treat wounds by the indigenous Bundjalung people of Australia. Today, it is used on the skin as an herbal remedy used as an antiseptic and was found to help those with mild acne.

Tea tree oil can be used in its full strength or diluted in creams, lotions, ointments and soap. As a natural anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-infection it works well against many skin ailments like acne, boils, dandruff, insect bites and athlete's foot to name a few.

In a comparative study reported on PubMed (Case Study ID # 2145499) they compared Tea tree oil versus Benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Results showed that both 5% tea tree oil had a significant effect by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions. It was slower then the benzoyl peroxide but less damaging and with fewer side effects to skin. That to me is an absolute benefit to trying Organic Tea tree oil.

It is important to note that The New England Journal of Medicine reported that Tea tree oil is linked to Prepubertal Gynecomastia  (abnormal development of large mammary glands in males resulting in breasts) after repeated topical exposure. That is why it is Not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. It should NEVER be taken internally as it is considered toxic internally.

Recently, I was getting my haircut and had a Tea tree oil treatment done to my hair and scalp. I was surprised that the hairstylist didn't know the warnings that come with use of this essential oil and its by products. There she was pitching it to customers with no real understanding. Not totally her fault, training staff and keeping them knowledgeable is important. However, I was even more surprised that she couldn't really tell me the benefits either. Instead, I had to tell her about the benefits and the hazard warnings for pregnant, nursing mothers or young boys. That's why I write these short articles. It's important that you the consumer are educated on the products and treatments offered out there. Be smart, ask questions and if you don't feel confident in the answers given, do your own research and make a smart decision.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

  

Thyme Treats Acne Better Than Medication, Study Finds - DailyBeauty | NewBeauty magazine

As always, in my effort to keep you well informed about skin care issues, here is a great article I read on New Beauty in regards to how Thyme and other herbs can better help those that suffer from acne. Check it out!

http://www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?id=5814

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!