If you're bothered by mild acne, with pimples or blackheads creeping onto your face or body every once in awhile, you're not alone. Eighty-five percent of people between the age of 12 and 24 experience at least mild acne, and many deal with a host of skin problems that are much more severe, says The American Association of Dermatology.
It's tempting to go for the products that promise to eradicate every pore and spot that ever thought about making its way onto your face. However, these harsh products usually dry out the skin, causing your skin to overproduce oils and cause even bigger skin problems, says Cosmopolitan.
Fret not, though! There are gentle cleansers and natural solutions that will leave your face feeling fresh and clean - not dry, puckered and pimply. If you've got mild acne, give the following trips a try! If you're dealing with severe acne, talk to a dermatologist because they'll have better tools and tricks to help you.
1. Honey Mask. Honey is a natural anti-bacterial, and it's also super-hydrating. Kills the bad stuff and keeps all the good stuff in, what else could you want? Smear some honey onto your face a few times per week and wash off after a few minutes, says Everyday Roots.
2. Cetaphil. Even though it comes in a bottle and is from the drugstore, it's foam-free, scent-free, and extremely gentle. It cleans your face and restores the moisture that helps keep you pimple-free, says Get The Gloss. It's one of the world's most-loved everyday cleansers for a reason.
3. Tea Tree Oil. This is a natural antibacterial and it can help dry up nasty pimples, but be sure to dilute it or use a product that contains it - don't dab the stuff straight on to your skin, because it comes highly concentrated and can worsen dryness and redness, says Prevention.
4. Aloe. It's not just for sunburns! Aloe, best straight from the plant, has soothing properties that will help reduce inflammation in those awful, big, under-the-skin painful pimples, says Prevention.
