When you're faced with breakouts, blemishes, and blackheads your first response might be to call your dermatologist or google for DIY home remedies for clear skin. As a licensed professional I would advise looking into each recommendation closely to be certain your skin can handle the concoction. Food allergies or food sensitivities can have adverse effects on the skin causing irritation therefore jumping into any remedies or DIY should be handled with caution.
Its important to take care of your skin and exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells to remove dirt and oils and prevent the pores from clogging. Although I prefer chemical exfoliants such as AHA's using natural oils with salts and sugars can be highly effective to keep the skin soft and smooth.
Using natural oils salt and sugars to exfoliate the skin will help soften the granular texture to reduce the coarseness.
Here are a few quick and easy ways to clear your skin by using items from your kitchen.
Normal to Dry Skin
Raw sugar is great for normal to dry skin with olive oil because it will not dry the skin however using fine grains for the face is recommended to avoid because it can be uncomfortable to use on the face. Olive oil helps soften the gains of the salt so it's less abrasive and easier to move around the face and neck.
Combination to Oily Skin
Pink Himalayan Salt has filled minerals with anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial to detoxify, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Grapeseed is good for both oily and dry skin. Using Grapeseed oil for oilier skin is ideal because it won't clog pores or leave the skin feeling greasier or shinier, however, it'll help balance out the skin because it's a lighter weight oil.
Lock-In Moisture
Honey- Is a natural humectant drawing natural moisture from the skin. Enzymes found in honey help nourish the skin improving the skin's appearance.
Aloe Vera- Is used in skin and body products because of its healing properties. Aloe is hydrating for the skin to help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Avocado- Rich in antioxidants avocado and vitamins A & C fight free radicals to prevent and prolong premature aging restoring collagen.
Petroleum Jelly- An occlusive meaning it seals moisture into the skin creating a waterproof barrier whereas no natural oils can escape or nothing can get into the skin. Best to use on damp skin to hydrate dryer and/or dehydrated skin to lock in moisture.
Petroleum Jelly and mineral oils have a bad reputation however, it's an old-school remedy used to protect the skin from harsh climates and dry skin, and softening skin.
Fade Dark Spots
Papaya- This is a natural bleaching agent with high levels of enzymes papain is a natural exfoliator. Loaded with vitamins a, b, & c
Turmeric- Part of the ginger family has a bioactive compound called Curcumin providing anti-hyperpigmentation properties.
Lemons- Is high in citric acids and vitamin c to exhibit anti pigmentary effects inhibiting melanin production.
Aloe Vera- a natural depigmenting compound called alone. Its healing properties are by far extraordinary for internal and external use.
Unclog Pores
Baking Soda- Has so many amazing properties not only will it unclog pores but is a lightning agent to fade dark spots. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can help reduce breakouts and tighten pores.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Alkaline for balancing the skin's PH. Its properties consist of acetic acid and alpha hydroxy acid to help absorb excess oils and unclog pores.
Mixing Apple Cider Vinegar with Baking Soda offers maximum benefits to fighting bacteria and extracting blackhead preventing enlarged pores from occurring. Because the malic acid and alpha hydroxy ACV have exfoliating properties to gently remove dead skin cells. The powerful mixture works together to tighten the pores due to dirt, oils, dead skin, and debris build-up. Be sure to dilute the ACV before applying to the skin
Using DIY in addition to your skincare products will help supplement your routine when things before things get out of hand. Please note they are a temporary fix so consulting with a licensed professional for further treatment is highly recommended. For some it may be effective and for others may not see much of a difference therefore sticking to a skin care system formulated for black men should be part of your grooming regimen.