Acne Cures for Under $1 - Two Proven Methods

We laughed at Toula's father on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. His cure for acne was to use a squirt of Windex. But could acne cures really be that simple? The answer: yes. I have found two proven methods of dealing with acne and both use simple household products. While I am not sure I would go so far as to recommend Windex, I do know there were times I would try anything! I was a sucker for any well advertised "cure" for acne. I have struggled with blemishes ever since high school- even now when I am supposed to be beyond that age! I have tried everything from Noxema to Sebreeze toner to Murad with little success. Little did I know the answers to my problems were just a few steps away- in my medicine cabinet.

Rubbing Alcohol

Most medicine cabinets are stocked with a bottle of rubbing alcohol. A small bottle usually costs no more than $1. This is a great drying agent as well as a cleanser. I have found this works best on the smaller, surface blemishes. It also helps keep the bacteria that is causing the zit from spreading further. Soak a small piece of cotton or cloth in the alcohol and gently wipe over the affected area. Be careful not to wipe over non-affected areas as that can dry out your skin too much. If you catch the zits early, they can dry out quickly. If you are headed out and cannot get the red of the zit out completely, try soaking some cotton in eye drops or saline solution and gently pat it over the area. That should take enough of the red out without having to cover it in pore clogging makeup.

Aspirin

Aspirin is another medicine cabinet staple and is generally very inexpensive. I spent a $1.29 on a small bottle. Aspirin has many uses and external application is one that is often overlooked. Crush an aspirin tablet and mix with a small amount of water. Use only enough water to make a paste with the aspirin. Spread the paste over the affected area and allow it to dry. I prefer to do this at night so I can keep it on as long as possible. You can put a band aid over the paste for an overnight application. The aspirin draws out the infection and brings the zit to a head sooner. I find the aspirin paste works best on those deeper rooted blemishes.

If you find an acne cure that touts the use of White Willow Bark, all they are saying is that aspirin is the active ingredient. They extract a compound called salicin which is where we get salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the primary ingredient used in over-the-counter acne medications. Aspirin is the synthetic form of this salicin. So why spend over $10 (or much more with some brands), when you can fight it with the same ingredients in a $1 bottle of aspirin?

Sources:

Linda Beyer, registered nurse

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/willow_bark.htm