When skin erupts in blemishes, skin can be more sensitive than normal. Although there are many different types of acne products in stores that claim to clear up acne quickly, usually these products will irritate and inflame the skin and even exacerbate acne breakouts. To clear acne while maintaining healthy skin, it is important to use a few natural acne skin care treatments.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is traditionally known for treating the blisters from viral infections such as chicken pox or for treating the itchiness from a poison ivy rash. Another use for calamine lotion is for drying up acne pustules and cysts. Because calamine lotion is both drying and natural, it is highly effective in treating acne without causing skin irritation. The lotion can be applied to the acne breakouts by soaking a cotton swab or a cotton ball in the lotion, then dabbing it directly onto the skin. The calamine lotion can remain on the skin for up to 8 hours, making it effective as an overnight acne treatment.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used on the skin to remove dead skin and sebum that clog the pores and cause acne breakouts. It can be used as a toner, by combining 8 ounces of water with 1 tsp. of baking soda in a spray bottle, or used as a facial scrub, by combining 1 Tbsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of water in a bowl. The baking soda toner can be sprayed onto the skin after cleansing and be allowed to dry. The baking soda scrub can be spread onto the skin, gently massaged in for 1 minute, then rinsed off with water. Baking soda can be used twice per day to tone and exfoliate acne-prone skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is antibacterial as well as antimicrobial, making it highly effective in killing off acne-causing bacteria and impurities in the skin. Tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, making it a natural alternative for people who have skin reactions from benzoyl peroxide creams. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to acne blemishes after it has been slightly diluted in water. To dilute tea tree oil, soak a cotton swab in the oil, then dip it into water quickly. Spread the tea tree oil onto the areas effected by acne breakouts up to five times per day.