" stop being so picky "

how to heal picked skin fast:

Okay, admit it....we've all been there! We know we're not supposed to touch our face, let alone pick at a pimple. As an aesthetician I'm supposed to scold you! But the truth is that it's a compulsion that most red-blooded humans have. Of course in my 8 years of practicing I can tell you that there are varying degrees of picking...and for some, especially those with chronic, inflamed acne-- picking can be the result of something much deeper emotionally. Whatever the reasons be, I know that it can be really hard to feel good about your skin after you've just gone to town on a blemish. And even harder to cover up once it scabs. 

With these all-natural remedies (and at least 24 hours of a HANDS-OFF policy to your skin) you can help heal and prevent scabbing...and hopefully somewhere along the way realize that picking is definitely never the best solution. But we're all human...so don't beat yourself up either. 

SOLUTION #1: MANUKA HONEY

You can learn more in depth about Manuka honey in my post HERE but the gist is that it contains enzymes in it that a super healing and exfoliating even. It also has bacteria killing agents in it so it works as a triple threat to acne and acne scarring. If you're dealing with more all-over picking then apply about a tablespoon to clean skin and wear as a mask for 15-25 minutes. If you're dealing with an individual cystic acne scab, apply a dollop to the blemish and cover with a bandaid overnight. Peel and rinse off in the morning and cleanse the skin as usual.

SOLUTION #2: CALENDULA OINTMENT

This too is available at Whole Foods (or any health food grocer) and is a great recommendation for chronically picked skin or painful blemishes. It's an anti-inflammatory so it helps to bring down swelling and has a mild pain reliever in it...so it's a huge godsend for over-picked, tender skin. After cleansing your skin at night, apply a thick layer of gel to the affected area and allow it to dry completely before going to sleep. Gently peel off of the skin in the morning and cleanse. 

SOLUTION #3: ALOE VERA GEL

Just like it can be trusted to soothe a sunburn, it can be trusted to soothe picked skin. Aloe has a natural mild astringent factor to it as well, so this works well for really congested skin types as it draws out toxins. I've personally seen it work wonders for horribly scabbed skin. Again...you can find this at Whole Foods (although if you're willing to wait I personally recommend THIS ONE) If however, you can't wait, look for a higher-quality PURE organic aloe vera...not the cheap kind you'll find at a drugstore. You'll apply a thick dollop on affected areas, allowing enough time to dry before bed. (I say this so that it doesn't wipe off on your pillow AND so that it can work like a nature-made bandaid...literally) In the a.m. peel off gently and cleanse. 

{REPEAT THESE STEPS EVERY NIGHT UNTIL THE SKIN HAS FULLY HEALED}

If you have any questions leave them below or feel free to email me for further tips and instructions on round the clock ways to heal your skin faster. I'm always happy to help! 

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend XO. 

❤, b