Today’s guest post is by Michelle Star of Thea Skincare, an online retailer of 100% natural skincare products. Enjoy!

Follow these tips to achieve beautiful, clear skin. Image by Sleepyjeanie

Acne is a common skincare condition but one which is feared by many people, both men and women alike of all age groups. It can leave your skin looking unhealthy and dull, and can cause redness and scars that can last a lifetime. Acne has a massive impact on the confidence and self-esteem of many people, and it’s not just limited to teenagers – it can continue well into your thirties, forties and even fifties!

Luckily, whilst there is no miracle cure, you can greatly reduce the severity of acne with some simple skincare and lifestyle changes. You need to keep your skin healthy, clean and fresh, preventing your pores from becoming clogged which is the leading cause of spots.

Below are my top 4 tips on how to prevent acne breakouts from occurring…

• Firstly, the most important tip is to cleanse your face twice a day! No, just because you’re tired, that’s not reason enough to fall asleep with your makeup on. Cleansing regularly should be an integral part of your skincare routine to keep your skin free from spot-causing bacteria and other impurities. Use a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type – a dry skin cleanser on oily skin for example can lead to even more oil! It is also important to realise that washing your face any more than twice a day can irritate the skin and make it appear dry and dull. In fact, your skin can get so dry from over-cleansing that it compensates by producing yet more oil, creating a vicious circle. Twice a day is the perfect amount to wash your face.

• You should change your pillowcase frequently to prevent your skin from touching fabrics which may have bacteria on them, caused by sweat or sleeping in makeup. The bacteria will go from the pillow to your skin, causing spots – if you always sleep on a particular side of your face you may even notice you get spots more on the side that touches the pillow! Wash your pillowcase once a week preferably, and remember to wash all towels and fabric face cloths regularly too with a mild, non-irritating detergent.

• Did you know talking on your mobile could be giving you spots? You should regularly clean your mobile phone, glasses and other things which constantly come into contact with your face using a cleaning spray or wipe which kills bacteria and will remove dirt – but not such a harsh one that it irritates your skin. If you have a fringe, even this can be causing spots by touching your skin all day, so keep it clean girl!

• You should also wash your hands before touching your face, for example to cleanse it or to apply make-up. Germs, bacteria and dirt can become present on your hands throughout the day from carrying out your normal daily chores, and will be transferred to your skin every time you touch it. If you suffer from particularly bad acne you may even want to monitor how many times per day you touch your face out of habit – you could be making the problem a lot worse!

What is your favourite anti acne or oily skin care product?

Michelle Star writes for Thea Skincare, an online retailer of 100% natural skincare products including a range designed to target acne and oily skin naturally.

The chamomile is a beautiful and fragrant group of plants and flowers that closely resembles the cheerful daisy. Chamomile has several species – some can be used as the popular herbal tea, while others are not edible and are mainly used for aromatherapy or beauty related purposes.

The wild chamomile variant, or Matricaria recutita, is used for the aforementioned tea. Drinking chamomile tea provides an increase of glycine in urine, which relieves muscle spasms and is widely known as a muscle relaxant. It can also relieve anxiety and insomnia.

The German variant of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla ) has a honey-like scent. Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis ) oils have a fresher and fruitier fragrance than their German counterparts.  Both versions, as well as their essential oils, share many of the same characteristics. They’re antibiotic, antiseptic, analgesic and can lift moods. Chamomile can also help to eliminate acne and purify pores.

Chamomile is a very effective calming agent, as its scent is universally known to be soothing, relaxing and rivals lavender for its calming effects. If you’re feeling tense, stressed or just need to wind down, try these fun DIY chamomile recipes and take a load off!

Chamomile Hair Lightener

Source: Tipking

•     2 cups water
•     2 cups chamomile tea
•     1 tablespoon of parsley
•     1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Boil all the ingredients and let it simmer for 15 mins. Strain out the tea bags and parsley (make sure to remove all of the parsley) and let it sit till room temperature. Poor on to hair over a sink and rinse two or three times.

Chamomile Astringent for Acne

• 2 cups distilled water
• 1 tablespoon yarrow
• 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the herbs, cover ans steep for 30 minutes. Add the essential oil, stir and drain. Pour finished product into storage containers and shake well. Follow with moisturizer after use. Refrigerate for up to 1 week, then discard.

Use a cotton pad and 1 teaspoon for your face, or more for your shoulders, back or chest blemishes. Avoid the eye area.

Calming Chamomile Face Wash

Source: Natural Beauty Workshop

• 1 teaspoon Rice Powder, Fine
• 1 teaspoon Chamomile Flower Powder
• 1 teaspoon White Kaolin
• 1 teaspoon Green Tea Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Royal Jelly Extract
• 1 tablespoon Liquid Castile Soap
• 2 teaspoons Bee’s Milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Glycerin
• 10 – 12 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Mix the dry ingredients together in a small mixing bowl.  Mix the liquid ingredients together in a separate mixing bowl.  Package both parts individually, or mix ingredients all together for immediate use.

All ingredients can be purchased at From Nature with Love.

Herbal Vinegar Hair Rinse 

Source: Natural Beauty Workshop

• 4 ounces of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 ounces of distilled water
• 1 ounce of Organic Rosemary Hydrosol
• 1 ounce of Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
• 1/8 teaspoon of Oat Straw Extract 10:1
• 1/4 teaspoon of Burdock Root Extract 4:1

In a small bowl, mix both powdered extracts with 2 ounces of warm water. Stir well until the powder has dissolved completely. Using a funnel or a very steady hand, pour the water into a clean, sterile, 8 ounce bottle. Next, add 1 ounce of each hydrosol, then 4 ounces of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Close the bottle and shake well.

All ingredients can be purchased at From Nature with Love.

A Simple Way to Relax with Chamomile

What’s the easiest, fastest way to relax with chamomile, as well as reduce puffy, stressed eyes? Use chamomile tea bags! Pour boiling water over two organic chamomile tea bags, Let them cool, and then chill them in the fridge. When you’re ready to use them, squeeze out the excess water, lie down, and place them over your eyes. Relax for about 15-20 minutes.