How to Really Get Rid of Acne Scars

As many of you may know, I've struggled with acne since I began having children.  I've shared with you how I banished acne from my face (see A Truly Amazing Acne Treatment).  Now I want to tell you how I got rid of those years and years worth of acne scars.  A glycolic acid skin peel once a week for several months resurfaced my skin into a smoother, scar-free complexion.  I considered

many options when researching how to get rid of my scarring.  Other than surgical procedures, a peel was the most viable option for me.  There are many peel products on the market. But most seemed ineffective (based on reviews) or only available at salons or dermatologists.

Grow Your Thoughts Personalized Necklace by Poppyjuice
Shop for another necklace at Zazzle.

Salon skin peel treatments are effective and offer a wide variety of types but knew I wouldn't be able to afford the treatment on an ongoing basis ($50 - $100 per peel).  I searched around and decided to buy a strong glycolic acid solution from a supplier and do the peel myself at home.  Although many recommendations were to go with a weaker strength (30% or lower), I wanted the same strength that spas use (70%).   

The product I chose is (1 oz / 30 ml) GLYCOLIC Acid 70% Skin Chemical Peel - Unbuffered - Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) For Acne, Oily Skin, Wrinkles, Blackheads, Large Pores & More (from Skin Beauty Solutions).  It has good reviews and is priced at $14.99. Glycolic acid is reportedly good for both acne and wrinkles alike! Not a bad combination for a 40 something year old with both acne scars and fine lines! 

I purchased the 1 oz. bottle in November 2011 and still have several uses left.  It is very economical.  You only need a few drops per peel, especially if you use your finger to apply rather than a gauze pad.

I just followed the instructions in the packaging and left it on until I started seeing redness(for only a minute or so) then followed directions for rinsing.  An invaluable tip included in the instructions was to prepare a baking soda water solution to neutralize the acid once you are done with the peel.  It works and I was thankful to have it handy.  Each week I was able to leave the product on longer (up to 8 minutes).

If you choose to treat your acne scarring or wrinkles with a glycolic acid peel you will want to follow the directions and be cautious until you know how your skin will react.  The time you should leave on will vary based on your skin type and sensitivity.  

Please note, it is possible to blister your skin.  This isn't a  weak AHA lotion that you can buy in the drugstore. 

I can't stress enough that this product is the real thing.  You will want to store it as you would a dangerous chemical, especially if you have children.  

Just use caution and common sense if you decide to do it yourself at home.  And don't forget to wear sunscreen! Done properly you can have a beautiful clear complexion AND save yourself a ton of money. 

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Homemade Chocolate Lip Balm

Make your own decadent chocolate lip balm with only four natural ingredients.  It's easy to turn these items into a soothing stick of rich chocolate yumminess!  Give as a beautiful handmade gift or treat yourself.  Follow these simple steps to create your own delectable lip balm.

Start with four ingredients -
1 oz cocoa butter (approx. 2 Tbsp)
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1 to 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Included at the end of this
article are links where
you can find supplies.
We happened upon a
clearance at our
local Walgreens.



1) Slowly melt the cocoa butter over low heat in a
double boiler.  I don't own a double boiler so I
made a makeshift one with a pyrex bowl and a
saucepan.

Cocoa butter could crystalize if you melt it too
rapidly. 



Stir gently as the cocoa butter melts.  Be careful
to not let the butter get too hot.  It should never
smoke or spatter.  Mine didn't even look steamy.

2) Once the cocoa butter has melted remove from
heat and add the coconut oil.  Stir gently until
coconut oil has melted.

3) Add the cinnamon and cocoa powder.  I used
2 Tbsp of cocoa powder but you can add more or less
depending on the desired strength and color.

4) Whisk the dry ingredients into the oil mixture until
blended well.  You might notice a little cinnamon
residue at the bottom but don't be concerned.
Most of it will be incorporated into your
balm.

5) You could pour your mixture
into empty pots, chapstick tubes
or anything else that you have
handy.  I decided to use the
original tube the cocoa butter
came in.  It's not very pretty as a
gift but just fine for me.

Since my container had a little
push up piece of plastic at the
bottom,  I covered
the bottom with plastic wrap
to ensure that the mixture wouldn't
leak while cooling.

6) Allow your balm to cool for
several hours or more.  Mine took
at least 4 hours to set up. 

The results were smooth and
delicious!   A perfect mix
of natural oils and antioxidant
rich ingredients. 

Sweet!

For supplies visit the following ~

Coastal Scents Cocoa Butter, 16 Ounce

Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce

10 Natural (Clear) 0.15 oz. Lip Balm Empty Containers

Claim T7A5MGJ3K686

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The Best Homemade Face Scrub Ever!

I've tried many different scrubs through the years but I continue to come back to my basic scrub created in my own kitchen.  As my readers know, I have struggled with acne and now that I am 43 years old,  I battle dull, dry skin that threatens to crack at any moment!  Unfair, right?

My brown sugar/powdered milk scrub works well all by itself,  but when I need a little extra "Ka-Pow!!!" I add different ingredients to meet my skin's needs.  I love that in my scrub's base form, it travels well, stores well and can be used a scoop at a time in the shower by just mixing with a little water.  It is simple to make, inexpensive and still beats the pants off of every other commercial face scrub I've ever tried!  You, too, can make this scrub in your own kitchen (or someone else's kitchen if you are away from home) in a jiffy!  No-Fuss!  (I promise!) 

1) Mix by hand or in your food processor 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of powdered milk. Blend well.

This will be your base scrub.   2) Put it in an airtight container and use as needed.  I like to mix approximately 1 Tbsp with a tsp or so of water to make an effective scrub.  It works well as a body scrub too!



3) For a more moisturising scrub, try mixing with extra virgin olive oil.  If you have acne don't be  afraid of using oils to cleanse and moisturize.  Studies show that the property "squalene" found in oils in general is an antioxidant, moisturizer and a convenient vehicle to carry other properties in topical applications.  It has shown promise for acne and dermatitis sufferers.

For an excellent anti-aging and anti-bacterial addition mix yogurt in with your base scrub. Yogurt contains lactic acid which helps to exfoliate your skin, soften wrinkles and unplug clogged pores.

Buttermilk is another valuable addition as it is very high in lactic acid.  My great-grandmother used buttermilk daily and had beautiful skin even in her old age.

Commercial "Alpha-hydroxy" skin treatments usually contain both lactic acid and glycolic acid.
Brown sugar provides the glycolic acid and milk products are rich in lactic acid. This scrub contains both, leaving your skin soft and supple in the most natural way possible.



Try your own combinations and decide which one works the best for you.  Adapt to your skin's ever-changing
needs without breaking your pocketbook! The base scrub also makes a great gift!

For other great homemade skin care recipes, check out the following ~

Feed Your Face: Over 80 Natural Skin Care Recipes for Homemade Facial Masks for All Skin Types. (Natural Beauty Recipes)

Natural & Organic Beauty Recipes - A Complete Guide on Making Your Own Facial Masks, Toners, Lotions, Moisturizers, & Scrubs at Home with Simple & Easy Organic Skin Care Recipes

Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self

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Jewelry Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

I've been having so much fun making earrings and necklaces from empty plastic (PET) bottles and milk jugs!   You too can make your own jewelry from plastic bottles that would normally be thrown away or recycled. 
To make your own jewelry, use your imagination.  Save your recycling.  I think the see-through colored bottles are especially pretty.  I've saved many plastic bottles, including soda bottles, body spray bottles and even childrens' "bubble bottles".  You can purchase "findings" (links, etc.) to connect your pieces or you can use wire, fishing line or other items you have on hand. 

Be Kind to Your Mother Earth Shirts by Poppyjuice
Get the best in custom tshirt printing at Zazzle

To make my jewelry I used purchased "fish hook" style earring bases and round links.  I spent just pennies per piece of jewelry.  See the photo tutorial below to make your own!  It's easy, I promise!

For more great ideas on recycling items to make beautiful jewelry and accessories you might want to check out the following resources ~

Green Bling: Turning Bottles Into Bangles (Leisure Arts #4335) (Clever Crafter)

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse: Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew (1000 Series)

Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and Projects for Reusing Metal, Plastic, Glass, Fiber, and Found Objects



Look for bottles that have a "1" OR a
"2" in the recycling "marking" on
the bottom of the bottle.
I've found that this for the most
part includes plastic beverage containers,
medication bottles, body sprays, milk jugs,
etc.




Cut desired shapes from your empty, clean
bottles.




Using pliers or tweezers to protect your hands melt edges slightly to create desired look.  I've researched and PET bottles are considered very safe for melting and
incineration regarding toxic fumes.  I would
recommend that you use common precautions and make certain your work space has adequate ventilation. 



The plastic will sometimes curl rapidly so be very
cautious to protect your hands.  As you can
see, I often don't follow my own advice....



The pieces (depending on the shape) will
look somewhat like this when you are done melting
them.  I use a safety pin to poke holes where
I wish to attach links, etc.



Earrings made with milk jugs ~
Milk jugs can be shaped with twisting but do not respond well to heat.



Earrings fashioned out of milk jugs and
old buttons.



Earrings made from "bubble solution" container



Earrings made from a
soda bottle




Made from soda bottles
and food container lid



Cobalt earrings
from body spray bottle



Earrings made from body
spray bottle.

Amber earrings from medicine bottle

These pieces are a fun way to turn recycled items into wearable art! If I can make these, just imagine what you can do!
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Go Green Just In Time For St. Patrick's Day - Upcycled Soda Bottle Jewelry!

Even though we've been making a concentrated effort on wasting less and using more of what we purchase, I've noticed there are still far too many plastic bottles that come through our home.  Our trash service doesn't offer curbside pickup of our recycling and sometimes it is months before we drop off our recycling.
I reuse bottles as much as possible, but I wanted to take things to the next level!  So in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to really "go green"!


These "feather" earrings were easy to
make by simply cutting the shapes
out of the side of a bottle and
carefully cutting the individual strands
of the feather with scissors.

 



I used a "fish hook" style earring
to attach the feathers. 

 



These earrings and necklace were a little
trickier to make because I used a lighter
to create enough heat to cause the
"petals" to curl slightly.
Still, they were easy enough once I
decided how I wanted to create the look.

 



A close up of the necklace.  I used fishing string for the
chain but you could use an actual chain.

 



This photo shows the detail better.

 

For this project, I used a 2 liter soda bottle, fishhook earring bases, coupling links, and fishing wire from my husband's tackle box.  I did borrow his needle nosed pliers as well.  I'll probably invest in some jewelry making tools and supplies as I think it will make future projects easier. 

For more great ideas you may want to check out the following

~

Jewelry Upcycled!: Techniques and Projects for Reusing Metal, Plastic, Glass, Fiber, and Found Objects

Jazzy Jewelry: Recycle materials to make cool stuff (ECOCRAFTS)

Green Bling: Turning Bottles Into Bangles (Leisure Arts #4335) (Clever Crafter)

If you liked this article, don't forget to subscribe!  It's easy, just click the link on the right side of this page to receive all the future cool ideas from Poppy's Money Tree House!

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