Adult acne is the worst. Didn't we put in enough pimpled-face time in high school?
Whether you suffer the occasional flare-up (thanks, period) or deal with acne on the weekly, I highly recommend this fantastic natural facial cleanser for acne-prone skin: Savannah Bee Charcoal, Propolis & Volcanic Ash Cleanser. The power-packed cleanser, which combines activated charcoal, volcanic ash, kaolin clay, propolis and honey, has worked wonders clearing up my own breakouts without drying out my skin (a side effect of other acne face cleansers I've tried). Here's more on why it's the bomb dot com:
Savannah Bee Cleanser Ingredients
Savannah Bee's skin-clearing natural cleanser.
Savannah Bee was founded by a beekeeper, Ted Dennard, hence the honeybee-derived ingredients in its beauty products, which are all-natural and use organic ingredients. A few of note:
Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to attract and pull dirt and excess oil from pores.
Volcanic ash is high in sulphur, an active mineral ingredient that helps the body resist and remove bacteria.
Propolis comes from a honeybee beehive, is made of plant resin and beeswax and serves as a natural antiseptic and preservative. On your skin, it helps fit blemishes.
Honey has both natural hydrating properties to keep the skin soft and alpha-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate the skin to help reduce the appearance of skin blemishes.
Kaolin clay is a very gentle facial clay that gently absorbs impurities from the pores without making your skin look dry and scaly.
The Feel and Smell
The cleanser feels creamy and smooth. It has a charcoal color when it comes out of the tube, but it lathers into a light gray foam when you rub it into your face. The smell is pleasant, but fairly nondescript—definitely not perfume-y, yet it doesn't smell like charcoal, either.
The Cost
I've tried a bazillion different cleansers, from fancy shmancy to drugstore brands. While there are others I also love for daily cleansing and exfoliating, this one is by far the best for breakouts. And it costs only $12.99, which is a real coup.
How to Use It
Wet your face. Squeeze a dime-sized amount on your fingertips and work it into a lather in circular motions. Use this cleanser two to three times per week all over your face. You can also use it more often to target specific areas, such as the chin or forehead where your acne likes to hang out. And it also works for anywhere else you might have a pimple—chest, back, all those fun and unexpected places!
More Savannah Bee Products I've Tried and Recommend
Royal Jelly Body Butter for Sensitive Skin
Royal Jelly & Propolis Conditioner
Topical treatments for acne can only get your skin so far, of course. Diet and the state of your digestive system also have a lot to do with the state of your skin. Check out our blog on the 10 Basic Food Principles of Ayurveda for eating habits that support healthy digestion.