Using Calamine Lotion to Treat Acne and Heal Pimples

Calamine lotion is a well-known treatment for things like poison oak or poison ivy.  Some people even use it for chicken pox or other irritating skin conditions.  Few people know that calamine lotion can actually be used to treat acne breakouts.  As an acne sufferer myself, I've experimented with calamine lotion on several occasions.  I can honestly say that it does help, especially if you're experiencing pustules (puss-filled pimples).  It makes sense if you take into consideration the effects that calamine lotion has on the skin.  It acts as a drying agent on the skin, which helps draw out the puss and oils associated with acne breakouts.  Calamine lotion also helps soothe irritated skin.  If you suffer from extremely dry skin, calamine lotion may not be the best option for you, so keep that in mind as well.

Calamine lotion can be applied nightly after cleansing and toning.  Apply a thin coating to any affected areas. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning.  You should see results within a week or so.

If you're interested in trying calamine lotion but you want to go the most natural route, here is are some excellent recipes for homemade calamine lotion that you can make at home:

• 1/4 cup zinc oxide
  1/2 teaspoon iron oxide
  4 teaspoons bentonite clay
  4 teaspoons baking soda
  1/4 cup water
  1/2 teaspoon glycerin

• 1/4 cup zinc oxide
  4 teaspoons pink Kaolin clay
  4 teaspoons baking soda or 2 teaspoons calcium hydroxide
  1/4 cup water

To make the lotion simply mix all ingredients together in a bowl and store in a jar or other airtight container.