Acne: Prevention is better than cure

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It can lead to deep, permanent scars. So, it is important that the condition be checked from spreading. Consult a skin care clinic or specialist in good time. Acne occurs mainly on oily skin and starts with a blackhead. Avoid neglecting blackheads, as they can irritate the surrounding tissues of the skin, resulting in inflammation and a pimple. A single pimple does not mean an acne condition. In acne there are many kinds of eruptions, like blackheads, whiteheads, cysts (lumps), pustules, etc. If you have an oily skin, go for “clean-ups” to a good beauty salon, where blackheads will also be extracted. Ensure that hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. If the scalp is oily, or if there is dandruff, it can lead to pimples and acne. Keep the hair away from the face while you sleep. Wash pillow covers and towels in warm soapy water, after adding one teaspoon antiseptic lotion.

Acne points to a congested skin and system. Therefore, avoid fried foods, processed foods, aerated drinks and too many sweets and chocolates. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, whole grains, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, clear soups and lassi in the diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.

Avoid excessive soap and water washing as it can upset the pH balance of the skin. Use face wash containing neem and tulsi, or use a medicated cleanser. Avoid cleansing creams and heavy moisturisers, as these can clog the pores and lead to acne. Simmer a handful of neem leaves on a very low fire in 4 cups of water for one hour. Leave it overnight. Next morning, strain the water and make a paste of the leaves. Apply on affected areas. The water can be used for rinsing the area. Cleansing at night is important, to remove make-up, oil and sweat deposits. In fact, use only water-based foundations and or a powder compact.

Many natural ingredients have an astringent effect and help to reduce oiliness. Green tea is a good astringent toner. Soak green tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water for half an hour. Cool and strain and apply the liquid on the skin.

If there is any dryness, mix one teaspoon pure glycerin with 100 ml rose water. Keep in an air-tight bottle in the fridge. Apply a little of this lotion to relieve dryness.

Apply sandalwood paste on pimples, acne and boils.

Mix together one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon methi seed powder, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply it only on acne and leave on for a couple of hours, or even overnight.

Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to 2 tbsp water or rose water. Apply it on rashes and pimples.

Where acne is concerned, prevention is always better than cure.