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Acne -Reasons and Remedy
ARE ACNE AND PIMPLES TROUBLING YOU?
Acne manifests itself in your life during puberty and then (usually) disappears in the late teens or early twenties. But severe cases of acne can continue well into adulthood
leaving behind both physical and emotional scars.
Mild acne is characterized by blackheads, spots and pimples.
Severe acne also has painful, blind cysts, inflammation and infection. The latter can appear very red and sore and should always be referred to a doctor.
Steps to take
Diet
Eat plenty of vitamin-rich foods, drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol and stimulants such as tea and coffee. Acne can be the result of a congested system. Ensure that a fair portion of fibre is included in daily diet. Whole
grains, fruit and salads are a must as is plenty of water. Avoiding starchy and fried foods also helps in curbing the spread of acne.
Skincare
Keep your skin clean and excess oil under control. Wash your face twice a day with a mild face wash, rinse off with running water and blot dry with a clean towel. Avoid facial scrubs if you have infection. Try and use a mask once a week
so as to cleanse and absorb excess impurities and oil. If you have dry skin, then moisturize it, regularly.
Here are a few guidelines and tips to tackle the acne menace:
� Use a pH balanced cleanser followed by �toner� every 2 hours or so ideally. Recommended cleansers are Synergie & Biotique. Use a natural toner like lemon juice. Dilute, dab it on the face and rinse off, or use a synthetic
toner off the marketplace.
� If you are very busy, keep cotton balls & cleanser/astringent in your bag & wipe the problem areas every few hours�these could be your forehead & nose (if you have a T - patterns oiliness ) or cheeks & chin ( if you
have a V pattern oiliness). Wiping the skin with astringent lotion helps reduce oiliness, however avoid harsh astringents. Mix rose water and astringent in equal quantities and use it 2 or 3 times a day.
� Dealing with Spots: Squeezing spots results in the release of bacteria onto the skin. Thus the problem area may increase. If you are addicted to this activity, do it this way. Wash your hands and steam your face over some warm water
to soften the blockages. Then use a tissue to gently ease them out, without putting excess pressure. Use antiseptic cream on the area afterwards to reduce bacteria and catalyze the healing process.
� Medical Reference: Severe acne should be referred to your GP who will probably prescribe antibiotics and maybe some hormone or topical treatments.
QUICK CHECKLIST FOR ACNE
Are you prone to pimples or acne? Here are some of things you should do to reduce your malady:
� Ensure that you touch your face with very clean hands, kerchiefs and napkins.
� Use the softest possible napkins for drying your face
� Never squeeze a pimple
� Never go to bed with make up on, it will block pores leading to more pimples
� Use the best possible face wash, and maintain grime free skin.
� Don�t keep oil on your hair for prolonged periods.
� Don�t use occlusive skin products (greasy, get accumulated on skin and block the openings of the pilo�sebaceous ducts�leading to acne). Buy brands that say �non-comedogenic� � they tend to clog your pores less and use for
limited hours only.
� For Blackheads, the buds that blossom into full blown acne�steam your face once a week or so & get them removed professionally preferably by a dermatologist (& insist on a sterilized come done extractor)
� Avoid oily food and fizzies. Eat fresh fruit, veggies & get plenty of exercise.
� Don�t TOUCH those pimples unless you want Lifelong scars. Get proper treatment as fast as possible to prevent the residual effects.
� Once a day, apply yogurt on the face. Wash it off with plain water after 15 to 20 minutes. The enzymes in yogurt are said to treat acne. However if you have a very sensitive skin, then this treatment is not advisable as curd is
acidic.
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