Words: Dr Pankaj AGGARWAL
There are several factors that may trigger acne [pimples]. One of them is hereditary. Sometimes, bacteria may also cause acne, thanks to the dirt and oil that reside on our skin. People with oily skin, or individuals who work-out, should take care of their skin as heat and humidity can intensify oil production and, thus, the chances of acne and rashes. Well, if your acne is inflamed, heat can actually help in improving it.
As it is rightly said, prevention is better than cure; so, if you have a history of acne, you should follow certain tips and learn about a handful of natural ways to eliminating it.
Watch Your Diet
One should avoid high glycaemic foods, such as doughnuts, white bread, soda and baked potatoes. Removing sugary and starchy products from your diet will help you control acne. This will also keep you healthy in the long run.
Stress & Acne
Physical as well as emotional stress triggers acne breakouts in some people. Try and reduce stress, whether they are related to your workplace, or personal life, in order to get rid of acne.
Cosmetics & Acne
A common factor responsible for acne is the use of certain kinds of cosmetics and cleansing products. Avoid using greasy, or harsh, products, or ingredients you are allergic to. These products tend to clog your skin pores and irritate your skin. The result is acne breakouts.
Wipe Your Sweat
When you are out in the hot sun, you tend to perspire a lot. Your perspiration contains all manner of toxins and impurities, so make sure you have a towel handy to wipe off the greasy sweat. Sweating keeps your skin cleansed naturally, but it needs to be wiped at regular intervals in order to prevent acne breakouts.
Facial Hygiene
Wash your face with a gentle, natural cleanser at regular intervals. Splashing fresh water on your facial skin rejuvenates it — the hydration prevents acne.
Fruits & Vegetables In Diet
Eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits. They not only work wonders for your overall health, they are also vital sources of antioxidants, especially vitamins, and other essential nutrients that erase the signs of acne and heal them.
Water: Way To Go
Make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day. Water flushes toxins and other impurities from your system and keeps your skin cleansed and hydrated.
Say No To Sedentary Lifestyle
Try and remain physically active. Yoga, or aerobic exercises, improves your skin tone and boosts metabolism.
Use Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose clothing that does not irritate your skin. Prevent acne breakouts by avoiding the heat, friction and constant pressure caused by restrictive headgear, or other forms of athletic gear. Switch to cotton clothing, instead of wearing synthetic jogging suits and yoga outfits.
Clean Up After Exercise
Make sure you shower after exercising to get the sweat and grime off, as soon as possible. When you sweat it out, after a vigorous exercise session, there is a glut of dead cells on the surface of your skin. It is essential to remove them immediately to avoid blockages that may lead to acne breakouts. The best way to rid yourself of such blockages is — taking a refreshing shower after your workout.
The tips suggested are most helpful to beat acne, but there are several types of acne and age-related flare-ups [acne rosacea in middle age], or disease-related acne [diabetes mellitus] that one has to deal with too. Hence, it is imperative you keep a close watch on your health status.
To state the obvious: homeopathic treatment may well be your best choice to keeping acne at bay and treating it too.