6 Ways to Manage Acne

Severe cases of acne may require medical supervision, but in mild cases, over-the-counter pimple creams work. However, what works best is a little bit of awareness and slight modifications to your lifestyle and diet.

Watch your diet

What you eat reflects on your skin. There is no conclusive study to prove it. But diet influences hormones, which are responsible for acne flare-ups. So say ‘no’ too salty junk food. Salt contains iodine and too much iodine is known to trigger acne. Snacking on chips, fries, namkeens, and farsans are free invitations to pimples. Instead, consume fresh fruits, salads, fiber-rich food and raw vegetables. As an added incentive you will not be burdened with calories either. Sometimes just eliminating dairy products may also help control acne. Most dairy products are rich in saturated fats, which intensify acne. After the acne clears up, try reintroducing dairy products and see if acne returns.

Clean your insides

Undergo a blood, liver and colon cleansing routine. When too many toxins build up in the body, they get discharged through the skin. In fact, most skin disorders are a result of stress, hormonal imbalances and too many toxins in the body. Have lots of water (around a liter) on waking up to flush out harmful toxins from your body.

Personal hygiene

Wash your face as often as possible and dab it dry with a soft towel. Do not use soap as it will only lead to the depletion of essential skin oils. Also, keep your scalp clean, as dandruff-infested hair often aggravates pimples. Shampoo your hair at least twice a week to avoid pimples. Also, avoid wearing too much makeup or make sure you use cosmetics that are water-based and not oil-based.

Combat constipation

Drink a glass of vegetable juice daily. A glass of palak and tomato juice works as an effective laxative. Wash a few palak leaves thoroughly and then blend them with tomatoes into a paste. Add water till it comes to a drinkable consistency. For some added flavour add in lime juice and salt.

Beneficial supplements

Vitamin A is highly beneficial for clear and glowing skin. It is recommended in the form of Beta-carotene. Dermatologists prescribe its derivative form, ‘Acutane’ against cystic acne. ‘Retin A’ is yet another effective derivative in curing acne occurring during puberty. Mineral zinc not only boosts immunity but also suppresses bacterial activity. Most people suffering from acne are found to be deficient in Zinc. A high-potency B-complex is highly recommended for controlling facial oiliness. Vitamin C also prevents the spread of acne.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapists use tree oil, as it is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. You can add 10-12 drops of tree oil to ½ cup of warm water. Dip a cotton ball in it and dab it on the affected area. It prevents acne from spreading. The last thing to do is to not squeeze or scratch your pimples. Also, follow the above points and you can keep those menacing pimples from ruining your appearance.