Beauty basics with SHAHNAZ HUSAIN
While there’s a lot to love about this time of the year, acne can really ruin your fun. Experiencing a higher level of acne breakouts on both the face and the body during summer is extremely common. Acne appears due to excessive sun exposure and heat.
Different people get body acne for different reasons — genetic, oily skin or hormonal imbalances — but there are a few lifestyle factors that can exacerbate it.
If you are someone who struggles with summer pimples, this one’s for you.
This summer, get rid of tight-fitting and occlusive clothes! Use looser, lightweight and breathable fabric like cotton and linen, especially while exercising, to reduce friction on your most sensitive, acne-prone areas in the body. You can benefit from simple practices like showering or changing clothes often to avoid sweat from blocking the pores.
You need to pay attention to your cleansing routine during summer as a lot of dirt and oil get accumulated on the face. These attract acne and other skin concerns. The longer the bacteria sit on your skin, the more closely the germs bond with it, making it increasingly difficult to remove. So, make sure that you wash your face at least twice a day using a gentle cleanser that cleanses your skin without much harm. A cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid can exfoliate and inhibit inflammation
However, washing your face more frequently can also lead to over-washing and drying out of the skin, and may induce acne. If you have been working out and sweating the whole day, it’s best to immediately take a bath and avoid acne on the body. However, wiping your sweat with a damp cloth may also help prevent breakouts if you’re short on space or time. Follow up with a light moisturiser and sunscreen before heading to your next stop. Also, once a week use a good exfoliant to get rid of the dead skin accumulation and to clean your pores.
Ensure that hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. 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 can also lead to scarring, which can be difficult to remove. So, it is important that an acne and oily-skin condition be checked from spreading.
Acne on the back is quite common, because back is very rich in oil glands. This makes the skin prone to blackheads, spots and pimples. One should pay extra attention to the back while bathing. Use a long-handled brush, loofah, or a rough washcloth to scrub the area gently while bathing. This keeps the pores clean and free of clogged pores.
Use an ayurvedic medicated soap for bathing, which will help the acne condition on the back. In fact, anti-acne lotions and medicated ointments are also available. Sandalwood paste can be applied on the pimples, acne and boils on the back. If there is a rash, mix sandalwood paste with a little rose water and apply on the entire area. Wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes.
Mix together one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon of methi seed powder, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply it only on pimples, boils or acne and leave on for a couple of hours, or even overnight.
A body scrub will also help to get rid of blackheads, which eventually lead to acne. You can make one at home by mixing rice flour with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply the mixture and rub gently on the skin. You may need some help, or apply it with a long-handled brush. Rub the mixture gently on the back and then wash off with plenty of water. This helps to remove dead cells, making the skin clearer and brighter.
In fact, a scrub will also help to minimise dark acne marks. Mix 2 tablespoons of oats with egg white; apply it on the back and wash off when it dries. Lemon juice mixed with rose water in equal quantities can also be applied on the areas with dark acne marks. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Acne can be the result of a congested system. Eat cereals and fibre-rich food and vegetables such as blueberries, grapefruit to detoxify body and clear your skin. If you have a persistent acne problem, then food items like deep fried chips, French fries, pakodas, aloo tikkis etc are a strict no-no for you. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.
You need to also understand that if your acne gets aggravated, visit a dermatologist immediately because acne can spread and cause extensive scarring.
