As teenagers, a common wish we have is that by the time you’re in your 20’s and 30’s, acne is no longeryour pesky tenant. In a world where 85 % of people have experienced acne, we all can relate to thatsinking moment when you wake up and a bright, new friend is staring back at you, squarely placed in themiddle of your chin or the tip of your nose! Well, there’s good news and bad news. Bad news is acne canfollow you into adulthood, good news is we know how to deal with it explains leading Dermatologist DrBhardwaj.

What’s going on with your skin?

Two words: Hormonal fluctuation.

“Due to an underlying cause, there is an increase in testosterone production, which in turn, increasesthe amount of oil pumping through your pores” explains Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, a prominentdermatologist at Skin & Hair Clinic, New Delhi. “This extra oil clogs your pores, leading to that dreadedacne flare-up”

The reason for this hormone fluctuation depends on person to person. In some cases, daily factors suchas lifestyle changes (diets, stress) are the culprit, other times is due to some underlying pathology (suchas PCOS, PMS, pregnancy). If you’re getting a flare-up, go to your dermatologist to find what’s going onwith your body’s biology.

Keeping your skin a pimple-free zone.

First and foremost, consult your dermatologist. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is the firststep towards a pimple free life. Teenage acne is seen more on the forehead, cheeks and nose whereasadult acne is more likely to show up on the jawline and neck. It can range from small, red dots toclusters of cystic acne, along with whiteheads and blackheads. Once you understand what’s going on theinside, let’s try balancing it with the outside.

Dr.Deepali Bhardwaj’s Top Tips for an acne free life:

 Decrease your stress: Be it yoga or going to therapy, find a way that helps you reduce the stressin your life. In fact, when women are stressed about getting a pimple, the chances of gettingone increases, thus getting caught in a vicious cycle! De-cluttering your life helps clear your souland your skin

 Eat well, look better: Know your body and its cravings. While a burger and fries may give youmomentary happiness, the wreck they havoc is not worth it. Try eating fresh, healthy foodwhile drinking a lot of liquid (2 liters/day) that make you shine from the inside out. Cut back ondairy products and meats to reduce hormonal intake. Research your food before eating it.

 Too much of a good thing is neverrecommended: You could be washing your face too often andtoo intensely. Wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water, wiping your face with a softerwashcloth. If you feel to clean more often, use a gentle cleanser or salicylic acid to remove thedirt

 Do not pop that zit: There are several videos on the internet showing how to pop a pimple, butno matter how tempted you are, leave it to the professionals.

 Make sure you’re using the right products: Certain make ups and creams clog up your pores,leading to oily skin and acne flare ups. Make sure you’re letting your skin breathe by usinghypoallergic makeup and cleaning your face soon after.“In my years as a dermatologist, I’ve seen people who have struggled with acne all their life to adultswho haven’t had a blemish until they turned 20” mused Dr. Bhardwaj. “No matter who it is, they all feeldisheartened and bothered by the sudden appearance of an unwanted guest. It’s not uncommon tohear people cancelling their plans because their acne has plummeted their self-esteem.”Having a zit right before a party, an event or even everyday always bothers a person, but following abasic regimen can limit the surprise factor.

 Exercise 30 minutes a day, aerobic medium-high intensity to open up your pores

 Sprinkle some flaxseed or have a cup of probiotic curd at breakfast to help deal withinflammation. Limit your sugar intake to 25 grams of added sugar a day.

 Get a stress ball or listen to your favourite music as counters to the stresses of the day.

 Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate dead cells, dirt, blackheads and whiteheads.

 Use a water-based moisturizer to reduce the oiliness of the skin. While most women start usinganti-aging creams in their 20’s, the thick texture is not optimum for the thin skin for women.Between getting the proper medications and tweaking your daily schedule, you can the clear, glowingskin you’ve always wanted. But if you still get a visit from the pimple fairy, don’t stress yourself and let itget you down. A few bumps in the road make for a more exciting journey.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj MD(USA.IM),DVDL,M.Phil(Cosmetology), Allergy Fellowship Munich,Germany;Cosmetic surgeries,Iran. Honorary Dermatologist at President Estate Clinic in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Clinic: D305 first floor,Defence Colony,New Delhi24www.skincareindia.inhttps://m.facebook.com/dermatdoc/https://m.twitter.com/dermatdoc/Supports: Deepanjan Charitable Trust Registered with GOI & exempted in 80G www.deepanjan.org Registered with Life Member BRICS, CII, PhD Chambers, India International Centre-IIC