Your skin has a lot of enemies like excessive heat, pollution, dust and the likes of it. Adding to that, acne and pimples breakouts make it even more difficult!

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne pimples vary in size, colour, and level of pain. Also, acne is not a problem you face only in the summers; they can pop-up in the winters too, which calls for additional winter skin care.

First, let's look at some of the common forms for acne:

The following types are possible:      

  1. Whiteheads: These remain under the skin and are small      
  2. Blackheads: Clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin       
  3. Papules: Small, usually pink bumps, these are visible on the surface of the skin      
  4. Pustules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top
  5. Nodules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid, painful pimples that are embedded deep in the skin    
  6. Cysts: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful and filled with pus. Cysts can cause scars.

Prevention and management tips:

  • Drink plenty of water: Water flushes toxins out of your body and also improves circulation, both of which are helpful in the fight against acne.         
  • Plan Anti-Acne Diet: include healthy fats i.e Omega 3 fats (fatty fish/ olive oil/ flax seeds, walnuts etc), Vitamin A (carrots/ dark green vegetables, etc) and Vitamin C (oranges/ kiwi/ etc) in your diet.        
  • Avoid fried, processed and junk food. Limit the salt intake in the diet. 
  • Prefer baking/ grilling/ boiling method for cooking instead of deep frying.                
  • Choose complex carbohydrates (like whole grains, oats, and brown rice), lean protein and low-fat products in your diet.             
  • Exercise regularly: Exercise promotes healthy blood circulation. The increase in blood flow helps nourish the skin cells, which may help prevent and heal acne.        
  • Wash your face no more than twice each day with water.       
  • Shampoo regularly, if you have oily hair.          
  • Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.       
  • Do not burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more blocking, swelling, and redness.       
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup·       
  • If acne is on the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing to let the skin breathe.
  • Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. Remove makeup before sleeping.        
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum.         
  • Sleep well. Sleep deprivation and stress can cause hormonal changes, which in turn make your face more susceptible to breakouts.       
  • Avoid stress, as it can increase production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.  

Go out and flaunt your face with confidence and show the world the real you!