Oct 27, 2002 05:28 PM
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(Updated Oct 27, 2002 05:30 PM)
Acne is one of the most common skin problem.Awareness of its cause and its treatment will go a long way in controlling it.Infact it is important as otherwise it can cause extensive scarring.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE
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It generally makes its appearance during adolescence as at this time the body goes through a great deal of hormonal and glandular activity.The skin’s oil glands also become over-active, depositing excess sebum, the skin’s natural oil, on the skin surface. Excessive secretion of oil enlarges and thickens the pores, which become clogged with hardened oil, or sebum. When the plug of sebum oxidizes, it gives rise to what we call blackheads. Infection of the pore causes a pimple and when the infection proceeds unchecked, it develops into an acne condition. In acne, the inner layer of the skin is also affected.
Acne can also occur at other ages, even during the menopausal years. Stress is also known to trigger off an acne condition. Environmental pollution, coupled with inadequate cleansing, has been the cause of increase in the incidence of eruptive skin conditions, in recent times.
TIPS TO PREVENT ACNE
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1)CLEANSING OF THE SKIN
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It is the most important part of preventive and corrective care of acne.It helps to remove excess oil from the skin surface and also discourage formation of blackheads by keeping the pores free of clogged oil.The skin should be cleansed two or three times a day with a mild soap or a light cleansing milk/lotion. Medicated cleansers for oily skin are also available. The skin should be rinsed several times with plain water. Remember to cleanse the skin at night. After cleansing, a facial scrub should be used.HOWEVER, IF THERE ARE ERUPTIONS, FACIAL SCRUBS SHOULD NOT BE USED.
2)BY USING ASTRINGENT
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The use of a mild astringent helps to close the pores and also remove the last traces of oil from the skin surface. A combination of rose water and witch hazel makes a good astringent for oily skins. They can be mixed in equal quantities. Witch hazel is available at a chemist or homeopathic medicine shop. Using cotton wool, wipe the skin with the astringent. If it is mild in nature, the skin can be wiped with it three or four times a day.
3)BY TAKING PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
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If acne has become severe it becomes necessary to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or skin-care clinic. To tell an adolescent that acne will disappear with age is ill advice, because the scars will remain. Professional treatment, on the other hand, can check the condition and prevent scarring. A medicated lotion, applied on the eruptions, helps to control the infection.Do not touch or squeeze the pimples as this can cause further infection and lead to an acne condition. It can also cause scarring.
4)BY OUR DIET
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The diet is an important part of the treatment, as acne is considered to be caused by a congested system or skin. Constipation can be one of the causes of a congested system. Avoid fried foods, too many starchy and sweet foods, cola drinks, chocolates. The diet should be rich in fibre. The major part of the diet should consist of fresh fruits, salads, lightly cooked vegetables, sprouted grains and lentils, whole wheat flour(atta), clear soups. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Such a diet will help the removal of toxins and wastes from the system and clear up congestion. This is bound to reflect on the skin.
HOME REMEDIES
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1)Yogurt(curd) can be applied on the skin daily, for about 15 minutes and then washed off with plenty of plain water.
2)Sandalwood paste can be applied on pimples.
3)Take a handful of neem and mint(pudina) leaves. Allow it to simmer in water for half-an-hour. Strain and cool the liquid and use it to wash the face.
Though professional advice is imperative, some home remedies can also be followed.
(Reference taken from the net)
