JOIN USHideous red spots, zits and scars, acne leaves an indelible mark on our personality and takes a toll on our confidence. Anything from sweat and cosmetics to dust and hormonal changes can cause acne. A very common yet ignored reason of acne is sweat.Acne caused due to sweating is called pityrosporum folliculitis and is caused by a naturally occurring organism called pityrosporum fungus that feeds on human sweat. The affected areas include the chest, back, thighs, buttocks and arms. Maintain proper hygiene by bathing twice a day with antiseptic soap.
Heavy cosmetics like sunscreens, foundations and concealers can accumulate within the follicles and block the pores, leading to breakouts called acne cosmetica. Use lighter creams and keep your skincare routine simple – cleansing, moisturising and exfoliating.
But don’t fret. Follow these simple suggestions for a clear skin:
* Eat healthy: A sluggish digestive system cannot eliminate toxins correctly and therefore, finds an outlet through the skin, causing acne. Consume a fibre-rich diet instead of tilting towards medication. Include apple, bananas, pears and prunes and vegetables like spinach, corn and beans to your daily diet regime. Eating a bran cereal every morning is the best way to keep constipation under control.
* Say no to junk: Junk food may tingle your taste buds, but they also act as triggers and lead to acne breakouts. Reduce the consumption of chocolates, pizzas, dairy products, burgers, french fries, pastries and donuts as they have a high glycemic index, causing increased insulin production. This sets up a chain reaction causing excess skin oil production, triggering acne breakouts.
* Hydrate and cleanse: Maintain the hydration of your skin by drinking sufficient water. Avoid late nights to ensure that your skin gets enough rest and give importance to your cleansing routine, especially before periods. Avoid getting facials or chemical peels close to your periods.
(The author is a specialist skin consultant, Dr Health)