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 British actor Kate Winslet, a regular on the Most Sexy celeb list, says she fights acne with make-up. iTALK spills the beans on the one bane of every young woman's life
Pimples have a nasty habit of popping up when you have a big day ahead. And though make-up can conceal them, beauty experts recommend you rather take care of your skin. Here's all the dope.
"Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease, characterised by pimples on the face, chest, and back. They occur when the pores of the skin get clogged with oil, dead skin cells or bacteria."
Dr Malavika Kohli, Dermatologist and aesthetic dermatologist, Jaslok and Breach Candy Hospitals
Types of acne
Acne Vulgaris: This is the most common and includes blackheads, whiteheads, nodules (boils), papules, and pustules (boils with pus).
Acne Rosacea: It appears as a red rash and is confined to the cheek, forehead, nose and chin. The redness is often associated with bumps and blemishes.
Acne Conglobata: It's more commonly found in men, and is a severe form of Acne Vulgaris. It's charcterised by large lesions and widespread blackheads.
Acne Fulminans: This is same as Acne Conglobata, but only affects young men. Its symptoms are severe cysts and ulcering acne.
The method of diagnosis
>>Consult a skin specialist as soon as you notice a breakout of acne in the form of whitehead, blackheads and pimples.
>>The specialist will focus on your skin care routine, diet, medication and prior treatment.
>>Under good lighting, the doctor will examine the blemishes whether they are inflamed, deep or superficial, and whether there is scarring or skin discolouration.
>>Blood tests are done when the patient appears to have hormonal or other medical problems.
>>Food allergy tests are considered in certain cases.
How to treat it
>>Depending on how severe the acne is, medicated creams and lotions are recommended by a dermatologist.
>>In some cases, injections are also administered.
Want glowing skin? Follow this 13 step guide
1. Use a medicated soap, cleanser or lotion, twice a day, morning and night.
2. At night, use a rose-based skin tonic (astringent toner) after washing your face.
3. Use non-oily day creams. For example, you can mix a sandalwood cream with a day cream, and use it as a day-time protective cover.
4. Apply an anti-acne lotion on the eruptions.
5. Apply an anti-blemish preparation if there are marks left behind by acne.
6. Don't leave moisturisers on your face overnight.
7. Avoid using scrubs and grainy masks.
8. Don't break or squeeze pimples. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to infection or scarring.
9. Wash your pillowcase often, and always use clean face towels. Dirty towels and pillowcases can harbour bacteria and germs that can worsen matters.
10. Be sure to pull your hair away from your face, tie it when you sleep.
11. Try to shower as soon as possible after your workout, since sweat combined with skin oils can trap dirt and bacteria in your pores.
12. Don't go to bed with make-up on. It can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
13. Clean cosmetic brushes regularly in soapy water, and throw out make-up that's more than three months old.
Even Kate Winslet battles acne
British actor Kate Winslet insists she battles the same body issues as any other young woman, and hates being idolised for her looks. "Since I turned 30, I've had an acne problem on my chin. I'm just like everybody else. I just know how to cover it. There's no big secret. I have make-up on," she says.
Fruits and lassi will help
Shahnaz Husain Beauty guru
Acne occurs when pores are clogged and your system needs a flush out. You should therefore pick a diet that helps flush out toxins and wastes. It should be high in fibre and rich in vitamins and minerals.
What to eat? Fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, whole grains, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, clear soups and lassi.
What to Avoid? Fried food, sweets and chocolates.
What to drink? Six to eight glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water, and drink it as soon as you wake up.
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