Acne actually occurs on an oily Skin. What many people may not know is that a blackhead is the primary acne lesion. In other words, acne starts with a blackhead. An oily skin is prone to blackheads, as pores get clogged with hardened oil. Neglected blackheads irritate the surrounding tissues of the skin, resulting in inflammation. This sets the stage for pimples and acne.

Read how to avoid blackhead here

“Cleansing” is the keyword for acne-prone skin. The pores must be kept free of hardened oil and oiliness must be reduced. Use a Face wash or medicated cleanser, like Shazema, which is specially formulated for acne and pimple-prone skin. Night time cleansing is a must. Use a rose-based astringent-toner, like Sharose. After cleansing, wipe the skin with it, using cotton wool. It can be used several times a day to refresh the skin. Avoid excessive soap and water washing, as it makes the skin too alkaline and predisposes it to further eruptions. Go for salon “clean-ups” where blackheads will be removed. Actually removal of blackheads helps to prevent acne.

Avoid oily creams and moisturizers. Protective creams and medicated lotions are available. At night, after cleansing, apply Shaclear anti-acne lotion on eruptions. Avoid applying facial scrubs on acne. They may be used after the acne condition subsides, in order to minimize scars. We also recommend the application of a clove cream Shaclove, mixed with Shaderm on pimples and acne.

As a home remedy, apply sandalwood paste on pimples and acne. Or, mix together one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon “methi” seed powder, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply it only on eruptions and leave on for a couple of hours. Boil a handful of neem leaves on a low fire in 5 to 6 cups of water for half an hour. Leave overnight. Next morning, strain the water and make a paste of the leaves. Use the water to rinse the face and apply the paste on eruptions. Neem contains organic sulphur compounds.

We recommend face packs like Home pack and Shatex to help minimize acne and marks. As a home remedy, mix multani mitti with rose water and lemon juice into a paste and apply on the face two or three times a week. Wash it off when it is dry. Ensure that your hair and scalp are free of dandruff. Keep the hair away from the face while you sleep. Wash pillow covers and towels in warm soapy water, after adding one teaspoon antiseptic lotion.

There are peel treatments for scars, but where acne is concerned, prevention is better than cure.