Shahnaz Husain
Body acne can present a problem, especially for people with oily skin. During the hot and humid season, sweat and oil secretions increase and these are deposited on the skin, not only on the face, but also on the back and scalp. An oily and sweaty skin attracts more dirt and pollutants. No wonder, the skin becomes prone to pimples, acne and rashy conditions.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, which occurs mainly on oily areas of the skin. An oily skin can also mean oily scalp and hair. Dandruff and oily hair are known to lead to acne on the back, shoulders and upper arms. Ensure that hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. 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. Acne can also lead to scarring, which can be difficult to remove. So, it is important that an acne and oily-skin condition be checked from spreading.
Consult a skin care clinic or specialist in good time. Acne occurs mainly on oily skin and starts with a blackhead. Avoid neglecting blackheads, as they can irritate the surrounding tissues of the skin, resulting in inflammation and a pimple. A single pimple does not mean an acne condition. In acne there are many kinds of eruptions, like blackheads, whiteheads, cysts (lumps), pustules, etc. If you have an oily skin, go for “clean-ups” to a good beauty salon, where blackheads will also be extracted.
Acne on the back is quite common, because back is very rich in oil glands. This makes the skin prone to blackheads, spots and pimples. One should pay extra attention to the back while bathing. Use a long-handled brush, loofah, or a rough washcloth to scrub the area gently while bathing. This keeps the pores clean and free of clogged pores.
Use an Ayurvedic medicated soap for bathing, which will help the acne condition on the back. In fact, anti-acne lotions and medicated ointments are also available. Sandalwood paste can be applied on the pimples, acne and boils on the back. If there is a rash, mix sandalwood paste with a little rose water and apply on the entire area. Wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes. 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 pimples, boils or acne and leave on for a couple of hours, or even overnight.
A body scrub will also help to get rid of blackheads, which eventually lead to acne. You can make one at home by mixing rice flour with curd and pinch of turmeric. Apply the mixture and rub gently on the skin. You may need some help, or apply it with a long handled brush. Rub the mixture gently on the back and then wash off with plenty of water. This helps to remove dead cells, making the skin clearer and brighter. It also dislodges and discourages blackheads. In fact, a scrub will also help to minimize dark acne marks. Mix 2 tablespoons oats with egg white; apply it on the back and wash off when it dries. Lemon juice mixed with rose water in equal quantities can also be applied on the areas with dark acne marks. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Acne can be the result of a congested system. So, include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, curd, in your daily diet and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. Last, but not least, if acne makes an appearance, get professional care in good time, because acne can spread and cause extensive scarring.
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