Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. There are several reasons why an acne condition occurs. Sweat is merely one of the causes. We sweat when the humidity is high, as it is during the Monsoons. Due to high humidity, both sweat and oil secretions increase. An oily and sweaty skin attracts more dirt and chemical pollutants, leading to dull skin and problems like pimples, acne and rash.
Acne occurs mainly on oily skin. That is why both sweat and oil clog the pores and tend to make the skin prone to acne. Acne actually starts with a blackhead, caused by sweat and oil deposits clogging and hardening in the pores. Avoid neglecting blackheads, as they can irritate the surrounding tissues of the skin, resulting in inflammation. This sets the stage for pimples and acne. If you have oily skin, go for “clean-ups” to a good beauty salon, where blackheads will also be extracted.
If there are clogged pores and blackheads, a facial scrub should be used on these areas for home care. But do not apply scrubs on acne, pimples or rash. To make a scrub, mix rice powder with curd and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it on the areas with blackheads daily. Rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with water. The scrub can also be applied on open pores to cleanse and unclog them. Using a scrub also helps to remove dead cells, along with oil and sweat deposits. Avoid pinching blackheads with the nails. It leads to infection and scarring. Avoid touching the face without washing your hands and never pick or pinch blackheads and acne.
Ensure that hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. If the scalp is oily, or if there is dandruff, it can lead to acne. The scalp also sweats and has oil glands. Keep the hair away from the face while you sleep. Sweat and oil secretions can get on the pillow covers and towels. Wash pillow covers and towels in warm soapy water, after adding one teaspoon antiseptic lotion. Daily cleansing and skin care, with appropriate products, is the only way of protecting the skin from acne. Use an astringent-toner after cleansing to remove oil and sweat deposits. Wipe the face with it, using cotton wool. You can also use a rose-based skin toner. Green Tea also has an astringent effect. Soak green tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water for half an hour. Cool and strain. Apply the liquid on the skin. Sandalwood paste applied on the acne eruptions helps to reduce the condition.
You can also 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 to acne and leave on for an hour. Another remedy is to add 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on eruptive conditions. For excessive perspiration, Ayurveda recommends some dietary suggestions. Sip “nimbu paani.” Sip ginger tea before and after your meals. Chop fresh ginger root finely and mix with a pinch of salt. Chew a little of this before your meal. Sipping warm water with your meal may also help. Light diet and less spices are advised. Eat smaller meals. Pay special attention to your diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, curd, and soybean in your diet.