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Many beauty treatments can be carried out at home, using kitchen ingredients. But, pimples and acne need professional guidance and care. In fact, prevention, protection and correction are an important part of modern skin care.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It appears at a time when the body goes through physical changes and glandular secretions increase. Due to this reason, adolescents are the main victims of an acne condition. In many cases, the condition reduces after puberty and may disappear. Had this been all, there would be no cause for anxiety. But, acne is a skin condition which can cause deep, permanent scars. It is a misconception that acne is something teenagers must live with and "grow out of it". In fact, acne can persist even after the teen years.

In recent times, there has been an increase in the incidence of adult acne, for which mental stress may be responsible. Adults may also suffer from a condition called acne rosacea, which occurs on mature skin. In fact, it usually occurs after the age of 30. The exact cause of acne rosacea is not really known, but it can be triggered off by stress or hormonal imbalances. It is also associated with over-activity of the oil glands. Spicy foods and heat sometimes aggravate acne rosacea.

Even if acne disappears with time, the havoc it wrecks, in terms of scarring, remain. Acne causes destruction of skin tissue, which results in scars. Therefore, it is imperative that the condition be checked from spreading. Acne can be controlled and even prevented if appropriate measures are taken in good time.

• Understand the skin and give it the kind of care that it needs.
• Recognize the value of professional care and seek help in good time.

A great deal of hormonal activity takes place during puberty, affecting the glands. The oil glands are also stimulated, leading to excessive secretion of oil. That is why teenagers are confronted with an oily skin and conditions associated with it. As we know, it is an oily skin which is prone to blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. Reducing oiliness and removal and prevention of blackheads are important aspects of preventive and corrective care for acne.

Medicated Cleanser – Twice a Day

Cleansing is the keyword for an oily skin. Daily cleansing and skin care, with appropriate products, is the only way of preventing acne and other oily-skin conditions. Oily skins tend to attract more dirt. Moreover, the pores must be kept free of hardened oil and the oiliness of the skin surface must also be reduced. Therefore, a medicated cleanser, which is specially formulated for oily skins, should be used. This helps to reduce surface grease and restores the natural acid-alkaline balance. Use plenty of water to wash off all traces of the cleanser.

Deep Pore Cleansing: Preventive Care

In order to deep cleanse the skin, cleansing grains mixed with a rose-based skin tonic should be rubbed gently on the skin. This helps to remove the dead cells of the outer layer and keeps the pores free of oil. Blackheads are also dislodged and discouraged from forming. Stubborn blackheads should be removed at a skin-care clinic, by a trained therapist, using proper methods. Pinching blackheads, or trying to remove them at home, not only leads to infection, but also scarring. If there is acne, cleansing grains or scrubs should not be used.

Toning:

Frequent washing with soap and water is not advocated. The face should not be washed with soap more than twice a day. Due to their alkaline nature, most soaps destroy the acid-alkaline balance of the skin, leaving it predisposed to bacterial attack. However, the face can be washed with plain water several times a day. The cleansing process must be followed by the use of a rose-based skin tonic, which should be used to wipe the face. Use cotton wool pads to do this. This not only completes the cleansing procedure, but also helps to close the pores and restore the normal balances. The skin can be wiped with the rose skin tonic several times a day to reduce surface grease. Harsh astringents are often advised for acne. These can cause acute dryness of the outermost layer, giving the skin a wrinkled appearance.

Protection:

After cleansing, a protective cream should be applied, along with a liquid moisturizer. We recommend a sandalwood "heal and conceal" base. A suitable way of concealing an acne condition is of much importance, instead of using foundations or concealing sticks, which may actually cause further clogging of the pores.

Specialized Care:

The use of oily cleansing and nourishing creams should be avoided. If the outer layer feels taut, as in winter, a light, liquid moisturizer should be used. A rose skin-tonic also helps to keep the skin moisturized. If pimples and acne make an appearance, never hesitate to seek professional help, as medicated ointments, lotions and packs are available. An anti-pimple lotion should be used directly on the eruptions. It is best to apply it at night and leave it on. Products containing clove, sandalwood, eucalyptus, mint, basil and so on have been used to treat acne and also take daily care of oily and problem skin. It is also important to make sure that the hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. Dandruff and other conditions can also make an appearance during adolescence and may even lead to skin problems on the face, back and upper arms.

Clinical treatments:

The Shahnaz Herbal Salons are known for their clinical treatments for acne. The treatments are geared towards:

• Controlling the condition from spreading.
• Reduction of surface oil.
• Creation of a germicidal environment.
• Curing the existing eruptions.
• Improving skin texture.

Protection

Once the condition has subsided, the treatment is adjusted to tackle the problem of scars. Advice regarding daily care is provided, along with dietary suggestions. Daily care with appropriate products not only helps to control the condition, but also helps to improve skin texture.

Diet:

External cosmetic care cannot work wonders if the diet consists of the wrong foods. Therefore, the diet should include fresh fruits and fresh fruit juices, clear soups, lassi, raw salads, sprouted cereals and dals and yogurt. "Nimbu paani", first thing in the morning, helps to keep the system flushed. In fact, it can be taken two or three times in the day. Add a dash of honey, instead of sugar. Have 5 to 8 glasses of water. Avoid too many sweets, chocolates, cola drinks, fried foods and snacks. People with acne rosacea are advised to keep away from hot, spicy foods. Alcohol can also aggravate the condition. Wrong foods and lack of fibre in the diet can lead to constipation and the build-up of toxins and wastes. This, in turn, causes skin congestion and gives rise to problems like acne.

Shahnaz Husain’s Products for Acne – Treatment/Prevention:

Acne Treatment:

• Shazema (Medicated Cleanser)
• Sharose (Rose-based Skin Tonic)
• Shabase (Sandalwood Protective Cream)
• Shasilk OR Shataj (Moisturiser/All purpose cream)
• Shaderm (Medicated Ointment)
• Shaclove (Face Treatment)
• Shaclear (Anti-acne lotion)
• Shablem (Anti-blemish/scar)
• Home Pack (Shaface, Shafresh)

Morning: Wash face with Shazema. Wipe with Sharose. Apply Shabase mixed with Shasilk or Shataj.

Afternoon: Clean face with Sharose. Apply Shaderm mixed with Shaclove on the eruptions.

Night: Wash face with Shazema. Apply Shaclear only on eruptions (acne/pimples) and leave on all night. Rub Shablem on the areas with scars and leave on all night.

Home Pack: Once daily (follow directions on the labels)

Prevention Of Acne: (For Oily Skins prone to blackheads) Morning: Cleanse with Shazema. Mix Shagrain with Sharose and rub the mixture gently on the skin. Wash off with water. DO NOT APPLY ON PIMPLES AND ACNE.

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