Our DMs are overflowing with queries related to breakouts and how to treat them. So, we decided to put all your worries and confusion to rest and roped in an expert to answer all your queries related to acne.
Lucky for you, we have Dr Rashmi Shetty on speed dial. She is a celebrity dermatologist and skin specialist with more than 15 years of expertise in the field. She is also the founder of Ra Skin and Aesthetics, Mumbai. We got her to answer 10 most-asked questions from our readers related to acne. Here’s what she had to say…
1. How to treat recurring acne when you have PCOD?
Dr Rashmi: If you have PCOD, you will have recurring acne. You need to treat PCOD to get rid of this type of acne.
2. What foods should I avoid to keep acne in control?
Dr Rashmi: Sugar and dairy.
3. How to deal with premenstrual acne?
Dr Rashmi: You can’t really treat it because it is caused by hormonal issues. However, if you’re dealing with severe premenstrual acne, take an antibiotic for three or five days prior to your period, but only with your doctor’s consent. If your acne isn’t severe, apply an antibiotic ointment at night on the areas where you usually get those pimples, five days before your period. If it’s just one or two pimples that pop up before your period, simply rub an ice cube.
4. How can I get rid of acne scars naturally?
Dr Rashmi: If you have pits, a surface scar caused due to textural change, you can’t treat it at home. You need to go to the doctor to stimulate your collagen, get micro-needling or fillers done. However, if you have acne scars, you can try using sandalwood paste or oil and turmeric at home. Lemon and curd can help treat dark spots.
5. What is the best skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
Dr Rashmi:
- Cleanse! Make sure your skin and scalp are super clean.
- Use a lightweight moisturiser with antioxidants, skin-lightening agents and antibacterial agents.
- Include anti-inflammatory and antibacterial cream in your nighttime routine to keep acne under control.
- Remove your makeup thoroughly.
- Avoid using brushes to apply makeup and use sponges instead
6. I have acne on my back and chest. What could be the reason and how can I treat it?
Dr Rashmi: It could be simply because someone in your family has it and you have it too or because of dirty scalp or dandruff. Waxing, friction, wearing tight clothes, sweaty gym clothes could also be the reason, in which case, it could be folliculitis and not acne.
Whatever the cause is, you can treat it with oral pills or topical creams that contain azelaic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid. However, make sure it is under a doctor’s prescription.
7. Please suggest some home remedies to reduce acne on the forehead and nose.
Dr Rashmi: It is either because of oily skin or dandruff. So, you need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo and you can also use some lemon or sandalwood paste on your forehead and nose.
8. Can I get rid of a pimple overnight?
Dr Rashmi: Your doctor can help you get rid of a pimple overnight. Injecting steroid into it helps, but make sure you go to a dermat for that.
9. I have oily skin and keep getting acne every now and then. What should I do?
Dr Rashmi: Firstly, combat that oiliness. Use face washes with salicylic acid, mandelic acid and glycolic acid. Application of similar face acids at night can reduce the oiliness. Good old Retin-A also helps. You can use tretinoin, which is less irritating to the skin than retinol. If it is severely oily, then you might need oral vitamin A precursors. So ask your doctor.
10. I have acne scars. Does a vitamin C serum help get rid of them?
Dr Rashmi: Vitamin C serum can help lighten dark spots after acne, but not pits.
Written by Anjali Agarwal on Feb 28, 2020
Author at BeBeautiful.