Ten tested remedies to prevent pimples
Parvesh Handa

PIMPLES and acne, chiefly disorders of the sebaceous glands, occur mostly on the cheeks, forehead and nose during adolescent years. The following home remedies can work wonders to control them and to remove their scars:

• Make a paste of the barks of neem and turmeric (haldi) and rub on the affected area.

• Rub a piece of sandalwood on a clean stone using a little rose water or cucumber juice to make a paste. This pack gives a tingling fresh feeling and will discourage pimples.

• Slake lime in water (one part lime be mixed with 20 parts water) and mix to it two parts of finely powdered sulphur. The mixture should be boiled till half the quantity is left. Apply a light coat of the fluid to the pimples.

• Multani mitti pack is an effective means of controlling pimples. Dissolve multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) in water to make a thin paste to smear over the affected skin. Wash with cold water when it dries.

• Take a spoonful of honey mixed with water and lemon juice daily in the morning.

• Squeeze mint to make a paste and apply the pack at least thrice a week. Wash the face with cold water after ten minutes.

• Mix gram flour in a spoonful of coconut oil. Rub it on the affected skin; when it dries, wash the face with mild hot water.

• Use Sulphur soap to keep the oil glands open. Steam your face once in a week and do not peel off pimples, as that can cause septic and may leave behind permanent marks. Always cleanse the day’s make-up before going to bed at night. Cut down on sweets, fats and spicy dishes.

• Antibiotic lotions containing clindamycin or crythromycin are successful in treating pimples and acne. Remember, consult a doctor before using such lotions that may darken the skin.

• Sunlight usually discourages pimples. And the tan disguises some of the redness.