Did you know that simple measures in your daily routines could help you get acne-free skin? Here are some dos and donts for acne-prone skin.

Acne — one of the most dreaded words in skincare has a knack for popping at the wrong times. While it may not be possible to predict a skin eruption, there are ways of curing and preventing it. What causes it?

• Excessive oiliness or seborrhea is the prime cause. Dr. Meha Mhatre* explains that pimples, blackheads or whiteheads happen when the activity of male hormones in the body increases, causing the oil glands to secrete an excess amount of sebum.
• Large scale hormonal changes in case of teen acne.
• Improper diet and excessive intake of junk oily food.
• Menstrual irregularities, pre-menstrual syndrome or menopause Stress
• Treatments such as hysterectomy.
• What to do when you spot the first pimple?
• Don’t panic. Stress can aggravate the problem.
• Keep your skin clean to stop the infection from spreading (see beauty kit for product recommendations). Don’t touch or try to squeeze the pimple, as that may spread the infection.
• Use tea tree oil on affected area.
• A pimple is the body's way of cleansing toxins, so don’t try and suppress it. Trying to burst them may leave you with scars on your face.
• Choose your skincare products and cosmetics carefully to match your skin type.

• Drink at least two litres of water everyday.
• Avoid foods rich in refined flour such as breads, pizzas, burgers and other fast food.
• Eat food rich in vitamin A (carrots, papayas, leafy vegetables, pumpkins, dairy products), sulphur (garlic, cabbage, onions, eggs), zinc (walnuts, broccoli, eggs, pulses) and essential fatty acids (fish, whole wheat, nuts, green leafy vegetables).
• Opt for deep pore-cleansing treatments every month or fortnight.
• Use a suitable daytime lotion and sunscreen to protect the skin (see beauty kit for product recommendations).
• Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
• Seek expert help when treating acne. Home remedies, while useful may not always be effective. Acne requires simultaneous internal and external treatment.