If you have an oily skin you need special care

Cleansing is a must:

Cleansing is the main aspect of care for oily skins, especially since they tend to attract more dirt. Face should not be washed with soap several times a day.  Too much soap and water disrupts the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin, which becomes prone to problems like pimples and acne. The skin should be washed or cleansed only twice a day. Use a cleanser specially formulated for normal to oily skins. For problem skin use a medicated soap or cleanser. An astringent lotion helps to remove oiliness. Astringents that are alcohol-based can sometimes be harsh on the skin. You can mix the astringent lotion with rose water in equal quantities. This also helps to tone the skin. For oily skins, rose water can be mixed with cucumber juice in equal quantities. I would recommend a rose or lavender-based skin tonic.

Exfoliation helps:

Exfoliation is an important aspect in the care of oily skins. This involves the use of cleansing grains or scrubs for deep pore cleansing. These should be rubbed gently on the skin and washed off. They help to remove dead skin cells and refining the pores. Cleansing grains, mixed with a rose-based skin tonic has been used in the treatment of blackheads. You can make a scrub by mixing rice powder with rose water and apply it. Rub gently with circular movements and wash off. This not only helps to prevent blackheads, but also to close the pores gradually. If there are pimples avoid grains and scrubs.

Cut down oiliness:

Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti) also helps to reduce oiliness. Mix multani mitti with rose water into a paste and apply three times a week. Ingredients like gram flour (besan) and oatmeal help to cut down on oiliness. Besan can be mixed with curd along with a pinch of turmeric. Oatmeal can be mixed with curd and egg white and applied. For open pores, mix oatmeal with egg white and apply three times a week on the area. If there are pimples avoid besan or oatmeal.

Prevention of blackheads:

The removal and prevention of blackheads is very important in oily skins. Keep in mind that an acne condition needs professional care. Teenagers are often told that acne "will go away" when they grow up. Yes, acne may decrease but it can leave extensive scars. With specialised attention to diet and lifestyle, acne can be prevented. If you have an oily skin, avoid oily creams and moisturisers. These can clog the pores and lead to blackheads and pimples. A multi-purpose day cream should be used. I advocate the use of a sandalwood cream mixed with a day cream for oily skin. Specialised cleansers, skin tonic, protective cream and medicated lotions help to control pimples and acne.

Healthy diet:

Diet is important. If the system is congested, it reflects on the skin. Keep the system cleansed by including fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, whole grains and yogurt in your daily diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of tepid water and have it first thing in the morning.

Winning query

My skin is dull and I have some red inner marks on my face. They are not pimples but just red spots. How can I make my skin appealing and glowing?
— Tanvi Madhok

You can mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste & apply daily. Wash it off after 10 minutes. Mix multani mitti with rose water & lemon juice into a paste and apply twice a week. Add dried & powdered mint (pudina) leaves to the face pack. Wash it off when it is dry. If you have dry skin, add honey or curd to the pack. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. In the morning add lemon juice to a glass of water and drink it.