Diet can play a major role in imparting glow and freshness to your skin, some of the tips that can help are:
- Drink 12 to14 glasses of water every day.
- Avoid eating too much of fried foods like vadas, samosa, chips, bhajias, etc. Stick to fresh vegetable salads or fruit salads.
- Depending on the seasonal availability, eat all types of fresh, green vegetables and all types of fresh, juicy fruits (except for strawberries and mangoes; they are heaty and overconsumption can lead to acne).
- Avoid consuming too much of heaty food like chillies, garlic, non-vegetarian items or dried fruits like dates. Detoxify once a month by consuming fresh vegetables, fruits and liquids all day.
Tips for healthy teenage skin:- Wash your face twice a day, using a suitable cleanser. Teenagers with oily skin should choose a preparation formulated for their skin type.
- Avoid thick, greasy cosmetics as these can clog pores and give rise to acne. Use light, water-based, oil-free formulations of reputed brands.
- Remove all make-up at night with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid picking or squeezing your acne as this can lead to ugly blemishes and scars.
- You may need to continue some anti-acne preparation (cream or gel) for many months or years , even after acne has settled down, to prevent new ones from appearing.
- Wash your hair as often as necessary. Shampooing everyday will not harm the hair. Many shampoos and conditioners are designed for frequent use.
- Use an anti-fungal shampoo if you have a dandruff problem. Massage it onto your scalp for 3-5 minutes, and then wash off. Use 2-3 times weekly and gradually reduce the frequency, once better. Do not completely stop it as the dandruff tends to come back.
- Have a bath or shower once or twice daily and use a deodorant daily, also clip your underarm and pubic hair regularly to prevent body odor.
- Eat a balanced diet, which includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. There is no evidence that any particular food worsens spots or acne, but a healthy diet can improve the overall appearance and condition of the skin.
- Do regular exercise-be it jogging, playing outdoor sports, cycling, swimming, dancing etc as this can improve circulation and the condition of the skin.
