I had beautiful skin while growing up - no pimples, just clear white ‘Himachali’ face. I never understood why my friends created a fuss about pimples in school. During those TV commercials in which girls screamed on spotting a zit, I simply gawked at their pretty dresses. I never paid attention to the problem, product or pimples. Good old days! But sadly, my skin went a drastic change in my early 20s. Hormonal change and constant travelling took a toll on my skin. It started with pimples around the chin, and it was then I understood how much trouble a tiny zit can cause. It pricks like a thorn and punctures your confidence, to say the least. I was the same girl who was lovingly called ‘Peach’ by one of my mother’s friends, but then, with so much pimples and marks, I resembled a strawberry. Damn, I hated it!
It was not only pimples that led to the anxiety. Sometimes, when out of frustration I pricked them, the marks stayed longer than the pimples. I felt totally helpless. In fact, it put a dent on my self confidence. I avoided social functions and slipped out of the frame when someone tried to click a picture. Even when I tried to apply cream in winters, it was painful. And who doesn’t know the feeling when just a day before an important event pimples shout - I am back, I am back! This feeling became my constant companion. Then, it was in 2006 when I became friends which a boy who was studying Dermatology, that I understood my problem. He told me all about the ‘whys’ and ‘whats’ of pimples and the importance to know all of it before attempting the pimple-rescue-mission.
Whys -
Why I had pimples?
Why it started at a later age?
Whats -
What is my skin type?
What I need to do to get rid of them?
What is a perfect skin care routine?
What products suit my skin type?
It was after answering those questions, I was able to deal with it. With my hormonal changes, it was normal to had pimples, zits and skin rashes, and I needed proper medical attention to get rid of them. Also, following a proper skin care routine was very important. At one stage, things got really ugly and I suffered from Multiple Abscesses. It multiplied the pimple problem and I started having pimples on my cheeks as well. I had to take the complete course to treat it and then, my problems started to recede. It’s not completely gone but it is way better than what it used to be. After going through all this, I started following a proper skin care routine. It took me a while to find the right products for my skin. I experimented with many brands for many months to finally find what I needed. A good face wash to clean all the pores and dust. I have dry skin, so regular soap was a big no-no. A moisturizing cream that complements the toner. Also, I learnt to stay away from chemicals. Natural products are better and they don’t have side effects. A concoction of banana and honey is more effective than a banana face pack available in the market. Sticking to natural, herbal and chemical free products, like like Garnier Pure Active Neem Face Wash is the key to healthy looking skin.
In a sentence - the right solution to all the problems is to follow a healthy routine, use right products and stay happy. I wish, when my rowdy hormones would come back to their normal self, I will get my old look back.
*This post is written as a part of Garnier campaign, check bit.ly/GPABlogLinkIndiBloggerActivity and bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite
**Images for Collage - here and here
**Images for Collage - here and here
Even I had clear skin while growing up, but since I moved to Sydney, the rate of acne has increased. It's indeed a headache... I use neem pack too but of different company.
ReplyDeleteWhich one? Neem products are really very good. My mother uses neem paste for her skin. It is wonderful!
DeleteVery clean post. Loved the metaphors - peach & strawberry. All the best for contest :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ravish!
DeleteLovely post dear! I am loving that face wash too! :)
ReplyDeleteGood, I haven't tried it yet.
DeleteHimachali complexion is a blessing!!! and pimples on chin are so painful..
ReplyDeleteNice post! all the best :)
True, true!
DeleteThanks for your wishes, Ankita
Peach and strawberry! Perfect examples Saru :-D All the best babe... :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteMade wonderful reading and a definitely a good marketing push for neem based products !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sir.
DeletePimples, I tell you. Good luck, Saru.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachna.
DeleteThis looks like story of my life..my skin changed post 30th and I am so not loving the change :(
ReplyDeletewww.hautekutir.com
Oh, I know the feeling.
DeleteI love the name of your post... Ohh pimples I hate it too.... All the best for the competition.. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Arpita!
DeleteSeriously! It's a nightmare.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely & creatively expressed, Saru. Can identify :)
ReplyDeleteMuch difference between Peach & Strawberry! Though we love eating strawberries, we don't like looking like one!
Best wishes for the contest!
Yeah, we don't want a strawberry look. Thanks for your wishes, Anita.
DeleteNice article Saru :) You have narrated it very well how annoying pimples can be!
ReplyDeleteAll the best for the contest :)
Thank you so much, Sindhu. :)
DeleteIf only I got a himachali face and be called peach not strawberry... It would be a dream come true..
ReplyDeleteLoved the metaphors and the picture. It says it all:)
You bet! It will be a dream come true.
DeleteThanks for reading dear. :)
Agree ladies:) Best wishes for the contest Saru!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sir. :)
ReplyDeleteNice title and the accompanying pic :). If only, everyone had a Himachali face, life would have been so simple :P.
ReplyDeleteI agree but sadly, things change.
DeleteLoved the post , and so much more love for the title :P It piqued my interest !
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nisa. :)
Delete