Diaper rash is red, sore skin in the diaper area. Most babies get it at some point, especially between 9 and 12 months. It usually clears in 2 to 3 days with simple care at home.

Common causes

• Wet or dirty diapers left on too long
• Rubbing and chafing
• Diarrhea, which irritates skin quickly
• Starting new foods, which changes stool
• Antibiotics (for baby, or for a breastfeeding mother), which can lead to a yeast rash
• Sensitivity to wipes, soaps or detergents

How to treat it

• Change diapers often, as soon as they’re wet or dirty, including once at night if the rash is bad.
• Clean gently with warm water and a soft cloth, or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes. Pat dry; don’t rub.
• Give diaper-free time: let your baby lie on a towel without a diaper for a few minutes several times a day.
• Use a barrier cream at every change. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly creams protect the skin. Herbal options such as Himalaya Diaper Rash Cream can soothe mild rashes. Apply a thick layer and don’t wipe it all off at the next change; just clean the soiled part.
• Loosen the diaper or go up a size so air can reach the skin.

Avoid talcum powder (it can be breathed in), baby wipes with fragrance or alcohol, and steroid creams unless a doctor recommends them.

Is it a yeast rash?

A rash that lasts more than 3 days despite good care may be caused by yeast (candida). Signs include bright red skin with raised edges, small red spots spreading beyond the main rash, and redness in the skin folds. Your pediatrician may suggest an antifungal cream.

Prevention

• Change diapers promptly and use a barrier cream at changes if your baby gets rashes often
• Choose fragrance-free wipes and mild, baby-safe soap such as Himalaya Extra Moisturizing Baby Soap
• Wash cloth diapers in fragrance-free detergent and rinse well

When to call your pediatrician

• The rash doesn’t improve after 2 to 3 days of home care
• There are blisters, open sores, pus-filled bumps or crusting
• Your baby has a fever or seems unwell
• The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
• Your baby is under 6 weeks old

Frequently asked questions

How long does diaper rash last?

Most mild rashes get better within 2 to 3 days of good care.

Should I use cream at every diaper change?

While there’s a rash, yes. A thick barrier layer at each change protects the skin while it heals.

Can teething cause diaper rash?

Teething itself doesn’t, but babies who are teething sometimes have looser stools, which can irritate the skin.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Oily skin makes more sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft. Too much can mean shine, enlarged-looking pores and breakouts. The aim isn’t to strip all the oil away, which can make skin produce even more, but to keep it balanced with a few simple steps.

Morning routine

1. Cleanse with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, such as a neem face wash like Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash.
2. Treat (optional): a niacinamide serum can help reduce oil and redness.
3. Moisturize with an oil-free, non-comedogenic gel or lotion. Yes, oily skin still needs moisture.
4. Sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, in a light gel or fluid texture.

Night routine

1. Cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup and oil. If you wear heavy makeup, cleanse twice.
2. Treat: salicylic acid (2 to 3 times a week to start) or adapalene gel if you get breakouts.
3. Moisturize with a light gel, such as Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Gel.

Ingredients that help oily skin

• Niacinamide can reduce oil production and redness
• Salicylic acid gets into pores and clears blackheads
• Clay masks once or twice a week absorb excess oil
• Retinoids such as adapalene help with pores and breakouts

Common mistakes

• Washing too often or scrubbing hard, which irritates skin and can increase oil
• Skipping moisturizer
• Using alcohol-heavy toners that dry and sting
• Thick, oily creams and hair products that clog pores along the hairline
• Picking or squeezing spots, which can scar

Body breakouts

For an oily chest or back, a medicated or neem body soap such as Himalaya Clear Skin Soap and showering soon after exercise can help.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have painful, deep or scarring acne, or if oily skin comes with other changes such as irregular periods or excess hair growth, which can be signs of a hormone condition such as PCOS.

Frequently asked questions

How many times a day should I wash oily skin?

Twice a day, plus after heavy sweating, is enough for most people.

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. A light, oil-free moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier healthy and can stop it overproducing oil.

Can diet affect oily skin?

Some studies link high-sugar foods and skim milk with more acne in some people. A balanced diet is a reasonable step, but skin care matters most.

More in our Skin guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been used in Indian skin care for centuries, and it’s now a common ingredient in face washes, gels and soaps. Lab studies show neem extracts can slow the growth of acne bacteria and calm inflammation. Human studies are small, though, so it’s best thought of as a gentle helper rather than a replacement for proven acne treatments.

What neem may do for acne-prone skin

• Antibacterial: neem extracts act against Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria linked to acne, in lab tests.
• Anti-inflammatory: it may help calm red, sore spots.
• Oil control: neem cleansers can leave skin feeling less greasy.

How to use neem products

• Face wash: use a neem cleanser such as Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash twice a day. Massage gently for 30 seconds and rinse with lukewarm water. Don’t scrub.
• Face gel: a lightweight neem gel like Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Gel suits oily skin that doesn’t like heavy creams.
• Soap: neem bars such as Himalaya Neem & Turmeric Soap work well for the body, chest and back. On the face, a gentle liquid cleanser is usually less drying.
• Pure neem oil: it’s strong and can irritate. Never use it undiluted on the face, and do a patch test first.

Pair it with treatments that are proven

For mild to moderate acne, these over-the-counter options have the strongest evidence:

• Benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 5%) kills acne bacteria
• Adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin) unclogs pores and is available without a prescription in the US
• Salicylic acid helps clear blackheads and whiteheads

Give any routine 8 to 12 weeks before judging it, and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen every day.

Who should be careful

• People with sensitive skin or eczema: patch-test on your inner arm for 24 hours first
• Anyone who gets redness, burning or itching: stop using it
• Pregnant women: neem products on the skin are generally considered fine, but never take neem oil by mouth

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or dermatologist if your acne is painful, leaves scars or dark marks, or hasn’t improved after 3 months of over-the-counter treatment. Prescription treatments work well for moderate and severe acne.

Frequently asked questions

Can neem remove acne scars?

No. Neem may help calm active spots, but it won’t remove scars. A dermatologist can advise on treatments for scarring.

Is neem face wash good for daily use?

Yes, for most people with oily or acne-prone skin. If your skin feels tight or dry, use it once a day.

How long does neem take to work on acne?

Give it at least 4 to 6 weeks, and up to 12 weeks alongside other treatments.

More in our Skin guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.