Herbal Remedies for Acne vulgaris – Causes & Symptoms

Acne vulgaris or acne is a long term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. It occurs mainly in adolescents. It commonly starts during puberty between the age of 10-13 yrs and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Acne occurs in both the sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases. Acne lesions are most commonly seen on the face. They can also be seen on the neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.

CAUSES
There are a number of factors that are responsible for causing acne:
Genetic: The predisposition to acne vulgaris for specific individuals is likely explained in part by a genetic component
Hormonal: Hormonal activity that occurs during menstrual cycles and puberty, may contribute to the formation of acne.
Infections: Propionibacterium acne is responsible for causing acne.
Diet: Oily food contribute in the development of acne
Smoking
Psychological factors
Hereditary: If one of your parents had severe acne, then it is likely that you develop acne
Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, collars, suspenders aggravate acne
Drugs: Some medications like iodides, bromides, steroids and anti-convulsant medicine can cause or aggravate acne
Occupations: Exposure to industrial products may cause acne
Cosmetics: Many cosmetics and skin care products can cause acne
Acne is also caused due to over production of skin oil or sebum which is produced by a gland at the root of the hair follicle
Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of the skin
Age: Teenagers are more prone to develop acne
Disease: Long term chronic illness or regular gastrointestinal problem or hormonal disorders can increase the severity of acne problem in girls
Personal hygiene: Uncleanliness contribute to the development of acne
Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to acne
Environment: Polluted environment and sweating contribute to the development of acne
SYMPTOMS
Acne symptoms vary depending upon the severity of the condition:
Whiteheads: Closed and plugged pores
Blackheads: Open and plugged pores
Papules: Small red and tender bumps
Pustules: Papules with pus at their tips
Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin
Cystic lesions: Painful, pus filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Ayurveda explains acne in the form of Yuvana Pidika. Yuvana means youth and Pidaka means a skin eruption. Hence, it mainly affects youth. Due to the above mentioned factors when the vata and pitta dosha increases in the body, the rakta dosha and mamsa dhatu gets vitiated. This causes constant irritation in the localized areas such as face, neck, chest and back and as a result multiple small elevated lesions are manifested. These eruptions are named as Yuvana Pidika in Ayurveda.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE
Wash thoroughly by lukewarm water three or four times a day
Use blood purifying and detoxifying herbs that have astringent and bitter tastes. These tastes help to dry up the oil and have anti bacterial effect that help in cleansing and healing the acne and quickly.
Coolants and mind soothing medicines are of great help
Complexion enhancers like turmeric or sandal wood paste should be used
Hormone balancing therapy is required if the cause is hormonal imbalance
Easily digestible foods should be taken
Intake of raw vegetables like carrot and cucumber should be enhanced in the diet
Avoid exposure to excess bright sunlight
Take fruits like guava, apple and pear in your diet
Sleep atleast 6-7 hours at night
Anti -stress techniques like Pranayam should be undertaken
One must avoid excess spices that increases Pitta
Avoid pricking or touching the acne area repeatedly which would otherwise lead to worsening of infection.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ACNE
Prepare a fine paste of the tender leaves of guava, mango and pomegranate and apply over the acne lesions regularly. This is helpful for those with oily skin. It helps to reduce the spots and increases the glow of the skin.
Crush well red ixora flowers and rose petals and make a fine paste of it. To this add little turmeric and grind well. This helps to relieve the scars caused due to acne.
Dry the outer skin of the lemon and convert it into ash. Mix this with little buttermilk and apply the same over the acne lesion. Repeated practice of this helps in reduction of the acne lesions
Apply neem paste or neem turmeric paste in case of cystic acne or when there is local skin infection
Grind down an orange peel into a mixture of water and directly apply it to the acne region
Rub grated cucumber over eyes, face and neck to prevent acne
Prepare paste by adding cinnamon powder and apply over the affected area
Prepare and apply paste of black pepper, lal chandan and jaiphala
Local application and intake of coconut water helps in acne
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