ACNE (Acne Vulgaris) - Causes, Types and Herbal Remedies

Introduction

The sudden onset of a ‘zit’ before a date is every teenager’s nightmare. Most teenagers – and a large percentage of adults – suffer from Acne Vulgaris, which can shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. A recent study conducted in the USA revealed that 17 million people suffer from acne, spawning a large market for anti-acne products.

Causes

Skin pores contain oil glands which keep the skin and hair lubricated. Sometimes, these sebaceous pores become clogged with excess oil and bacteria, resulting in acne. Broadly, the causes of acne may be the following:

• Bacteria, which easily infects oil glands and pores
• Wrong diet, irregular meals, excessive intake of starches, sugar, and fatty foods
• Chronic constipation
• Hormonal activity, particularly in teenagers
• Incorrect use of cosmetics that clog the pores
• Genes

Types of acne

• Whiteheads: Whiteheads are caused when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface.
• Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is caused by a reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air.
• Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head.
• Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center.
• Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts.
  • Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface, and are prone to leaving behind scars.
  • An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled and painful.
• Acne Rosacea can look similar to the acne vulgaris and is visible in patches.
• Severe forms of acne include acne conglobata (large lesions) and pyoderma faciale (severe facial acne afflicting only females.

Prevention

• Eat healthy. Include fresh fruits and vegetables and anti-oxidants such as tomatoes in your diet.
• Stay clean. Use a natural antibacterial, non-oily face wash/body wash. Those containing tea tree oil are a good option. Do not scrub your face, which can irritate the skin. The aim of washing is to remove dirt and oil from the pores.
• If you have constipation, treat it immediately.
• Drink lots of water.
• Avoid chocolate, fried food, and refined sugar.
• Take B-complex and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin's resistance to acne.
• Watch where you put your face: don’t place your cheek against things and surfaces that may carry infection, such as telephone receivers, window panes, used pillow cases etc.

Remedies

• Do NOT squeeze or pop a pimple. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, leaving permanent scars.
• Wash your face with warm salt water. This will get rid of the oil and dirt without irritating the acne.
• Apply cucumber paste on your face. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
• Aloe vera gel is an effective natural cure for acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
• If you get a bad case of acne, see a dermatologist.

Herbal Remedies and Herbs Supplements for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Skinelle Cream - natural treatment for Acne and Pimples

Skinelle cream is an effective and safe natural treatment for Acne and pimples. Its main ingredients Manjishtha, Haridra and Sariva have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which eradicate infection in acne. Skinelle has no side effects and is safe for long term application.

Neem Guard

Commonly known as a “Heal all” herb, Neem has powerful astringent and anti –bacterial properties, very effective in treating skin infections and general detoxification. It is useful in the treatment of dermatitis, Chemical Poisoning, Dandruff, Fungal Infections, Acne, and more.

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