Acne is one of the main health and beauty complaints that
most of the teenagers and young adults face in day to day life. Acne is a skin
condition that usually occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil
and dead skin cells. The hair follicles might be clogged to various reasons
like,excess production of oil (sebum), bacterial infection, hormonal imbalance,
clogging caused by accumulation of dead skin cells or even by ingrown hairs. It
often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the
face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among
teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. Acne is one of the most common
skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of people at some
point in their lives. Depending on
its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier
you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.
Acne Symptoms
It has been noticed that the Acne signs and symptoms vary
depending on the severity of your condition:
Depending on the
stage for the condition we can classify Acne as follows,
- Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
- Blackheads (open plugged pores)
- Small red, tender bumps (papules)
- Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
- Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
- Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
Ayurveda Remedy for Acne
As explained above, Acne is a result of excess production
of oil from the sebaceous glands leading to the blockage of hair follicles.
Ayurveda has many several natural approaches that may help control acne. In
Ayurveda, Acne is referred to as 'Yauvan Pidika,' and is believed to be a
manifestation of an aggravated Pitta dosha. In addition to your face, acne can
affect shoulders and your back area, too. According to Ayurveda, there are
three fundamental doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and good health is considered
to be a perfect state of balance of between these three doshas. Acne is said to
be an aggravation of pitta dosha, which acts under the skin and leads to heated
toxins, further breaking out as acne. To keep acne at bay, one should adopt a
pitta-pacifying diet. Those who see frequent outbreaks of Acne, should avoid
spicy and fermented foods. Heavily fried and sour foods should are also best
avoided.
It has been found out that the conventional acne
treatments using chemical and other drugs can be expensive and often have
undesirable side effects like dryness, redness and irritation.This undesirable
side effects has prompted many people to look into how to cure acne naturally
at home using the goodness of Ayurveda.
Home remedies to manage Acne with Ayurveda naturally
1. Increase intake of Amla Juice (Phyllanthus emblica)
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is Ayurveda's most prized
possession when it comes to skin treatment. It is said that fresh amla juice
contains 20 times as much vitamin-C as is present in orange juice. Vitamin-C is
a natural antioxidant, which means that it protects you against the harmful
effects of free radicals and prevents formation of acne.
2. Use Herbal Mixture
to cleanse internally
3. Use of Herbal tea to cure Acne - Cumin Coriander-Fennel tea
4. Apply Apple Cider
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, or
the unfiltered juice from pressed apples.
Like other vinegars, it is known for its ability to fight
many types of bacteria and viruses.
Apple cider vinegar contains several organic acids that
have been shown to kill P. acnes .
In particular, succinic acid has been shown to suppress
inflammation caused by P. acnes, which may prevent scarring .
Also, lactic acid has been shown to improve the
appearance of acne scars .What's more, apple cider vinegar may help dry up the
excess oil that causes acne in the first place.
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (use more water for sensitive skin).
- After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball.
- Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.
- It is important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation, so it should always be used in small amounts and diluted with water.
The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill
acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it to the
skin may cause burns or irritation, so it should be used carefully.
5. Herbal Face Masks for Acne - Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
Both honey and cinnamon are excellent sources of
antioxidants.Studies have found applying antioxidants to the skin is more
effective at reducing acne than benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.
These are two common acne medications for the skin that
have antibacterial properties.
The antioxidants studied were vitamin B3, linoleic
(omega-6) fatty acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), which is a vitamin C
derivative.These specific antioxidants are not found in honey or cinnamon, but
there is a possibility that other antioxidants may have a similar effect.
Honey and cinnamon also have the ability to fight
bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne.While
the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey and
cinnamon may benefit acne-prone skin, no studies exist on their ability to
treat acne.
How to Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together to form a paste.
- After cleansing, apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse the mask off completely and pat your face dry.
Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
and antibacterial properties. Because of this, they may be beneficial for
acne-prone skin.
6. Moisturise you face with Aloe Vera Gel for Acne
Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and sulfur, which
are both used extensively in the treatment of acneSeveral studies have shown that applying salicylic acid
to the skin significantly reduces acne.
Similarly, applying sulfur has been proven to be an
effective acne treatment.While research shows great promise, the anti-acne
benefits of aloe vera itself require further scientific evidence. When applied
to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns and fight
inflammation. It may be beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin, but
more research needs to be done.
How to Use It
- Scrape the gel from the aloe plant out with a spoon.
- Apply gel directly to clean skin as a moisturizer.
- Repeat 1–2 times per day, or as desired.
7. Exfoliate
Regularly to reduce Acne
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of
dead skin cells. It can be achieved mechanically by using a brush or scrub to
physically remove the cells. Alternatively, it can be removed chemically by
applying an acid that dissolves them.
Exfoliation is believed to improve acne by removing the
skin cells that clog up pores.
It is also believed to make acne treatments for the skin
more effective by allowing them to penetrate deeper, once the topmost layer of
skin is removed.
How to Make a Scrub at Home
- Mix equal parts sugar (or salt) and coconut oil.
- Scrub skin with mixture and rinse well.
- Exfoliate as often as desired up to once daily.
Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of
dead skin cells. It may reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration, but
more research needs to be done on its ability to treat acne.
8. Reduce intake of Dairy products
The relationship between dairy and acne is highly
controversial.Drinking milk and consuming dairy products exposes you to
hormones, which may cause hormonal changes and lead to acne .Two large studies
reported that higher levels of milk consumption were associated with acne.
However, participants self-reported the data in both of
these studies, so more research needs to be done in order to establish a true
causal relationship.
Some studies found a positive association between
drinking milk and acne. Limiting milk and dairy consumption may be a good idea
for those with acne-prone skin, but more research needs to be done.
9. Reduce Stress
The hormones released during periods of stress may
increase sebum production and skin inflammation, making acne worse.In fact,
multiple studies have linked stress to an increase in acne severity .What's more, stress can slow wound healing by up to 40%,
which may slow the repair of acne lesions .Certain relaxation and stress-reduction treatments have
been shown to improve acne, but more research needs to be done. Hormones that
are released during times of stress can make acne worse. Reducing stress may
help improve acne.
Ways to Reduce Stress
- Get more sleep
- Engage in physical activity
- Practice yoga
- Meditate
- Take deep breaths
Exercise promotes healthy blood circulation. The increase
in blood flow helps nourish the skin cells, which may help prevent and heal
acne.Exercise also plays a role in hormone regulation .
Several studies have shown that exercise can decrease stress
and anxiety, both of which are factors that can contribute to the development
of acne.It's recommended that healthy adults exercise for 30 minutes 3–5 times
per week. This can include walking, hiking, running and lifting weights.
When to see a doctor for Acne
Consult a doctor if self-care remedies don not clear your acne. Your condition might require stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specialises in the skin.
If you require more details on Acne or personalised help, please contact us at contact@ayurvedawellbeing.com , so that our Ayurveda panel can help you.
0 Comments