Acnea is a very common skin disorder which primarily affects youthful people and a few adults until they reach forty-five. Acne were referenced as Youvana pitikas (which means the eruptions of youth) in ayurveda. This shows the prevalence of acne from ages. Ayurveda has long tried to identify the causes of acne, and has recommended natural herbal remedies for the condition.
What causes acne?
Many oily glands called “sebaceous glands” are present near the skin on various areas of your scalp, back, chest and shoulders. Due to the influence of sexual hormones, called sebum and produced in both men and women, these glands become more active during puberty or menopause. Acne occurs when the skin gets very oily. When the sebum (skin oil) clogs the pores or hair follicle, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and acne-causing enzymes. This can happen due to an overproduction of sebum or to hormonal changes that interfere with the natural process for eliminating dead skin cells. The bacterial infection causes red and painful swelling of one or more pimples, led to need for medicines.
Acne is caused variously by different factors. One of these is Kapha dosha which causes trouble for many people worldwide. Rakta Dhatu, blood, can also make acne worse for people with sensitive skin types or a hectic lifestyle.
When vata dosha is aggravated due to bad diet and lifestyle, the other two main doshas (kapha and pitta) get worsened as well. If this happens, a person’s blood becomes too aggravated and it’s most visible in the skin. An excess in oil secretion due to an angry pitta can cause pimples or acne. Kapha has a sticky nature. The aggravated kapha can impart its stickiness to the oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin. Thick sebaceous plugs are formed because of this and block skin pores and hair follicles, leading to acne breakouts.
Acne worsens when
- grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.
- you have Increased stress levels.
- you indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.
- when there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.
- you are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.
Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions:
• Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily. These may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of vata.
• Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.
• Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.
• Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.
• Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands
• Avoid application of scrubs.
• Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.
• Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this
• Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.
• Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Practice a regular exercise regimen
Natural Herbal acne Home remedies :
• Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.
• Wash fresh methi leaves (fenu greek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
• Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.
• Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes) .
• Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.
• Mix a tablespoon of gram flour with a few drops of rose water and then apply.
• Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.
• Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day)