Acne- Skins’ biggest enemy

“Beauty is being Comfortable and Confident in your own skin”

The very first beauty buster is none other than Acne. Typical puberty or teenage enjoyment, whole new world of all attractions, many friends and one of the biggest enemy is Acne…

Acne or pimples are common in teenage; that's why they are known as युवानपीडिका in Ayurved. However this chapter doesn't close here. Acne keeps on knocking our door again and again. We all must have noticed it- we have a party or special function to attend…or an important interview or our own marriage or any photo-shoot….and BOOM….here appears our never so dear ACNE; a mood spoiler. Many of us have this idea that “Clear Skin” is the end goal but we have to live with ACNE in reality. Why so???

Acne or pimples is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil or dead skin cells. It often causes blackhead, whitehead, papules (small red bumps), pustules (filled with pus), nodules (large solid painful lumps), or cyst (painful pus filled lesions). It usually appears on face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

Excess sebum or oil production by skin is the main cause of acne. This oil if mixed with dirt, or pollution blocks the skin pores; causing whiteheads or blackheads. Further wrong dietary habits or food having pus forming tendency (पूयोत्पात्ति) like fermented food, chips, dairy products etc. cause more inflammation. Poping these pimples lead to bacterial infections which worsens to form acne.

Certain medication like corticosteroids, testosterone cause pimples. Use of makeup for longer duration or use of substandard cosmetics can also block the skin pores causing pimples.

For many women, pimples can persist for many years. Generally they have pimples before menstruation and then clear up without treatment after menses. This is related to natural hormones. However use of contraceptive pills or hormonal medicines can cause severe forms of pimples leaving behind their scars.

Also certain hormonal issues like PCOD or ovarian cyst are known to cause pimples. Stress can also make acne worse. In older adults, a sudden onset of severe acne may signal an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

Having a small pimple or its severe form affecting entire face with pustules, both can cause emotional distress and can even scar the skin permanently. Thus earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems. Generally DIY or home remedies are first tried. But if it does not clear, don’t wait and consult your nearby Ayurvedic Vaidya.

Tips for Skin Care-

• Wash your face two times daily. Cleanse with warm water and soap or face wash suitable for your skin.

• Always wash off make up with cleanser. Use oil free makeup (noncomedogenics). Avoid sharing makeup products and accessories.

• Hair dandruff is also the cause, hence should be treated accordingly.

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid prepacked or frozen food or canned food, with preservatives. Say no to extra spices, salt or pickles. Avoid oily food or dairy products or fermented food.

• Hydrate yourself. Avoid any carbonated drink

• No smoking or Alcohol drinking.

• Regular Yogasan or meditation relax the mind and helps to tackle undue stress; thereby giving a confident glow on your face.

• Exfoliate weekly. Exfoliation is deep cleansing or removal of dead skin or clogged pores.

• Do not pop up pimples; though its tempting.

• Use natural products as facepack mixed with milk or honey or rose water depending upon your skin type.

• Use of Jayphal or nutmeg paste or dhana powder mixed with lodhra are good face packs for acne.

Though acne are mostly on oily skin, too much face washing or hard scrubbing or cleansing with harsh chemicals or soaps irritates the skin and worsens the condition. We recommend use of Udvartan scrub, Suvarnakanti face pack and our range of 100% natural soaps as per your skin type.