Acne


While most people think to consider acne as an issue affecting teenagers, there are a great many people in their 20s, 30s and even 40s who suffer from acne flare-ups. In fact, 25 percent of all adult men and 50 percent of adult women will deal with acne at some point, and some of them will experience acne on their body as well as their face. According to researches it says, urban populations are more affected than rural populations.

          Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to blockage hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells. Medically this condition is called as ‘Acne vulgaris’ which may be sometimes acute but most of the time chronic. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples which might leave a scar. It may appear on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.

Many factors can come into play to cause adult acne, including of course hormones, but also stress, use of cosmetics and an increase in resistant bacteria. Many adult women also notice premenstrual or menstrual flare-ups on the face, often around the mouth.

         Living a totally acne-free life is next to impossible for pretty much anyone – but with these tips and tools, you can reduce breakouts and the appearance of blemishes as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can focus on more important things with confidence. A longer-term strategy should include regimens that focus on killing the bacteria, reducing unnecessary oils, unplugging the pores and reducing irritation. 

Types of Acne

a. Grade 1: This stage shows the presence of Comedones. Basically categorized into two types namely, open and closed.  Open Comedones occur due to the lodging of sebum on the skin surface whereas closed comedones are due to the plugging of sebum below the skin surface.

b. Grade 2: Small papules formed which resemble inflammatory lesions. 

c. Grade 3: Pustules.

d. Grade 4: Many pustules form together to form nodules and cysts.

Acne can leave scar depending upon the severity. Either they may be depressed scars or keloidal scars.

What are the causes of Acne? 

Although acne vulgaris isn’t a life-threatening disease, it can be painful, especially when it’s severe. Factors aggravating acne include:

  • Oil-based cosmetics and facial massage.
  • Sometimes excess consumption of dairy products (which also contain hormones), junk food, and chocolates stimulates acne to pop up. 
  • The premenstrual flare-up, the occurrence is up to 70% in female patients.  
  • Irregular Menstruation
  • Hormonal variations
  • Bacterial growth
  • Skin infections or Allergy
  • Stress, anxiety, and anger may aggravate acne.
  • Not removing makeup
  • Reaction to some medicines


What are the symptoms of Acne?

Depending upon the severity of the condition, acne shows signs and symptoms like: 

  • Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
  • Blackheads (open plugged pores)
  • Small red, tender bumps
  • Pimples, which are papules with pus at their tips
  • Large and painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin 
  • Painful and pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin

7 Effective home remedies for Acne

1. Cinnamon Powder with Honey

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Cinnamon powder mixed with honey can be made as a paste and applied over the face. Leave it undisturbed till the time it dries and washes with cold water. 

The powerful bactericidal activities of cinnamon help to improve the infection caused by bacteria thereby improving acne.

2. Application of Raw honey

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Applying honey is a wonderful remedy for treating acne. Honey possesses antimicrobial properties that work wonderfully against the microbes. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey helps to reduce the inflamed pimples.

3. Fresh Juice/Paste of Tulsi, Ginger, and Neem 

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Combination of the supreme herbs Tulsi, Ginger, and Neem undoubtedly is a successful remedy for treating acne. Fresh juice or pastes of the herbs should be mixed together and applied around the area of the pustule. Leave it for some time and wash with clear water. 

All 3 drugs are proved to be antimicrobial and possess blood purifying properties. Neem and Tulsi cool down the skin preventing from pimples.

4. Aloe vera gel

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The fresh aloe pulp is peeled out from the leaf and freshly applied over the face. Leave it undisturbed till it dries and then washes with clean water. This not only helps to treat acne but also leaves no mark over the skin and also gives luster to the face.
Aloe is one of the best remedies for treating acne. This possesses anti-inflammatory action along with healing properties which is a boon to cure acne.  
5. Rice water to clear acne

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Apply rice water over the face. Let it air-dry for 15 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
Rice water promotes new cell growth and keeps the skin glowing and young-looking. It is rich in antioxidants and minerals that cleanse the skin. This also helps to reduce pigmentation and scars. 
6. Basin powder with milk

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Mix the fine basin powder with milk and make a paste out of it and apply evenly over the face. This clears off the blemishes and scars produced by the pimples. 
This combination nourishes the skin and exfoliates it to make it soft and supple. They also render a natural glow to the skin which gives a fresh look. 
7. Turmeric powder with milk

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Mix enough turmeric powder with milk or water to make a smooth paste which can be applied over the affected area. Leave it until it dries and clear with clean water. 
Alternatively, fresh turmeric can also be applied over the face in the affected area which helps in fats relief from the symptoms.


Nutrition & Diet

Nutrition and diet play an important role in reducing the risk of acne.

Foods to Eat

 

Food to Avoid

ü  Whole grains

× Excessive usage of dairy products

ü  Lean meat like fish and oysters

× Sugary food such as cookies and cakes

ü  Vegetables like sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, cucumber, asparagus, broccoli, and bell peppers

× Processed food such as white bread, white rice, potato chips, and processed breakfast cereal

ü  Fruits such as berries, oranges, pumpkins, papayas, cantaloupes, apricots, peaches, and apples

× Regular usage of junk food and greasy food

ü  Walnuts, flaxseeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted squash seeds, dried watermelon seeds

× Excess eating of chocolates

ü  Green tea

× Avoid eating stale food

ü  Yogurt

 

Lifestyle changes

Drink More Water – Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water. This helps to stay healthy and helps the skin to look young 
Exercises – Stress is one of the main reasons for pimples. During exercise lot of endomorphin release which de-stresses the body. Yoga is also a possible option to cure acne vulgaris. 
Sleep – lack of sleep produces more sebum which may result in acne. These can also result in the stress which in turn risk the occurrence of pimples. 6-8hours of should sleep keeps an individual happy and healthy. 
Avoid Smoking – Smoking results in free radical formation and toxins to build up the body. They may result in disturbances that cause the skin to look dull. Smoking also increases the risk of acne. 
Skin Care – Follow a skincare routine that helps to rejuvenate the skin daily. The right amount of fluid and diet also plays an important role in maintaining a bright and healthy skin.