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.

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,

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.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is Ayurvedas 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.

 Make a powdered mixture of coriander seeds, fennel, basil, turmeric, and amla in equal parts. All of these seeds and herbs are packed with antioxidants that kill inflammation beneath the skin. Take half teaspoon of this powder 15 minutes before lunch and dinner, and wash it down with hot water.

 Drinking cumin coriander-fennel tea is an effective way to keep the body cool and heat producing toxins at bay, according to the book by Dr. Vasant Lad. Steep 1/3rd teaspoon of these 3 seeds in hot water, strain and drink. Drink this tea three times a day, for best results.

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 .Whats more, apple cider vinegar may help dry up the excess oil that causes acne in the first place.

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.

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.

Honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Because of this, they may be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Aloe vera is a tropical plant whose leaves produce a clear gel.The gel is often added to lotions, creams, ointments and soaps. Its commonly used to treat abrasions, rashes, burns and other skin conditions.When applied to the skin, aloe vera gel can help heal wounds, treat burns and fight inflammation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  

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 .Whats 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.

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.Its recommended that healthy adults exercise for 30 minutes 3–5 times per week. This can include walking, hiking, running and lifting weights.

If you require more details on Acne or personalised help, please contact us at mail@ayushvedah.com  , so that our Ayurveda panel can help