Juliet Cohen asked:


Acne is a skin condition that shows up as different types of bumps. It makes no exceptions. Acne is commonly known as pimple or zit. Acne is a skin condition which is common across the globe. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. These factors clog the pores and the result is acne. This is mainly because of hormone level fluctuations and increased sebum production. Acne develops when the hair follicle of skin gets plugged by overproduction of sebum, dead cells and become infected by bacteria. it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne affects people of all skin colours. The processes that cause acne are exactly the same in people with black or brown skin but the impact is altered by the skin pigmentation. One of the major causes of acne is increase in hormones known as androgens. This is caused in both boys and girls during the period of puberty and makes the sebaceous glands enlarge and creates more sebum. Another cause of acne is heredity which can be inherited from parents. The skin lesions formed by acne can take on several forms, with the most common type known as acne vulgaris. While skin lesions are most frequently found on the the face, they may also be present on the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.

There are many misconceptions and rumours about acne. Lesion—a physical change in body tissue caused by disease or injury. Hyperactive sebaceous glands, secondary to the three hormone sources above. Acne lesions range in severity from comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to nodules and cysts. Skin irritation or scratching of any sort will activate inflammation. Traditionally, attention has focused mostly on hormone-driven over-production of sebum as the main contributing factor of acne. More recently, more attention has been given to narrowing of the follicle channel as a second main contributing factor. Abnormal shedding of the cells lining the follicle, abnormal cell binding (”hyperkeratinization”) within the follicle, and water retention in the skin (swelling the skin and so pressing the follicles shut) have all been put forward as important mechanisms. Several hormones have been linked to acne: the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). In addition, acne-prone skin has been shown to be insulin resistant. Seafood often contains relatively high levels of iodine.

Severe acne often leaves small scars where the skin gets a “volcanic” shape. Many type of acne is affected for adults. Cysts and nodules often occur together in a severe form of acne called nodulocystic. Nodule like a papule, a nodule is a solid, dome-shaped or irregularly-shaped lesion. A nodule may be very painful. Comedo is a sebaceous follicle plugged with sebum, dead cells from inside the sebaceous follicle, tiny hairs, and sometimes bacteria. A closed comedo is commonly called a whitehead. papule is defined as a small (5 millimeters or less), solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. Pustule—A dome-shaped, fragile lesion containing pus that typically consists of a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. A pustule that forms over a sebaceous follicle usually has a hair in the center. Acne pustules that heal without progressing to cystic form usually leave no scars. This photo shows pustules, papules and comedones on the face of an acne patient. Macule is the temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat, usually red or red-pink, with a well defined border. Macule may persist for days to weeks before disappearing. Cyst is a sac-like lesion containing liquid or semi-liquid material consisting of white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It is larger than a pustule, may be severely inflamed, extends into deeper layers of the skin, may be very painful, and can result in scarring. Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that may not respond to therapies other than isotretinoin.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Acne

1.Namely, niacin and vitamin A have been used successfully to treat acne. Vitamin therapy should comprise the intake of 100 mg niacin, three times daily, and 50,000 international units of vitamin A, three times daily. Vitamin E, 400 mg, should be taken once daily.

2.Another effective remedy in the area of nutrition is zinc. Zinc should be taken in therapeutic doses of 50 mg three times a day. Zinc is available in tablet and in capsule form.

3.Orange peel has been found very effective. Pound the orange peel with water on a piece stone and apply to acne affected areas.

4.Lemon juice applied regulary has proved very beneficial in reducing pimples and acne.

5.Garlic has been used successfully to cure acne. Rub with raw garlic several times a day. Garlic is known to have cured the toughest of acne problem.

6.A teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is another effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring. Mint juice can be used in a similar manner as coriander juice.

7.Fenugreek is another useful remedy for acne. A paste made of the leaves of this vegetable, applied over the face every night before going to bed and washed with warm water in the morning, prevents pimples and blackheads.

8.Grated cucumber applied over the face, eyes, and neck for fifteen to twenty minutes has been found effective. It is the best tonic for the skin of the face. Its regular use prevents pimples and blackheads.

9.Aloe vera juice applied to acne is an effective treatment. It can also be taken internally.

10.Wash face with avocado paste mixed with water.