What is acne?
Acne is an ailment from which many young lads and ladies suffer. It can appear on one’s face, shoulders chest and even the back. Although rare, some infants have also been found to suffer from acne.
Acne is caused when sebum secretion full of excess fatty acids accumulates in hair follicles. As the sebum secretion increases, so does the severity of the acne. This secretion is prompted by the androgen hormone which is commonly associated with puberty. In young women acne usually flares up during their menstrual cycle, which naturally coincides with internal hormonal changes. If the secretion gets infected, the acne can get worse.
In Ayurved, it is believed that Kaptha and vata are the two main doshas that cause acne. Rakta dhatu or blood can also be responsible for for
mation of acne and pimples. Unhealthy diet and lifestyle can cause defects in vata, which in turn affects two doshas, kapha and pitta. Once the pitta is provoked, it affects rakta dhatu or blood. The affected blood causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has an oily property which makes it stick to the sebaceous glands on the skin.
Thus the glands thicken leading to an increased formation of acne.
How can I avoid acne?
Despite being extremely common, acne is undesirable, especially in the teenage years, when it is the person’s self image is still developing. An ugly bout of acne can cause much embarrassment which can leave more than physical scars on the teenager.
Ayurvedic acne cure makes use of natural blood purifiers and detoxifiers. One can balance the doshas by adopting a modified diet and life style and expelling the imbalanced doshas. According to Ayurvedic dictates, you should eat:
- Warm i.e., snigdha food in appropriate quantities.
- Only when earlier food is digested.
- Do not eat foodstuffs that are incompatible with each other (virudhaanna)
- At a normal pace: not too fast or too slow, chew your food properly.
- Leafy vegetables (properly washed and cleaned)
- Foods high in beta carotene, such as carrots, and pumpkin
- Plenty of bland foods such as oatmeal, apple sauce, basmati rice while avoiding spicy, fried food and citrus fruits
Remember that neem is a prime skin purifier. You can use it in ointments or consume it in some form. It also strengthens immune system and prevents infection.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of fruit juices and lots of water. It helps in flushing out cellular wastes and gives skin a healthy glow. Wash your face regularly with warm water. Avoid using cosmetics and if you feel you need to, opt for non-oily, non-greasy and water-based cosmetics.
If you are already suffering from acne, there are certain basic precautions that you need to take. For instance, do not press or prick the acne. Wash your face and hands regularly to free them of dirt and grime. Try your best to relax and free your mind of mental tensions, fear, and worries. If stress is a contributory problem for your acne, try relaxing with a cup of tea made from lavender or chamomile. Exercise regularly to improve your blood circulation and stay fit. Fresh water, fresh air, and sunlight will clear your mind and help to improve your skin.
With a healthy diet, moderate exercise and adequate rest, you can enjoy a beautiful, acne-free and blemish-free life.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the post on acne. I used to have acne, though not gross. I tried dietary restrictions and even many herbal and non herbal remedies with no effect. Finally, it stopped on its own when I moved out from where I lived. I ate whatever I chose including including oily and spicy food. But my acne did not come back as it was related to stress, the local climate and pollution. I found that keeping your skin clean and using the right beauty products can keep acne away.
Thanks for the post on acne. I used to have acne, though not gross. I tried dietary restrictions and even many herbal and non herbal remedies with no effect. Finally, it stopped on its own when I moved out from where I lived. I ate whatever I chose including including oily and spicy food. But my acne did not come back as it was related to stress, the local climate and pollution. I found that keeping your skin clean and using the right beauty products can keep acne away.