Acne
Acne is a common skin disorder of sebaceous glands and follicles causing pimples. It can emerge on the face, shoulder, back, arms and chest if these pimples under your skin are clog-up.
Acne frequently occurs in adolescents mostly during puberty. There have been no known causes of acne as of the present. However, scientific explanation regarding this condition occurs when sex hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands resulting in excessive sebum secretion, a fatty oil that lubricates the skin. There is no clear evidence that chocolate, nuts, fatty foods or any cosmetics affect acne.
The gland then become inflamed and blocked, which causes blackheads and pimples. If the glands become contaminated, sebum and pus buildup under the skin and bigger pimples and cysts become visible which can ultimately lead to scar and pit. Possible causes of acne in adults are stress, hormonal fluctuations and possibly food allergies.
It is vital to maintain the skin clean and free from oil. Facial steaming opens blocked skin pores and clears out excessive sebum. Do not pinch acne spots as they may become infected and leave an ugly scars. It is best to reduce stress and avoid refined sugar and foods.
For mild cases of acne, topical exfoliants and face washes are usually adequate; for medium cases, therapeutic preparations should contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid; for severe acne, topical or oral antibiotics may be required or vitamin A derived medicine which include topical Retin A and Accutane taken internally. It is not recommended to use antibiotic in long-term, vitamin B complex and acidophilus supplements because antibiotics have been known to destroy normal intestinal flora. However, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light are helpful if not undertaken extremely.
Nutritional Supplements
- Niacinamide- a gel containing 4%, applied to skin twice daily
- Vitamin B6 (50 mg) – used for premenstrual flare-ups
- Zinc (30 mg)-take two or three times daily for the first few months, then once daily. It works as an antibiotic. For maximum effectives, it is advisable to take gluconate, the absorbable form.
Herbal Supplements:
- Burdock—2 to 4 ml tincture or 1 to 2 g capsules three times daily, have a cleansing action on the skin.
- Calendula—available in two forms: cream and face wash. Calendula or tea tree soap.
- Chickweed, elderflower, & marigold—utilize as facial steam, add to boiling water, place towel over head and permit steam to go through the face.
- Tea tree oil—5 to 15% dilution apply in the skin, contains terpinen-4-ol an antimicrobial agent, more effective overall than benzoyl peroxide.
- Vitex—40 drops every day for premenstrual acne.
Aromatherapy:
- Bergamot—has calming properties.
- Rosemary (verbenone type)—has cell regenerating properties.
- Tea tree oil or lavender (Lavandula hybrida)— apply in the skin, both contain terpinen-4-ol and this particular lavender contains borneol, an added strong antiseptic constituent.
- Thyme (linalol type)—strong antibacterial properties, mild on skin.
Chinese Medicine:
Effective topical treatments and capsules are commonly prescribed.
- Cai Feng Zhen Zhu an Chuang Wan/Margarite—acne pills, contain pearl, an effective remedy.
- Cucumber & watermelon—applies juice on skin.
- Dandelions & honeysuckle—drink as tea.
Homeopathy:
- Antimonium tartaricum
- Arsenicum album
- Belladonna
- Berberis vulgaris
- Calcarea carbonica
- Carbo vegetabilis
- Hepar sulphuris calcareum
- Ledum palustre
- Pulsatilla
- Silicea
- Sulfur
Ayurvedic Medicine:
- Aloe Veras—take 1⁄2 cup of juice twice daily.
- Shanka bhasma—for vatta and pitta types.
- Sunder Bati—used as treatment for acne vulgaris not the severe cystic form.
