Acne is a word that strikes as a horror to the younger generation. A pimple on the cheek may be the biggest crisis in a teenager’s life. We all wish for a clear, silky, smooth skin. But not all of us are blessed with spotless skin. Many people face this skin condition in their teenage years while for some it continues even in the 20’s. Acne causes a lot of discomfort on the physical front as well as the confidence. More stressful is the fear of scars once the pimple goes. Studies report that men and women who suffer from acne are less confident to appear in public than others.
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a human skin disease, that can be characterized by the appearance of pimples, areas of red scaly skin, nodules or papules, or blackheads that could leave scars on the skin. These appear in the areas of sebaceous glands like the face, chest, and back.
WHAT IS A PIMPLE?
A pimple is a type of acne that comes up when excess oil is stored in the pores and they get blocked. It is red or white in appearance and may leave a scar on the skin.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ACNE AND PIMPLES?
Acne is a skin condition that can occur in a variety of forms. The root initiative cause of acne is the blockage of follicles. This blockage could be due to formation of plug of keratin or sebum. Some of the prominent causes of acne are:
- Hormonal changes: The changes in hormone levels especially during puberty and menstrual periods are a trigger to acne. These hormonal irregularities, particularly of the androgens may lead to eruption of acne of the skin.
- Infectious causes: Many bacterial infections and poor hygiene lead to acne.
- Genetic: It is related to genes and hereditary. It has been observed that acne runs in the genes and is usually supported by family history.
- Dietary: It is associated with the development of acne in an indirect way such that more the dietary dairy consumption, more sever the acne in people prone to the condition. Also higher glycemic load leads to more severe acne.
- Psychological: Acne is a skin disorder but is related to hormonal changes. This is where the importance of psychological reasons comes in. More a person is imbalanced emotionally or more the stress and emotional turmoil, more severe the occurrence of acne becomes.
HOW CAN AYURVEDA HELP RELIEVE ACNE?
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that makes use of herbs existing in the nature and formulates herbal remedies using the inherent power present in these herbs. We in Ayurveda believe that herbal remedies bring to you the richness of the herbs in a natural, unadulterated form. These combinations help improve immunity and provide strength, endurance and will.
Ayurveda uses the inherent power of natural herbs to bring about wonderful results on the human body. The herbs are natural and 100% safe. Ayurveda helps to cleanse the body of toxins and purifies the blood in a natural way. It helps fight infections and excess of oil plugs are not formed. In a natural and healthy way it helps reduce acne and lighten its scars.
HERBS IN AYURVEDA THAT HELP ACNE
ALOE BARBADENSIS (GHRIT KUMARI)
Aloe has been used in several skin care products. It helps in rejuvenating the skin making it shiny and strong. It prevents wrinkles, clears blemishes and prevents aging marks. Herbs and herbal formulations that have Aloe barbadensis reduce skin inflammations effectively. In hair care products aloe is used to repair dull and dry hair. It forms an important part of several hair conditioners and shampoos. Aloe extract is generally useful in relieving hypertension. It has abundant antioxidant properties and effectively eliminates toxins from the body. It helps to overcome high blood pressure and respiration problems. It is used in the preparation of Radiant skin, hair, and nail capsules.
EMBLICA OFFICINALIS (Amalaki)
The herb is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is a natural antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body and helps in regeneration of cells. Amla helps in increasing the body vitality and strengthening immunity. It helps in developing healthy, glowing skin and preventing premature aging. Anemia and blood related disorders are helped in a natural way. It helps in maintaining proper functioning of the liver. It aids digestion by soothing hyperacidity. This wonderful herb helps in improving immunity and boosting metabolism. The herb helps gain youthful skin and beauty. Amla has aphrodisiac, antipyretic, cardio-tonic, anti-diabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal properties. It prevents premature greying of hair, hair loss and promotes hair and nail growth. It enhances eye sight, keeps the mouth clean, and nourishes bones and teeth. It helps to keep the intestine clean and also controls blood sugar. Amla is used to prepare Kaishore Guggul.
TERMINALIA CHEBULA (HARITAKI)
Haritaki is an important constituent of Triphala that has wonderful health benefits. It acts well in gastrointestinal ailments, in cases of spleenomegaly, hepatomegaly, tumors, ascites, and anemias. Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is an effective remedy for anemia. The herb improves memory and is salutary in dysuria and urinary stones. Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps in the digestion. In anemia of any origin, Haritaki herb is highly beneficial. It helps anemia due to haemoglobin deficiency, anemia due to red blood cell deficiency, and anemias of abnormal form origin. Haritaki is used in Kaishore Guggul.
TERMINALIA BELERICA (VIBHITAKI)
A very important herb in the Ayurvedic world, Vibhitaki is famous for its wonderful use in the formation of Triphala. It has numerous health benefits on the human body. Its action on the heart makes it an excellent heart tonic. It helps in purifying blood, thinning of blood, and removing toxins. It is used in cases of low RBC count and low haemoglobin. Vibhitaki helps cases of anemia of any origin and help regain healthy haemoglobin count and form. Our product KAISHORE Guggul has Vibhitaki.
RUBIA CORDIFOLIA (MANJISTHA)
Manjistha is an excellent herb famous for its beautiful actions on the outer skin. It has magnificent powers on the skin that nourish and replenish it in a beautiful way. It is anti-inflammatory and heals wound and inflammations, helps in ulcers and skin disorders. It portrays astringent like properties. It can also be used as an anti-helminthic. It increases flow and it purifies breast milk. Its special role is in case of different skin disorders related with pigmentation, weakness, general debility and poisoning. Manjistha can be used in skin diseases like leprosy, erysipelas, vitiligo and hypo-pigmentation. It is used in the preparation of Radiant skin, hair, and nail capsules.
ALOE VERA JUICE (KUMARI)
Aloe extract is enriched with various medicinal properties. It can be used to relieve skin conditions like eczema, ulcers, psoriasis, acne, bites and stings. In cases of ailments like arthritis, asthma, colitis and diverticulitis Aloe vera juice has proved very beneficial. Aloe vera gel present inside the leaves is efficient in relieving burns, wounds and skin disorders. It forms a protective coating on the infected areas and speeds up the healing process. The yellow sap which is found at the base of leaves is dried and is known as bitter aloes. It is enriched with digestive stimulants and also a strong laxative. As Aloe vera has antioxidant and nutritional qualities, it helps in the prevention of injury to epithelial tissues if they get damaged. It promotes the process of healing. Aloe vera works effectively on damaged skin, epithelium present in the gut, bronchial tubes and genital tracts. The natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties along with nutritional constituents encourages cell growth and promotes healing process. It is used in Kumari Saar.
COMMIPHORA MUKUL (GUGGUL)
Guggul has highly potent rejuvenating properties. It revitalizes cells and therefore rejuvenates them. Its purifying properties as well as lipid- regulating properties make it a wonderful herb for many health tonics. It is useful for people who have low haemoglobin and are anemic. It is useful in many heath conditions as it has proved its versatility in several conditions. The effect it has on cholesterol and triglyceride levels indirectly protects the heart from atherosclerosis. The herb also boosts the levels of HDL cholesterol. This herb also has been proved to have antioxidant properties. The herb is beneficial for hypothyroidism related disorders. The herb promotes the metabolism and therefore aids in weight loss. It is also beneficial for conditions like arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome, bloating and many more. Guggul is used in the preparation of KAISHORE GUGGUL.
CURCUMA LONGA (CURCUMIN)
Owing to its rich medicinal properties, Curcumin is a widely used herb in case of cancer. Many malignant cancers have found their management in Curcumin. Anti-oxidants present in the herb reduce the free- radicals from the body thereby improving the health and immunity. Curcumin herb has rich anti-diabetic properties that make it a wonderful herb to use for diabetic patients. It is a famous Chinese medicine to relieve digestive and liver related diseases. Its anti- inflammatory properties make it a strong herb for various allergies, infections and inflammations. The herb has the power to fight against toxins and infections owing to its rich anti-biotic properties. It is used in many cosmetics due to its beneficial actions on the skin. We use Curcuma longa to prepare Natural Glow powder.