Introduction –
Acne is also termed as Acne vulgaris and is defined as a long term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells from the skin. It commonly occurs in adolescence and it was noticed that around 80-90% of teenagers suffered in the western world.
While the condition is not life-threatening, it can cause significant psychological morbidity and lead to lifelong scarring. In some cases of facial disfigurement if left untreated. Acne generally starts around the age of 12 to 14 years but tends to manifest earlier in female patients. The average age of severity is 16 to 17 years in females and 17 to 19 years in male patients.
What are the Causes of Acne?
Generally, acne appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. The most common causes are –
- Excess production of oil
- Bacteria build up in pores
- Excess activity of a type of hormone
- Humidity or exposure to dust
- Stress/anxiety
- Hormonal changes in both men and women
- Genetics
- Accumulation of dead skin cells in pores
- Certain medications, such as certain birth control pills or corticosteroids
- Excessive intake of diet that is rich in refined sugars or carbohydrates, such as bread and chips
What are the Symptoms of Acne?
While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common lesions seen in acne, but symptoms can vary from person to person. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of your skin. These include:
- Formation of papules – These are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.
- Formation of pustules – These are small red pimples that have pus at their tips.
- Formation of nodules – Nodules is solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of your skin.
- Formation of cyst – Cysts are large lumps found beneath your skin that contains pus and are usually painful.
What is the Ayurvedic view of Acne?
According to Ayurveda, Acne is termed as ‘Yauvan Pidika,’ and is believed to be a manifestation of an aggravated Pitta dosha.
Good health is considered to be a perfect state of balance between Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. Acne is caused when there is an aggravation of pitta dosha, which acts under the skin and leads to heated toxins, further breaking out as acne.
What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Acne?
Ayurveda has a slightly different perspective than modern medicines. Ayurveda, the natural treatment, makes the connection between acne, impaired digestion, and a build-up of toxicity in the body. Numerous herbs are available in Ayurveda that is proven to the best for all types of skin, some of the common are neem, manjistha, aloe vera, turmeric, etc.
Hence, OnelifeNigeria had made a wonderful kit that includes 6 products that are very effective in curing acne of its root cause. Name of the products are – Neem soap, Twak detox powder, Twak churna, Aloe vera juice, Aloe vera gel, and Panchatikta ghrita guggulu. The kit is purely herbal and mainly made to pacify the Pitta dosha and can be used by every individual of any age.