Herbal Remedies for Acne

Skin Care Pack

FAQs on Acne

1. Are acne and pimples the same thing?

Acne and pimple are very much similar. A pimple is the form of Acne. A pimple is formed when there is blockage of skin pores by the oil-producing sebaceous glands. When acne gets severe, it leads to the formation of a pimple. Pimples are milder than acne.

2. How is acne different from pimples?

Pimples occur or emerge due to the blockage in the skin pores due to secretions by sebaceous glands When it is not treated properly it may result in severe acne. Acne is the skin disease which involves sebum, keratinization, and bacteria. It can range from very mild acne to major. Pimples are mostly mild in nature as compare to acne.

3. What is the main cause of acne?

Hormonal changes like androgen is a hormone secreted in males and females in puberty and trigger sebaceous glands to secretes more sebum, genetic, eating habits, oral contraceptive pills, bacteria, and lifestyle are the main causes of acne.

4. How can I clear up my acne fast?

Use of Green essential gel scrub (green tea-aloe) will remove the toxins and impurities present in the skin which are the cause of blocked pores and De-Grease Face Wash will remove excess oil and dust. The use of this herbal product for clearing the acne is healthy because it is free from harmful chemicals and won't have any side effects.

5. Is a pimple considered acne?

A pimple is similar to acne because it is the form of Acne. Acne is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the skin that causes spots or pimples on face, and other body parts like chest, shoulder, neck. Blackheads, cysts, nodules, whiteheads are the type of acne.

6. What are the symptoms of acne?

The symptoms and the signs of acne differs and depends on the severity. The common symptoms which are visible to know that we have acne are:-

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)

7. What foods are bad for acne?

• Milk and milk products
• Chocolate
• High Glycemic Index Foods
• Junk food
• Spicy food
• Bakery products
• Oily food
• Diet rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates
• Taking food with high starch like bread, potatoes, pasta.
• Food rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

8. Is acne contagious from kissing?

No, acne is not contagious in anyways. There are many skin diseases that are contagious but acne is not contagious. Acne vulgaris is not passed to another person by cold or flu. One can touch, hug, and kiss an acne person without getting affected with this disorder.

9. Will pimples go away without popping them?

Yes, pimples can be cleared without popping. Pooping pimples will heal a pimple faster when it has completed its life cycle. The below-given home remedies are very effective:-

• Toothpaste
• Baking Soda
• Visine
• Use dry lotion like calamine. Its ingredients remove impurities, oils, and heal burns.
• Warm and cold compress
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• White Vinegar
• Use lemon and turmeric paste
• Use rose water along with fullers earth
• Use mint leaves paste over pimples

10. What foods trigger hormonal acne?

• Sugar
• Dairy products.
• Refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta.
• Red meats

11. What factors may worsen acne?

• Hormones like androgen trigger sebaceous gland to secrete sebum which forms acne.
• Certain medications
• Diet including oil, carbohydrates, high sugars, and baked and spicy food.
• Stress

12. What are the herbal remedies for Acne?

• Basil or Tulsi
• Indian gooseberry or Amla
• Honey
• Turmeric
• Neem leaves
• Lemon
• White gourd or Lauki
• Potato
• Papaya

13. Are potatoes bad for acne?

No, potato paste is good for acne because it fights off the bacteria and also gives a natural glow to the skin. But eating potato has more sugar and carbohydrates which cause acne and pimple.

14. Do bananas cause acne?

Bananas can be the cause of acne, as it is not good for acne prone skin. As it can increase the production of oil in the skin.

15. Which fruits are goods for acne?

Berries, blueberries, papaya, lemon, avocado, citrus fruits like oranges, watermelon, pomegranate, apple, strawberries, blackberries, cherries, and goji berries are good as fruit for acne.

16. Are eggs bad for acne?

Yes, eggs are bad for acne as eggs are refined carbohydrates and processed foods, which increases the insulin and inflammation in the body. The inflammation increases the oil production, which makes the skin oily and thus invites acne bacteria and pimples.

17. What is acne according to Ayurveda?

All the three doshas are responsible for acne, but mainly pitta doshas imbalance cause acne. When pitta circulates in the body, it gets accumulated in one place and cause acne. The people with high pitta doshas and acidic sweat are more affected. Acne vulgaris is called Yauvan Pidika in Ayurveda. 'Yauvan' meaning youth and 'pidika' means an eruption of the skin. It is aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas. The other Ayurvedic names for acne are Tarunya pidika, Mukha dooshika (that which harms facial beauty), Padmini kantaka (owing to the thorn-like nature of pimples), etc.

18. What are the causes of acne as per Ayurveda?

• Constipation (Anah) and indigestion (ajirna)
• Faulty eating habits-Adhyashana – Eating at short intervals,Viruddhashana – Consuming incompatible foods,Vishamashana – Eating with disregard for the body's wants and needs
• Women with menstrual problems
• Deficiency of Vitamin A (retinol)
• Irregular sleeping habits
• Metabolic imbalance leading to toxin
• Overuse of cosmetics
• Excessive intake of non-vegetarian

19. Does aloe vera remove acne?

The antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel are very effective in treating acne and reducing the redness caused by it. It prevents bacteria from infecting acne wounds and accelerates the process of healing. Its antifungal properties are useful in treating inflammation like boils and cysts on the skin. It has a cooling effect on the skin. It balances the aggravated pitta doshas.

20. How do you stop hormonal acne naturally?

These the home remedies which will help in stopping the hormonal acne:-

• Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
• Take a Zinc Supplement
• Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask
• Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil
• Apply Green Tea to Your Skin
• Apply Witch Hazel
• Moisturize With Aloe Vera Gel
• Use turmeric and lemon paste
• Take a Fish Oil Supplement

21. What changes should be done in the diet to avoid acne?

• Avoid excess meat, sugar, tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, soft drinks, candies, ice cream, refined and processed foods.
• Have lots of lemon juice, coriander soup, mint juice & water.
• Go for a fat-less diet with plenty of green salads and fruits.
• Avoid dairy as the animal hormones in milk might set off cystic acne.
• Use of coconut oil for cooking purpose.

22. What lifestyle should be followed to avoid acne?

• Wash your face with lukewarm water, with a neem-based soap twice a day.
• Try to meditate and stay stress-free as far as possible.
• Maintain regular timings for food and sleep.
• Do not scratch or squeeze skin to avoid scars.
• Eat fresh and be healthy.
• Drink water in plenty to remove the excess toxins from the body.

23. Which yoga asana will help to balance the causes for acne?

• Lion Pose (Sinhasana)
• Pranayama (Breathing Meditation)
• Hidden Lotus Pose (Gupta Padmasana)
• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
• Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana)
• Rabbit Pose (Shashankasana)

24. Does milk actually cause acne?

Inflammation causes red bumps known as acne and milk is the reason for inflammation. The androgenic properties are present in the milk and prolactin or luteotropin helps in the production of milk can react with the testosterone in the body and result to acne. This is why milk can cause acne.

25. Does less sleep cause acne?

Yes, lack of sleep will promote stress and increase the cortisol in the body. Cortisol, secrete more sebum, which results in acne. This is because insulin resistance can increase glucose or sugar that is one of the major causes of acne.

26. Do greasy, fried foods make acne worse?

Yes, the fried food make the acne worse because it increases the production of oil. To manage and cure the worse acne Radiant Skin hair nail formula is the most effective herbal treatment. It will manage the excessive production of oil and cure the acne.

27. Is acne a sign of poor hygiene?

Yes, acne is the cause of poor hygiene. The overproduction of oil (sebum) which leads to blocked pores. One should always keep your skin clean to avoid acne. Wash your face to remove the dirt and impurities to avoid acne.

28. Is Acne a skin disorder?

Yes, Acne is a skin disorder. It is a long term skin disease which occurs when dead skin and oil clogged the hair follicle. It results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cause scarring of skin.

29. Can acne be genetic?

Yes, Acne can be genetic. Genetic is the first cause of acne in mostly 80% of patient.

30. Do acne scars fade over time?

Yes, the scars can fade with time and there is Kum kumadi tailam the herbal oil which has the properties to fade the scars, it also enhances the quality of the skin.

31. How do I know if I have acne?

• You may have a lot of redness and inflammation on the particular part of the skin where the acne is occurring.
• Inflammation
• Painful.
• Oily and shiny skin.
• Spots on the skin which are painful
• Blackheads or whiteheads

32. What are the prevention and management tips to be followed if you have acne?

• Wash your face twice a day with warm water and De-Grease Face wash which is mild to use and has the properties to cure and avoid acne.
• Do not scrub the skin or burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more blocking, swelling, and redness.
• Avoid popping pimples, as this makes scarring likelier.
• Refrain from touching the face.
• Hold the telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.
• Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
• Clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residue.
• If acne is on the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing to let the skin breathe. Avoid tight garments, such as headbands, caps, and scarves, or wash them regularly if used.
• Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. Remove makeup before sleeping.
• Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
• Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.
• Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating.

33. What are the categories of Acne?

Inflamed acne- This is a type in which are mild and have occasional breakouts. The inflamed acne is red, swollen pimples, ooze, crust, and scab over. Non-inflamed acne is called comedonal acne. These acne doesn't cause blemishes which are red and painful. Non-inflamed acne breakouts are blackheads, milia, closed comedones, and microcomedones (pore blockages too small to see).

34. What are the other skin conditions that cause Acne?

Rosacea, Folliculitis, and even ingrown hairs are the conditions which lead or results to acne.

35. What is the cause of Acne in adult age?

Acne can occur in adult age also due to the reasons like:-

A. Hormonal Factors

Acne in grown-up age is associated with puberty and fluctuating hormones. Androgens are the hormones released by the adrenal glands, the ovaries, and the testes. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are also known as oil glands, increase in oil production and making the skin more prone to pore blockages and breakouts.

B. Your Cosmetics

The use of cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, and hair care products of different companies which are an oil-based and doesn't suit the skin. This results to blocked pores and creates an impaction within the follicle. This blockage is called a comedo, and it's the very beginning of a pimple.

36. What are the types and stages of acne?

A. Mild Acne

Mild acne is blackheads and bumpiness, and even an inflamed pimple here and there.

B. Moderate Acne

In it, the breakouts are more noticeable. One has bumpy skin and blackheads. In this type the inflamed papules and pustules are regular.

C. Severe Acne

The biggest difference between moderate and severe acne is the inflammation. The blemishes are large, red, and swollen. If the acne is severe, one should see a dermatologist, because it is difficult to get severe acne under control.

37. When one should see a dermatologist?

• Over-the-Counter Treatments Aren't Working
• Acne Is Getting Worse, Despite Good Home Care
• Acne Is Very Red, Inflamed, or Severe
• Acne Is Leaving Scars
• Depressed, Withdrawn, or Losing Self-Confidence due to acne
• Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne, Nodules, or Cystic Breakouts
• Acne May Be Caused by a Medication

38. What is the Ayurvedic treatment for Acne by Planet Ayurveda?

Planet Ayurveda is a well and renowned Ayurvedic company which uses pure extracts for the formulation of medicines which are free from side effects. The medicines are:-

1. Manjistha Capsules
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Radiant Skin Hair Nails Formula
4. Neem Capsules
5. Curcumin Capsules
6. Cucumber Toner

39. How is neem helpful in acne?

Neem is a blood purifier it has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property which helps to remove the toxins from the blood, ease the inflammation and removes the causes of acne. Taking neem directly has a bitter taste so Planet Ayurveda has offered Neem capsules which are equally good with the same properties. Dose:- 1- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

40. How is Curcumin (Haridra/ haldi) helpful in acne?

Acne has redness, inflammation, and pain. Haridra has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic property which removes the redness, ease the pain and inflammation. The same properties are found in the Curcumin capsules by Planet Ayurveda are made from the pure and natural extract of haridra. Therefore it has all the properties of it in the capsule form. Dose:- 1- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

41. How do you get rid of dark spots from acne?

• Rub lemon juice on the spots. Lemon juice can be used as a natural skin-lightening agent.
• Put a yogurt and honey mixture on the spots.
• Put aspirin on the dark spots.
• Use cucumber to lighten the spots.
• Apply vitamin E to the dark spots.

42. What is an acne mark?

Acne scars or the marks are the results of inflamed blemishes which are the cause of engorged skin pores with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. Shallow lesions are usually minor and heal quickly.

43. At what age does acne go away?

Acne commonly starts during puberty that is between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for 5 to 10 years, normally goes away by early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.

44. Are acne dark spots permanent?

The hyperpigmented (dark spots of acne) scars are not permanent, they can slowly fade. The acne mark stays for three to six months whereas the pimple mark disappears soon. If one develops acne marks or other dark spots on your skin, has to be patient.

45. Does teenage acne go away?

The acne will go by the end of puberty age, but in some cases, people struggle with acne in adulthood also. It depends upon patient skin, lifestyle and eating habits.

46. How can I stop acne breakouts?

• Keep your face clean
• Moisturize the skin
• Use makeup sparingly
• Watch what you put on your hair
• Keep your hands off your face
• Stay out of the contact of harmful sun rays.
• Feed your skin and keep it moisturized.
• Eat healthily and drink plenty of water.
• Keep your skin hydrated.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.