How many people in your class in high school were acne free? My bet is there were not many who did not reach for an acne “cover up” medicine. For majority of people acne is a condition that comes and goes with age. But acne can be stubborn and follow some people well into their adulthood.

What is acne? Acne is inflammatory skin condition that usually shows up on face but it can also affect neck, shoulders, upper back, chest area and even buttocks. Acne is caused by the over production of sebum, which normally lubricates the skin. When there is an excess of sebum it gets stuck in a hair follicle. Bacteria thrive on the excess oil and you end up with acne.

Causes of Acne

The term acne is commonly used to describe anything from pimples to blemishes. Sometimes it is hereditary –- it means if one or both of your parents had acne in all probability you will be prone to them as well. Another common cause of acne is the hormones; the hormones in your body become active and in turn stimulate the oil glands in the skin. And although the prevailing opinion for quite awhile has been that stress, greasy food, chocolate and even poor hygiene can cause acne, recent research shows that even though all of these things can in fact aggravate acne, they are not the cause of it. However, the food you eat is connected with acne, as recent studies have shown.

Two research studies conducted in the 60s gave the world premise that acne is not caused by the food you eat. Sometimes it does take a while for some conjectures to be refuted and over the recent years some studies have shown that for example food high on the glycemic index or dairy can cause acne. For more information about these studies, see the article here.

Because our bodies and by extension our health are complex and complicated systems it is difficult to point at any given thing and consider that you have found a definite cause. It is no wonder then that holistic approach is gaining in popularity as it looks at the total sum of your lifestyle and gives us tool and aids to change it in order for us to live and be healthier.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Acne

What is Ayurveda approach to acne? Ayurveda compares acne to sprouts that grow on the Shamali tree and links acne with imbalance of Kapha and Vatta doshas. Very rarely it is a Pitta imbalance. Ayurveda also believes acne can be down to Rhakta Dushti (blood imbalance).

As Ayurveda is a holistic approach it is considered that the root cause for acne can be treated if there is a change in the diet –- hot, spicy, oily foods should be avoided, while the focus should be on foods of the bland variety such as basmati rice, oatmeal as well as plenty of green leafy vegetables that will help with regular bowel movements. Fresh and light food should constitute your meals.

• Drink plenty of water (ideally 10 glasses of water per day), so that the toxins will flush out of the blood. Natural fruit juices are also recommended. It is not only good for your blood and body, but since skin is the biggest organ it is the first that will go dehydrated if there is no sufficient intake of water. To help cleanse your body and stimulate the function of the liver make your own juice — one part beet juice combined with three parts carrot juice and two parts water.
• If you did not know already it is not wise to pick at your face with your hands — it is given you will aggravate the infection further. If your hair is long, it would help to keep your hair away from your face as sometimes if your hair is oily it can make acne even worse.
• If you are suffering from acne the hygiene of the whole body is essential. Use natural cleansers or mild soap to clean your face and remember that chemical cleansers can do more damage than good. Suggested Ayurvedic cleanser for the face is one teaspoon of chickpea paste mixed with a little water. Avoid scrubbing your face with a towel or harsh facial scrubs.
• Make-up should be removed before going to bed and if possible oily make-up should be avoided. Non-greasy, water-based cosmetics would be the best choice.
• One of the Ayurvedic remedies for acne (albeit a very smelly one) is to dab either a garlic paste or crush 2-3 garlic cloves and apply it to the acne area. Leave on for a few minutes and then wash with warm water. Acne should dry out without leaving any scars.
• If smelly garlic is not an option, a paste made out of neem leaves and tumeric is also recommended to get rid off acne. Let it dry out and then rinse your face with lukewarm water. Feenugrek leaves and ground sesame seed paste mixed with water are other safe and effective acne treatment.
• Some Ayurveda practicioners suggest face packs — one pack is made from the pulp of ripe tomatoes, it should be applied to the face. Wait until it dries out and then wash with lukewarm water. Cucumber pack (made from gated cucumber) is not only a great acne remedy but it also soothes the skin.
• While it is known now that stress and inactivity are not direct causes of acne, try to get plenty of exercise, plenty of fresh air and try to minimize your stress levels — it will help your mind and your body’s overall health and well being.
• There are recommended yoga postures that can help with the treating of acne. They help the blood circulation to the head, giving sufficient nutrients to your face and help with detoxifying of your body.
• Yoga postures that might be helpful are:

• Cobra pose
• Seated Sun
• Standing Sun
• Baby