Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when:

• Dead skin cells,
• Bacteria
• Inflammation OR
• Excessive oil from the skin clogs hair follicles and pores.

Some interesting facts about teenage acne:

• Commonly appears during puberty between the ages of10 and 24 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin.
• Teenage acne usually lasts for about five to ten years.
• Almost 8 out of 10 teens have this problem.
• Boys tend to have the most severe cases of acne, but affecting girls have them earlier than boys.
• Most often, acne will go away on its own at the end of puberty, but some struggle with them even in their adulthood.

Most affecting body parts may include:

• Upper back – shoulder
• Face – Forehead – Nose
• Chest – Neck – Chin
• Under arms
• Lower back – Butts – Thighs
• Genitals – Groins
• Scalp or all over the body

Most Common Signs & Symptoms of acne may include

• Redness around the skin eruptions.
• Scarring of the skin.
• Crusting of skin bumps.

Most Common types of Acne are

• Pimples or Pustules – red bumps containing white or yellow pus
• Papules – small red, tender bumps
• Nodules – Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
• Cystic lesions – Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin
• Whiteheads – closed plugged pores and
• Blackheads – open plugged pores

Most Possible Causes of acne or pimples are: An effective holistic approach is to identify and treat the causative factors!

• Poor digestion and bad diet i.e. JUNK – oily, greasy food!
• Genetic
• Anaemia
• Ingrown hairs
• Air pollution
• Certain weather conditions, especially high humidity.
• Increased cortisol level – stress hormone that may lead to mental strains such as anxiety and depression etc.
• Adrenal or pituitary gland tumors
• Lazy lifestyle
• Toxic bodies
• Working in an area where you come in contact with grease such as in restaurants.
• Putting pressure on your skin – frequent touching, pooping and repeated friction.
• Use of oil-based cosmetics for makeup.
• Shaving with chemical-based products
• Use of cellphones, hoodies, helmets, collars or touching with your fingers can all cause sweat and bacteria to get trapped and clogging pores.
• Use of certain medications such as those for epilepsy, depression, steroids OR contraceptive pills

COMMON causes in females for acne

Mainly due to fluctuation in their hormones during;

• Puberty
• Irregular periods
• PCOS – polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Their condition maybe worse before, during or after menses, pregnancy and menopause

Holistic Remedies and preventions from acne

Suggested Supplements for acne

• Vitamin A can help to reduce sebum production.
• Vitamin B6 can be used to treat acne that worsens before menses or at midcycle.
• Probiotics can help normalise the gut flora, boost immunity and kill off yeast and bad bacteria.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help reduce inflammation and supports hormone balance.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils for acne and pimples:

Tree oil applied to acne lesions can be used to help eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation.

A 5 percent tea tree oil solution can be made by mixing 1 part tea tree oil to 19 parts water and using it as a skin cleanser.

Oregano oil, which is antimicrobial, can also be used in this way.

Natural Acne Scar Treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 tea spoon raw honey
• 3 drops lavender oil
• 3 drops tea tree oil
• 3 drops frankincense oil
• Wash your face and dry.
• Apply the paste an hour before bed.
• Then right before bed rinse off.

Use this remedy until you get the desired results.

A perfect home remedy for acne prone skin:

Ingredients:

6 drops of Frankincense

4 drops of Lavender

2 drops of Tea tree

Dilute in 30 ml Jojoba oil

Apply few drops to acne spots before going to bed.

Make your own acne ointment at home

Shea butter with Patchouli and

Orange essential oils

Mix them well together and

apply twice daily on the affected skin.

Lemon Juice – it cleans out the accumulated dirt in the pores and hardens of the sebum.

Simply rub a slice of lemon on the affected area and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing your face with water.

You can also mix lemon juice with rose water in equal amounts, apply it on your face and then rinse it off after 15 minutes.

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healer and has been used as a skin care routine specially for acne-prone skin for a long time.

• Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric and some coconut oil or aloe vera gel to make a paste.
• Apply this paste on the affected skin.
• Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off thereafter.
• Apply this paste for three to four times a week for desired results.

Apple Cider Vinegar

It helps restore the proper pH balance to the skin, which makes it harder for bacteria to thrive.

• Add one part of apple cider vinegar to three parts water.
• Dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it directly on the affected skin area.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash your skin thoroughly with water.
• Apply a light moisturizer to prevent dryness.
• Repeat the process once or twice daily for quick results.

Green Tea

The topical application of green tea extract can curtail the production of sebum and pimples in people with acne.

• Put a green tea bag in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
• Let it steep and allow it to cool.
• Take a cotton ball and dip it into the solution and apply it on your skin.
• Let the green tea solution dry.
• Rinse your skin with clean water and pat it dry.

Paste of Neem Indian Lilac

Neem can be used for the treatment of various skin problems due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

• Make neem leaves paste by adding a little water.
• Add some turmeric powder to the paste and then apply it on the affected area.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
• Repeat this at least twice a week.

Fenugreek Paste

Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties and can be used in the treatment of acne.

• Mix fresh fenugreek leaves in water to make a smooth paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for about 10–15 minutes.
• Wash with warm water.
• Repeat the process for 3–4 days to allow the heal.

Cucumber salve, aloe vera & yogurt

Chop 1 cucumber and blend with 2 tablespoons aloe gel.

Apply 3 to 5 times a day.

Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off.

Apply 2 tablespoons plain organic yogurt to the affected area, 3 to 5 times a day.

Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off.

Raspberries

Boil 1/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries in 2 cups water until reduced to 1/2 cup.

Strain the juice and discard the raspberries.

Keep the concentrate in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

Use a cotton ball to soak up the juice and wash the affected area with this solution twice a day.

Top Homeopathic Remedies for skin, acne etc

• Asterias Rubens – head remedy for pimples on the face during puberty.
• Hepar Sulph: For pimples which suppurate with white pus.
• Kali Brom effective for male acne
• Antim Crud teenage pimples on boys face, forehead
• Calcarea Phos for Acne in anaemic girls
• Bovista for Acne due to excessive use of cosmetics.
• Berberis Aquifolium: Acne, blotches and pimples, it also clears the dark complexion.
• Dulcamara for humid eruptions and blotches worse before menses, in cold and wet weather.
• Juglans Regia: Specific for acne on faces of young girls. It treats pimples and blackhead as well.
• Psorinum: Acne worse during menses, from eating fats, sugar, coffee and meat.Homeopathy is one of the safest holistic system of medicines – that offers a unique, personalised treatment and has the potential to reverse a medical disorder.Consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Additional tip for acne pimples

• Use a very mild cleanser or soap to wash the affected areas.
• Use lukewarm water. Extremely hot or cold water can worsen your condition.
• Use water-based products that are less likely to block the pores on your skin.
• Make sure to remove your makeup before bedtime.
• Always take a shower soon after your exercise routine to avoid an accumulation of sweat that can cause acne.
• Stress and fatigue can trigger acne outbreaks.
• Pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing or scrubbing it.
• Always opt for an oil-free moisturizer.
• Cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin regularly.
• Avoid the use of chemical cosmetics, skin and hair care products.
• Manage your weight, since being overweight can also make acne worse.
• Avoid biting your nails, which introduces bacteria to the skin around your mouth.
• Avoid washing your face too frequently which can cause irritation.

Steam Therapy

Steam helps open up clogged pores, allowing the skin to breathe, and alleviate a number of minor skin problems, including pimples.

Bacteria, dirt and oil trapped deep within the skin also will be flushed out.

Boil a pot of water.

• Allow the water temperature to cool slightly so the steam doesn’t burn your skin.
• Place your face above the bowl and drape a thick towel over your head to trap the steam.
• After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the towel and pat your face dry.
• Apply an oil-free moisturizer.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

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