Acne (Acne Vulgaris) - Causes, Types and Herbal Remedies

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Neal_K]Neal K

Introduction

The sudden onset of a 'zit' before a date is every teenager's nightmare. Most teenagers - and a large percentage of adults - suffer from Acne Vulgaris, which can shows up as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. A recent study conducted in the USA revealed that 17 million people suffer from acne, spawning a large market for anti-acne products.

Causes

Skin pores contain oil glands which keep the skin and hair lubricated. Sometimes, these sebaceous pores become clogged with excess oil and bacteria, resulting in acne. Broadly, the causes of acne may be the following:


Bacteria, which easily infects oil glands and pores
Wrong diet, irregular meals, excessive intake of starches, sugar, and fatty foods
Chronic constipation
Hormonal activity, particularly in teenagers
Incorrect use of cosmetics that clog the pores
Genes


Types of acne


Whiteheads: Whiteheads are caused when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface.
Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is caused by a reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head.
Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center.
Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts.
Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface, and are prone to leaving behind scars.
An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled and painful.
Acne Rosacea can look similar to the acne vulgaris and is visible in patches.
Severe forms of acne include acne conglobata (large lesions) and pyoderma faciale (severe facial acne afflicting only females.


Prevention


Eat healthy. Include fresh fruits and vegetables and anti-oxidants such as tomatoes in your diet.
Stay clean. Use a natural antibacterial, non-oily face wash/body wash. Those containing tea tree oil are a good option. Do not scrub your face, which can irritate the skin. The aim of washing is to remove dirt and oil from the pores.
If you have constipation, treat it immediately.
Drink lots of water.
Avoid chocolate, fried food, and refined sugar.
Take B-complex and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin's resistance to acne.
Watch where you put your face: don't place your cheek against things and surfaces that may carry infection, such as telephone receivers, window panes, used pillow cases etc.


Remedies


Do NOT squeeze or pop a pimple. Squeezing can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, leaving permanent scars.
Wash your face with warm salt water. This will get rid of the oil and dirt without irritating the acne.
Apply cucumber paste on your face. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera gel is an effective natural cure for acne. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
If you get a bad case of acne, see a dermatologist.


Herbal Remedies and Herbs Supplements for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Skinelle cream is an effective and safe natural treatment for Acne and pimples. It's main ingredients Manjishtha, Haridra and Sariva have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which eradicate infection in acne. Skinelle has no side effects and is safe for long term application.

The pure herb Neem is very popular in India and is found in abundance in the indian subcontinent. Neem or Azadirachta indica has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & blood purifying properties. It is useful in skin disorders and keeps the skin healthy and glowing. Consumption of Neem pure herb capsules detoxifies the system and clears acne and pimples. [http://www.anytimeherbal.com/displayitem.asp?id=50]Neem Guard

Click here for more more [http://www.anytimeherbal.com/Herbal-beauty-care-products.asp]Herbal Beauty Care Products.

Neal K is a keen follower of trends in Ayurveda and Health Supplements. He also has professional interests in the field and manages a website called anytimeherbal.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Acne-(Acne-Vulgaris)---Causes,-Types-and-Herbal-Remedies&id=3153650] Acne (Acne Vulgaris) - Causes, Types and Herbal Remedies