Acne is characterized by red, irritating skin rash that affects primarily teenagers and young adults. It can occur, however, within all age groups. Typically, acne appears most commonly in the oil-producing areas of the body - usually the face, chest, and back. Teenagers are most commonly a target of acne due to the profound body changes that are taking place at this stage that are triggered by mostly by hormonal changes. The prevalence of acne in young men and premenstrual young women at this time demonstrates this connection.
Acne Causes
The primary cause in the development of acne is the abnormal growth and flaking of cells within the hair follicle. This leads to the formation of a plug that can enlarge and eventually rupture the hair follicle. Once the hair follicle is ruptured, oil and debris spill onto the skin leading to swelling and inflammation. Propionibacterium , a bacteria commonly found living on the skin also can be a factor in the formation of acne. These bacteria produce substances that can lead to redness and irritation to the skin. Enzymes produced by these bacteria dissolve the sebum (oil made by the oil-producing glands in the skin) into substances irritating to the skin, thus making inflammation worse.
Hormones, known as androgens, are another factor in the formation of acne. Androgens are male hormones found in both males and females, but are more commonly found in males. Androgens create two conditions that can lead to acne: First, they can cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and second, they cause these glands to increase their production of sebum (or oil). This excess sebum can lead to the formation of more plugs in the pores and hair follicles and serve as "food" for bacteria. Teenagers produce a surge of androgens at puberty, which explains the development of armpit and pubic hair in both males and females and why males also develop facial hair and deeper voices. This hormonal surge also produces acne in teens during this time.
Estrogens, female hormones, can actually help to alleviate acne for young women. A woman's monthly menstrual cycle is triggered by changes in the estrogen levels in her body. This explains the pattern where acne in females may tend to become better or worse depending on her monthly cycle. This is also why some doctors recommend acne treatment with birth control pills, which contain estrogens.
Herbs for Acne
Chamomile: Chamomile is an excellent and gentle herb to use on sensitive, inflamed skin.This herb is useful for a whole list of conditions:Its excellent anti-inflammatory properties make it useful to sooth inflammations on the skin, while also having wound healing properties making it especially useful for helping to heal ulcerations on the skin.In addition, it has excellent properties in neutralizing free radicals, thereby helping to prevent oxidative stress and premature aging. Its vaso-dilating properties enhance circulation in the skin.
Rosemary: Rosemary is one of the most useful herbs for creating a stimulating effect on the skin. This property as well as its outstanding antiseptic properties are the reason rosemary is a primary ingredient in many hair scalp formulations. It also has an ability to increase blood flow to the scalp, helping to alleviate many scalp and skin conditions.
Sage: Sage, particularly Red Sage, is an excellent herb for soothing inflammations of the skin and within the mouth. It also has properties that make it useful for wound healing and in stopping bleeding. Sage also has antimicrobial and antiviral effects and is useful for treating problems of excess sebum (oil) buildup on the scalp. This property is why sage is often used in formulations used for the treatment of dandruff and even hair loss.
Thyme: Thyme is a primary ingredient in Listerine mouthwash, attesting to its powerful antiseptic properties. These antibacterial properties make it useful to treat acne and other skin conditions and is also useful in treating and healing inflammation and lesions on the skin.
Lavender: In addition to its antiseptic properties, lavender is excellent for relieving and soothing the pain and "burning" sensations that often accomany flare-ups of acne.The ursolic acidpresent in lavender is antibacterial as well as helping to prevent the inflammatory process and tissue degradation that occurs not only in acne, but with psoriasis and eczema as well. Lavender has a reknowned reputation for healing skin damage caused by burns. It is this property that makes it useful in helping to heal skin eruptions and prevent scar formation.
Hibiscus:In addition to a host of other beneficial compounds, active ingredients in hibiscus act to improve skin flexibility and help retain moisture within the skin. The anthocyanocides present in hibiscus have astringent properties that help to keep the skin "dry" from excess amounts of sebum (oil).
Melaleuca Alternifolia or Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil has been a traditional remedy of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia for centuries.
Studies have shown that it has exceptional healing powers due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions. Tea Tree Oil was included in the wound dressing kits of the Australian troops in World War 2. It is one of few healing oils which can be used directly on the skin with no irritation or drying.
Aloe Vera -Aloe Vera is often called"The Miracle Plant" for its soothing, antibacterial properties that heals skin irritations, burns, and wounds like no other herb in the plant kingdom. It can also promotes new skin growth, and provide protection and moisturization to the skin to counter the effects of aging.
Natural Acne Face Wash- From thehomecooking.blog.com: Mix together in a blender:
2 cups castile soap
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon teatree oil
1 teaspoon lavender oil
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
¼ cup vitamin E oil
½ cup coconut oil ( melt first )
1 cup glycerin Store in a bottle; if it separates, shake it up again. Use quarter size dab puddle to wash face 2-3 times a day; leave on face for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Many people have reported to me their success using this formula with their teens.