Help for Acne Vulgaris

In order to keep acne under control and prevent future breakouts, it is essential to follow a good skincare routine by washing your skin with warm water and mild cleansing products every morning and evening. Eliminating greasy and sugary foods from your diet and replacing them with fresh fruit, vegetables and plenty of water will also benefit the appearance of your skin.
A variety of over-the-counter products and topical medications such as lotions, creams and gels containing benzoyl peroxide or oral antibiotics are often used to treat mild to moderately severe acne. For more severe acne, oral medication such as Isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed. It is important to note that these medications may have some serious side effects and you should discuss any concerns with your health practitioner.

Natural remedies

Natural and holistic remedies are a safer, gentler yet effective treatment option to reduce acne without the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals often found in conventional medications. Carefully selected herbs such as Melaleuca Alterniflora (Tea Tree Oil), Azadirachta indica and Arctium lappa support the skin and contain anti-fungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Bulbine frutescence and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) help to soothe and prevent skin infections, and also have excellent antioxidant properties – helping to fight free radicals and help discourage the signs of aging.

What is Acne Vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris, also known as acne is a skin condition that occurs when overactive oil glands and dead cells clog the skin’s pores resulting in a breakout of pimples. When germs enter the pores, redness, swelling and pus often develops. It can affect anyone but is very common amongst teenagers and young adults but usually disappears when they reach their twenties. However, some adults in their 20’s and 30’s and older can develop acne. Many women often experience an acne outbreak before the onset of their menstrual cycle or while they are pregnant due to hormonal changes, but this goes away when it is completed.

There are different forms of acne and these include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. A whitehead is characterized by a pimple that remains under the surface of the skin. A blackhead can be distinguished by its colour black and is a pimple that rises to the surface of the skin. Papules are small, pink bumps that are sometimes tender while pustules are red at the bottom with a pus-like substance on the top. Nodules are large, painful pimples embedded deep within the skin. Cysts are deep, painful pimples filled with pus that leave scars.

The most common parts of the body that are affected by acne include the forehead, face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. Acne that is left untreated can cause serious blemishes and scarring as well as lead to more psychological issues such as poor self esteem, shyness, social phobia, loneliness, anxiety or depression.

What is Acne?

At some point in our lives, we have all experienced horror at the emergence of a pimple or two on our faces. However for some people, that pimple or two may get completely out of control and develop into acne. Acne is a skin condition that affects the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands) and results in clogged pores and flare-ups of lesions or pimples. The pores in the skin become clogged with an oily substance called sebum and are connected to the glands by follicles.

These follicles clog up the skin and a pimple develops. Certain body areas such as the forehead, face, neck, back, shoulders and chest are most commonly affected. Acne is most common amongst teenagers and young adults, but can affect people of all races and ages.

It tends to disappear when you reach your twenties but people in their forties and fifties have been known to experience acne outbreaks. Although acne is not life threatening, it can cause scarring. If left untreated, acne can also lead to deep emotional issues such as low self esteem, depression and anxiety.

What causes Acne?

The exact cause of acne is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to this skin condition.

These factors include:

• Genetics (will most likely affect you if other family members had acne)
• Hormones (hormonal changes during puberty, or monthly periods)
• Infections (germs such as bacteria may cause acne)
• Certain medications (steroids, anticonvulsants, hormones or birth control pills may cause acne)
• Skin cosmetics (moisturizers, makeup and cosmetics clog the pores of the skin and cause acne)
• Environmental conditions (humidity can increase the outbreak of acne)

Help and treatment for people with Acne

If acne is treated early, it usually responds well to treatment. The main aim of treatment is to stop new pimples from forming, heal pimples, prevent scarring and lessen the embarrassment associated with acne.

Mild to moderately severe acne may be treated with over-the-counter gels, lotions, and creams such as benzoyl peroxide which is applied directly to the skin. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation while oral contraceptives have also shown to improve acne.

In episodes where acne is extremely severe, another oral medication known as Isotretinoin (Accutane) is one of the most effective treatments with successful results. However, all these medications can cause negative side effects and it is important that you inform your health practitioner or dermatologist immediately.

It is also important to develop a good skincare routine that involves cleansing your skin in the mornings, evenings and after workouts. By adjusting your lifestyle and incorporating a healthy diet, exercise, drinking lots of water and getting adequate sleep will also help to make a significant difference to your skin’s appearance.

Herbs have proven to be a more natural, gentle alternative for the treatment of acne rather than the harsh, synthetic chemicals used in over-the-counter products and conventional medications. Not only are herbal remedies safe and effective to use, they also support the skin, immune and digestive systems.

Two carefully selected herbal ingredients such as Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil), Azadirachta indica and Arctium lappa contain antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties and are not only effective for acne but for other skin conditions too. Other herbs such as Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Bulbine frutescence have wonderful antioxidant and healing properties and also help to prevent skin infection and provide ongoing relief. In addition, Lavender Essential Oil acts as a circulatory stimulant and antiseptic, and is used to treat burns and wounds and to prevent scarring.