Causes, Types, and Treatments with Ayurveda – Ayurvedarian

“Acne is not something that is physically debilitating, it’s more so emotionally debilitating”-Mary B Dunn

Pimple or Acne can appear on anybody’s face or body irrespective of age, gender or place & weather. Though it is commonly seen in teenagers both boys & girls, in the modern worl, due to stress, pollution and lifestyle, Acne has become more common in all ages. Predominantly seen on the face they can be found on the shoulders, back , arms as well. As the quote above says, acne affects a person’s emotional and confidence levels more than it effects the person physically or physiologically. In Ayurveda, acne is known as Mukhadushika. As Melissa Gallico says “Acne is not an disease to be treated, it is a message to be heard”, Ayurveda believes that the appearance of acne on the body indicates that there is physiological, psychological imbalances inside the body which needs to coreected at the earliest. In this article lets just delve into some details of acne, its causes, types and Ayurvedic viewpoint and treatments as well……..

What is Acne?

Medical books describe acne as a common skin condition where the pores of the skin clog. Pore blockages produce blackheads, whiteheads or other types of pimples. Pimples are pus filled, sometimes painful, bumps on your skin. Acne is common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged.

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. Our skin has sebaceious(oil) glands that connects to the hair follicles, which contain fine hair. In healthy skin, the sebaceious glands make sebum that empties into the skin surface through the pore which is an opening in the follicle. The follicles are lined by keratinocytes, a type of skin cell. Normally when the body sheds skin cells, the keratinocytes rise to the surface of the skin and fall off. In case of acne, the hair, sebum and keratinocytes stick together inside the pore. This prevents the keratinocytes from shedding and keeps the sebum from reachin the surface of the skin. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles and cause inflammation-swelling, redness, heat and pain. When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills the bacterial, skin cells, and sebum into nearby skin, creating lesions or pimples.

What causes Acne or Pimples?

Knowledge of the common causes and understanding their process helps in managing and treating acne effectively.

1. Hormonal factors–Fluctuations in hormonal levels play a significant role in the appearance of acne. Puberty, menstruation and pregnancy often leads to increased oil production in the skin which heightens the risk of clogged pores. Androgens, a type of hormone, stimulates the sebaceous glands, causing them to secrete more oil. Hormonal changes during these life stages can lead to severe acne outbreaks both in boys, girls, men or women. Usage of hormone based medications like oral contraceptives or HRT also sometimes may worsen acne even though they might help cure the acne as well.
2. Environmental Triggers–In this modern world, the world we are living in is full of all sorts of pollution and these factors can influence acne severely. Pollution and humidity contribute to clogged pores, thereby exacerbating exisiting conditions. The pollution or blockage of pores can also be because of exposure to certain chemicals or skincare products which irritate the skin leading to breakage. regular face wash and showers after heavy sweating is good but excessive washing/scrubbing can irritate and dry the skin leading to more acne as well.
3. Lifestyle Choices–Now coming to the most important cause for the increase in incidence of acne in all age groups and genders–Modern Lifestyle. This includes diet, activity, sleep and stress. A) Diet–Processed, high fat, high salt unhealthy unbalnced diet at irregular timings leads to unhealthy skin clogging the skin pores leading to acne. Reduced consumption of water leads to accumulation of toxins clogging the pores leading to acne. B) Activity–Sedentary lifestyle along with alcohol consumption, smoking etc also leads to appearance of acne on the skin. C) Sleep–Irregular sleep patterns, lesser sleep hours prevents the skin from rejuvenating and repairing therby leading to clogged pores and acne. D) Stress-The biggest cause which not only leads to hormonal imbalance, toxin accumulation, unhealthy diets and lifestyle finally leads to apperance of acne.

Are there types of Acne?

Yes, the most common ones are whiteheads and blackheads. Blackheads–are open at the surface of your skin and exposure to external environment leads to darker shade of black. Whiteheads–closed forming a raised bump under the surface of the skin. Certain inflammatory lesions which are variants of acne and also cause extreme scarring of the skin includes –Papules-small, red inflamed or infected hair follicles. –Pustules-small red pimples with pus at their tips. –Nodules-solid, often painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. –Cysts-large lumps with pus and usually painful.

The most common areas where acne are found or break our are–face and neck, back, shoulder, chest.

What are the physical effects of Acne?

Pimples or acne gives your skin a rough, uneven, texture. Skin discolouration, dark patches, hyperpigmentation and redness. Swellling and inflammation, Pain and tenderness when touched or not.

NEVER POP OR SQUEEZE A PIMPLE (however tempting)-as it leads to scarring.

Risk factors for developing acne?

Though acne are natural according to age and gender, there are some risk factors which contributes to or worsen acne. some of them are

• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or puberty
• PCOS/PCOD and other endocrine imbalances
• cigarette smoking
• Poor sleep
• Stress
• Cleansers, creams, moisturizers and other beauty products iwth high oil content
• Certain medicines including lithium, some hormonal birth control pills, anti convulsants and steroids
• A family history of acne
• Certain foods or diets have effect on acne-high glycemic index diet such as refined cards and added sugars, Milk products-consuming milk products like milk and ice cream seems to wrsen acne in some people, High unsaturated fatty foods, Low fibre, low probiotic diets

Ayurvedic Viewpoint on Acne

Ayurveda, the ancient life science of India believes that just like the nature is controlled by the 05 basic elements (Panchmahabhutas), we humans being a part of this nature are also controlled by the smae 05 elements. The five elements are present in our bodies in the form of 03 doshas (humors-known as Vata, Pitta, & Kapha). they help in formation, maintainence and sustenance of various functions and parts of the body. Balance and imbalance of these 03 doshas determines the health and illness/disease in the body.

In Ayurveda, acne is mentioned as Mukhadushika and is considered as Kshudra Roga (minor disease). The various causes Ayurveda mentioned for Mukhadushika include:

• Viruddhahara-eg: fruits & milk, fish & milk-opposite natured foods combined together and consumed.
• Vishamashana–irregular food habits, like late night intake of foods
• Adhyashana–increased intake of unhealthy foods like high fatty, high salty etc
• Junk foods intake
• Divaswapna-day time sleeping, sedentary lifestyles
• Increased exposure to sharp sunlight
• Increased cold air exposure
• Emotional imbalance/factors like Chinta(worry), krodha(anger), Shoka(sorrow) etc.

According to Ayurveda, due to the various causative factors, the Agni/digestive fire gets imbalanced leading to an imbalance inall the 03 doshas but predominantly the pitta and the kapha dosha. This imbalance gives rise to the formation of ama 9free radicals) and toxins which start circulating int he body and create blockage of various strotas/channels like of rasa, rakta, medas, sweda (lymph, blood, fat & sweat glands)leading to disturbed circulation of the toxins/ama reaching to the face and nearby areas and therby leading to Mukhadushika.

Mukhadushika are also knwon as Youvanapidika (teenage pustules) because the hormonal changes during the teenage leads to the imbalance of the tridoshas in the body. This when accompanied with unhealthy lifestyles, junk foods, stress and exposure to pollution leads to increased incidence of acne as well.

Ayurveda says that acne is a message from your body telling you that something is wrong inside with your dosha system like an upset stomach, high acidity, extreme dietary changes or adaptation of unhealhty lifestyles.

Management and treatment of Acne:

In modern medicing topical applications, internal medicines like antibioitics and hormone management medicines and treatments like laser et for scar removal are used. Modern nutrition also advises particular diet and lifestyle changes to prevent and cure acne. Sometimes the medicines alone like antibiotics may not address the root cause of the acne but hormone management does to some extent provide relief.

Ayurveda, the holistic lifescience believes in removal of the root cause of the disease rather than just pacifying the symptoms. As explained earlier, the production of ama(toxins & free radicals) in the body due to various causes leads to blockage of skin pores leading to acne, therefore before starting any of the pacificatory treatments, ayurveda recommends Shodhana or purificatory/detoxification treatments. In case of Mukhadushika, the vitiated doshas are Pitta and kapha and therefore Virechana or medicated purgation under the supervision of an expert Ayurvedic doctor is the best kickstart.

Shodhana treatment especially virechana cleanses Pitta from the liver and intestines improving skin health and reducing inflammation. Ayurveda also believes that ama/free radicals causes raktadusti/blodd impurity leading to acne. Techniques like Rakta Mokshana (blood letting with leech) are employed to extracted the vitiated blood especially localised lesions. Ayurveda also advises certain Shamana or Palliative internal medicines and herbs–In cse of mild or moderate acne internal medicines are suggested which purify the doshas, improve liver and blood metabolism, enhance or boost immunity and of course support detoxification. Herbs like Neem, Manjista, Guduchi, Turmeric, Triphala are very effective.

In the palliative care therapies Ayurveda also advises certain topical therapies which include lepas and dharas. Ayurvedic facials or mukhalepas with narutal herbs and powders, medicated rice paste etc are very effective to cleanse the skin, improve the skin texture as well as lighten the scars.

Since Ayurveda is a lifestyle science, diet and lifestyle modifications are also suggested. Diet plays a very pivotal role in occurance and treatment of acne or mukhadushika. Pitta pacifying foods, proper hydration and maintaining a healthy digestive fire is emphasized for preventing acne/Mukhadushika. Antioxidant rich foods which fight free radicals/ama with tikta(bitter), kashaya(astringent) and madhura (sweet) taste are advised. Green leafy vegetables, Vitamin C rich foods, coconut water are very effective. The foods to be avoided include fermented foods, oily, spicy foods, high sugar, caffeine and incompatible food combinations (like milk with sour fruit or fish etc).

Lifestyle practices and changes especially in today’s fast paced mechanical world is of utmost importance to cure and prevent acne/Mukhadushika. Adequate peaceful proper sleep regimen, essential physical activity and stress reduction are integral changes which need to be done and practised.

Sleep is one of the most important regimen, something we have lost importance for in the modern age. Sleep is the period when the body especially skin and other system relax and repair. Irregular sleep patterns, inadequate sleep both qualitative and quantitative, disturbed sleep deny the skin the opportunity to heal and repair. It breaks out and infalmmation of the skin. Start practising regular sleep habits, restrict phone and other electronic devices before sleep therby providing the body with a relaxing and rejuvenating sleep and rest.

Basic physical activity or exercise schedule is essential for the body to burn the calories as well as maintain proper circulation of all nutrients through out the body. In the modern life, our habits have become more and more sedentary as everything is available at our doorstep with the touch of a button. Wherever you are, make it a habit to atleast do simple exercises atleast for 30 minutes. Practise whatever is possible to be done anywhere even while travelling or even at office.

Oxygen is another element which not only alkalises our body but also helps recude the heat of the body. We have all become shallow breathers which makes our body heat up and also it develops a lack of oxygen. Learn and practise certain pranayama which helps to reduce body internal heat and provides adequate oxygen as well. Ayurveda also recommends regular Abhyangam with steam with skin nourishing and cooling oils at least once or twice a month for radiant skin and prevention of Mukhadushikas.

Hydration is equally important to maintain alkalinity and good circulation. dehydration causes dryness of the skin leading it to crack open further leading to infection and inflammation. Whether summer or winter, make sure to keep yourself well hydrated. This is much more important when one is spending maximum time under the air conditioners as AC -the cold air makes your skin drier and since one doesnot get thirsty, hydration is generally low. Make sure to sweat well atleast once a day, as it is how the skin detoxes.

Skin hygiene and claenaliness is of utmost importance in preventing acne or any type of skin lesions. Wash your face and exposed parts of hands and legs everytime you come from outside. It helps to cleanse the external pollutants that have settled on the skin. Use soap or face washes once or max twice a day. Frequent use of soaps and other scrubbing agents leads the skin to get dry and break out. NEVER sleep with your make up on make it a point to clean your ace of all the make up so that it can breathe and repair during th esleep. As much as possible use least amount of make up or cheicals on your skin. If face is very oily once a week use pack of multani mitti or besan with rosewater and lemon juice. If face is very dry use the pack of multani mitti or besan with milk cream or ale vera. Once a month the Ayurvedic Navara facial helps to remove the tan, nourish the skin and revive the radiant glow as well.

After making all these changes, still acne won’t leave you? Then the culprit is the culprit of the centrury–STRESS. Stress has only 02 responses from the body which is fight or flight and for these 02 responses, hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, insulin etc go haywire and most of the time in stressful situations we neither fight or run way physically but manage it just sitting or thinking. So the released hormones lead to severe imblance of various doshas/nutrients leading to release of ama/free radicals leading to skin acne/inflammation. so people, Stress cannot be avoided but should not be locked in as well. Stress management techniques, which help in utilisation of the released hormones is very necessary. Generally exercising, releasing your emotions to a blank wall/friend or paper, playing games/sports, simple walking, and such hobbies or activities helps get the hormones back to original balance therby preventing free radical formation. Never go for unhealthy snacking, smoking or alcohol/caffeine based drinks while stressed. It only worsens the condition after momentary relief. If your craves for sugar/salt-carry healthy options beecause cravings need to be satisfied. Refular meditation, pranayam, prayer chanting, listening to music and other activities also help relieve the daily stress.

Finally to sum up, the KEY ACTIONS to be taken to prevent acne and keep healhty skin are:

• Tame your STRESS
• Clean up before and after exercise, outing
• Consume balanced diet consciously
• Keep Yourself WELL HYDRATED
• Clean your MOBILE regularly
• DETOX or Cleanse your body regularly
• NEVER skip your beauty sleep
• Make your food colourful with fruits and vegetables
• AVOID processed, refined, instant foods with preservatives, artificial colours etc
• Use Sunscreen but avoid too many chemicals

Ayurveda teaches us to lead a healthy life with its various regimens like daily regimen, seasonal regimen, diet regimen and social regimens. Try to incorporate atleast some into your daily lives.

SMALL CHANGES GIVES YOU BIG ADVANTAGES AND A BEAUTIFUL RADIANT BLEMISHFREE FACE.

KEEP SMILING KEEP HEALTHY