PIMPLES

Acne  is an inflammation of the skin that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and red spots usually called “pimples”.

Causes

The cause of acne is not fully understood. Though stress can aggravate acne, it clearly does not cause it.

Hormones. Common acne in teenagers starts with an increase in hormone production. During puberty, both boys and girls produce high levels of androgens, the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Testosterone signals the body to make more sebum, the oil produced in the skin’s oil glands.

Bacteria. Excess sebum clogs the openings to hair follicles — especially those on the face, neck, chest, and back. Bacteria grow in these clogged follicles. This makes blackheads or whiteheads, also known as ”comedones,” form on the skin’s surface. Sometimes, this clogging causes the follicle wall to break under the pressure of this buildup. When this happens, sebum leaks into nearby tissues and forms a pustule or a papule — this is called inflammatory acne. Larger, tender pustules are called nodules.

Depending on the type of pill, oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but suppress it in others. Some injectable contraceptives and intrauterine birth control devices (IUD) may also cause acne. Steroids taken by some bodybuilders and other athletes can also lead to severe outbreaks.

Some Other Causes-

Things that irritate your skin can also cause acne. These include:

  • rubbing or friction from your clothes
  • contact with a dog’s tongue (e.g., after a friendly lick)
  • skin contact with certain sports equipment
  • certain cosmetics
  • skin exposure to extreme temperatures

Symptoms

Symptoms and Complications of Acne

Acne symptoms vary from person to person. They include:

  • blackheads (black spots the size of a pinhead) are open right on the surface of your skin (superficial) and don’t leave scars
  • whiteheads or pustules, the most common type of acne, are usually the first lesions people get – they don’t turn black because they’re not exposed to the air
  • deep pustules and cysts look irritated; they’re usually red and swollen with visible pus
  • deep acne can be more severe – it’s usually red, inflamed, filled with pus, and painful to touch

Deep acne often appears on the back and chest. It’s usually the most difficult type of acne to treat and may leave scarring. Deep acne includes pustules and cysts, both of which can appear on the skin’s surface. Some, however, are deep in the layers of the skin. If they burst, the pus that’s released will cause more lesions.

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, mostly on the face, upper chest, shoulders, and back. It occurs in adolescence around puberty when the body starts secreting the sex hormones. It is  caused by an interaction between hormones, skin oils and bacteria that result in inflammation of hair follicles leading to black heads or cysts that may go on to form  abscesses that are  pus-filled pockets.

Sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance called sebum, lie in   the middle layer of skin (dermis) and are attached to the hair follicles. The Sebum that provides the healthy protective coating and luster to the skin reaches the surface through the pores in the skin. The secretions by these glands as well as the sweat glands that produce the watery sweat are in dynamic balance. This responds to both environmental changes (outside) and mood changes (inside). Acne is caused by excessive production of sebum that commonly happens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. Our mind controls the function of these glands through the messages that reach the skin via the  nervous system and also through several chemical messengers of the immune system (called cytokines). The internal violence produced by the uncontrolled emotional surges that go with adolescence release abnormal amounts of these messengers  that suppress the immune system. This results in  a collection of dried sebum that blocks the free flow of the same and promotes overgrowth of the bacteria; Propioni bacterium acnes, which are normally present in the hair follicle. These bacteria break down the sebum into substances that irritate the skin. The resulting inflammation and infection produce the skin eruptions that are commonly known as acne pimples. If the infection worsens, an abscess may form, which may rupture into the skin, creating even more inflammation. The situation  becomes worse with depression and the anger that follows when the person starts worrying about the facial appearance . Several types of lesions can occur in acne. Whiteheads and red papules are non painful rashes that are elevated above the surface of the skin that heal quickly leaving no scar if they are not handled and squeezed. Blackheads occur when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt; it is a reaction of the skin’s own pigment, melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. Pustules are painful rashes with  a red circle and a white or yellow centre. These are the once that can leave a scar when they heal.

Yoga can be of great help to people who suffer from problems of acne.

Yogic cure:-

                 [1] Shatkarma                                        {Purificatory techniques}

 

                             {a} Jalneti –                                   {Nose wash by water}

 

      [2]Yogasanas                                               {Posture}

{a} Pavanamuktasana                          {Wind  release}

{b}Trikonasana                                       {Tringle}

{c} Padahastasana

{d}Ardhachakrasana                                         {Half wheel}

{e}Vipareetkarani                                            {Reverse posture}

{f}Sarvangasana                                               {Shoulder stand}

{g}Matsyasana                                                 {Fish}

{h}Halasana                                                     {Plough}

{i}Sirshasana                                                   {Head stand}

{j}Surya namaskar                                           {Sun salute}

 [3] Pranayama                    {Body-mind energising breathing practices}

{a} Nadisuddhi

{b} Shitali

{c} Seetkari

{d} Bhramari

{e} OM meditation

 [4} Bandhas:-                                         {Bands}    

         {a}Mool bandha                            {Anal lock}       

 [5] Mudras:                                           {Finger-posture}

       {a} Varun mudra

      {b} Apan vayu mudra

 

  [6] Dhayan                                          {Meditation}

Diet:

It is important to avoid constipation by a healthy vegetarian Satvik diet. Reduce the use of heavy spices such as Chilli’s, onion and garlic and increase the use of healthy spices such as turmeric, Jira and coriander. Use  Tulsi tea and apply Neem leaf paste (Neem based creams) to the face. Avoid non-veg, fried  food, milk products and chocolate.

 [8] Fasting

Scientific explanation

Yoga can be of great help to people who suffer from problems of acne. It is important to avoid constipation by a healthy vegetarian Satvic diet. Reduce the use of heavy spices such as Chillis, onion and garlic and increase the use of healthy spices such as turmeric, Jira and coriander. Use  Tulsi tea and apply Neem leaf paste (Neem based creams) to the face. Avoid non-veg, fried  food, milk products and chocolate.  Cleansing techniques such as kapalabhati several times in the day and practice of Neti Dhouti once a week are very useful. One hour of daily session of yoga should include dynamic Suryanamaskaras(12rounds), Pavanamuktasana, standing forward bending postures(Trikonasana, Parivritta Triknasana, Prasarita Padahastasana, Ardhacakrasana) and inverted postures (Viparitakarani, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana and Sirsasana) followed by ten minutes of deep relaxation in supine posture. These help in better circulation of blood to the upper part of the body and promotes free flow of the sebum and prevents the clogging of the pores.

Pranayama(Chandranuloma Viloma 12 rounds four times a day, Nadisuddhi 12 rounds four times a day, Shitali, Seetkari and Bhramari), OM meditation (including Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi components as described in our publication “yoga for positive health”) are essential components of the daily practice to help unwind the stresses and get better mastery over the violent surges of emotions. Understanding the concepts of karma yoga and bhakti yoga helps one to move towards a balanced functioning of the mind which reflects in healthy harmonious production of the chemicals that is at the root cause of acne.

Precautions:-

Some Prevention Tips For Acne, Pimples, Blemishes And Marks

  • Keep the face clean of dirt and grime by washing it regularly.
  • Protect the face and skin from the sun.
  • Do not touch the skin or face without reason and take care not to pinch or squeeze pimples, pustules etc.
  • Use oil free make up.
  • Keep the hair too oil free and shampoo daily if need be.
  • Go outdoors and enjoy fresh air.
  • Do regular exercise and go for regular walks.
  • Consume raw, green leafy vegetables and fruits and fresh fruit juices.
  • Drink lots of water to keep skin well hydrated and avoid accumulation of wastes.
  • Avoid junk foods, excessively spiced and oily foods.

It needs to be mentioned here that it is a myth that chocolates causes acne.

Further suggestion:-

There are a lot of lotions and medicines on the market to treat pimples but they can take time. Many natural methods are effective in treating pimples within a very short time period.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of pimples fast.

  1. Ice

Ice can be used to quickly get rid of pimples. It helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area, and in freezing the skin pores and removing dirt and oil accumulated on the skin. You can use ice cubes or crushed ice, whichever is convenient.

  1. Wrap the ice in a piece of cloth and hold it on the affected skin area for a few seconds.
  2. Wait a few minutes and repeat the process.

When used repeatedly on the pimples throughout the day, ice helps reduce inflammation or swelling and will immediately soothe your skin.

  1. Lemon

Another quick way to get rid of pimples is the use of lemon juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Lemon juice helps pimples dry up faster. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and not bottled juice, which has preservatives. There are a couple of ways to apply this remedy.

  • Dip a clean cotton swab in fresh lemon juice and apply it to the pimples before going to bed.
  • You can also make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and put it on the pimples overnight. In the morning, wash the skin well with lukewarm water. However, this particular remedy is not suitable for those with sensitive skin.
  1. Honey

Honey is a source of natural antibiotics that can speed up the healing process, as well as help prevent infections.

  1. Dip and clean cotton swab in honey, put it directly on the affected area and leave it on for half an hour.
  2. Wash the skin well with lukewarm water.

Another option is to mix honey and cinnamon together to make a paste and applying it over the pimples before going to bed. In the morning, there will be less inflammation or swelling. Wash the skin well with cold water.

  1. Toothpaste

The toothpaste that you use every morning to clean your teeth also can be used to treat pimples quickly. It is most effective when used following the ice remedy. You must use white toothpaste; avoid using gel toothpaste.

  1. Apply some white toothpaste over the affected skin area before going to bed.
  2. In the morning, wash your face with water and you will see a significant improvement in the swelling.

If you wish, you can repeat the process in the daytime also. Just make sure the toothpaste remains on the pimples for at least half an hour.

  1. Steam

Steaming is wonderful for your skin at any time, but particularly when you have pimples. The steam will open your pores and allow your skin to breathe. This helps get rid of oils, dirt and bacteria trapped in the pores that can cause infection or inflammation.

  1. Fill a large container with hot water and allow the steam to come in contact with your face for a few minutes.
  2. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and, after drying, apply an oil-free moisturizer.

This treatment will also give your complexion a lovely glow.

  1. Garlic

Garlic is an antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and antioxidant agent that can help in the fast treatment of pimples. The sulfur in garlic also promotes quick healing of pimples.

  1. Cut a fresh garlic clove into two pieces.
  2. Rub the garlic on the pimples and leave it for five minutes before washing the skin with lukewarm water.
  3. Repeat the treatment several times a day.

Eating one raw garlic clove daily can also help purify your blood. But do not to eat too much raw garlic as it can upset the stomach.

  1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a good option for all, but especially those with sensitive skin because it will not cause any kind of skin irritation.

  1. Make a thick paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with some water or lemon juice.
  2. Wash your skin well, leaving it slightly damp. Apply the paste on the affected areas and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Never keep baking soda on your skin for longer than a few minutes as it can cause dryness.
  3. Wash your face with warm water and apply a moisturizer.
  4. Repeat the process twice a day for quick results.
  5. Peppermint

Peppermint is a powerful herb that can help eliminate pimples very fast. The calming, soothing effect of the menthol present in peppermint helps reduce the irritation and redness caused by pimples. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties also help kill bacteria that causes pimples.

  1. Crush some peppermint leaves to extract the juice.
  2. Apply the juice gently on your pimples and leave it for 10 minutes.
  3. Wash your skin with cold water.

If fresh peppermint leaves are not available, you can use peppermint oil, which contains a number of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Take two to three drops of peppermint oil and apply it on your pimples. Massage the oil for a few minutes and then rinse with water.

Yogi Yoganand