Other names for Acne

Blackheads
Cystic acne
Pimples
Whiteheads
Zits

Synopsis of Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation, pimples, blackheads, or cysts. It typically appears on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands. Acne is most common during puberty due to hormonal changes but can occur at any age. The severity ranges from mild blackheads and whiteheads to painful cystic lesions that can cause scarring.

Types:

• Comedonal acne: Characterized by non-inflammatory blackheads and whiteheads.

• Inflammatory acne: Red, swollen pimples (papules) and pus-filled lesions (pustules).

• Cystic acne: Deep, painful nodules or cysts under the skin that may scar.

• Hormonal acne: Often appears along the jawline and chin, linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Common Causes:

• Excess oil production (sebum): Overactive sebaceous glands contribute to clogged pores.

• Clogged hair follicles: Dead skin cells and oil block follicles, trapping bacteria.

• Bacterial growth: Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) contributes to inflammation.

• Hormonal fluctuations: Androgens (male hormones) increase sebum production during puberty, menstruation, or hormonal disorders like PCOS.

• Diet: High glycemic index foods, dairy, and processed foods may contribute to breakouts in some individuals.

• Stress: Can trigger hormonal changes that exacerbate acne.

• Certain medications: Corticosteroids, lithium, and some birth control pills can worsen acne.

• Cosmetic products: Oily or comedogenic skincare and makeup products can clog pores.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Cystic or nodular acne: Causes deep skin inflammation, often leading to scarring.

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark spots remain after acne lesions heal.

• Emotional distress: Severe acne can impact self-esteem, leading to anxiety or depression.

• Infection or abscess formation: If acne lesions become severely inflamed.

When to See a Doctor:

• Acne persists despite over-the-counter treatments

• Severe cystic acne develops

• Acne leads to scarring or dark spots

• Emotional well-being is impacted by acne

• Suspected hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS-related acne)

Natural remedies for Acne

Tea Tree Oil (Diluted): Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that target acne-causing bacteria. Apply diluted (5%) tea tree oil to affected areas once or twice daily.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera soothes inflammation and promotes healing of irritated skin. Apply pure aloe gel to the skin twice daily.

Honey Mask: Raw honey has antibacterial properties and helps reduce redness and irritation. Apply as a thin layer on the skin, leave for 15–20 minutes, and rinse off.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Toner: ACV has antimicrobial properties and helps restore skin’s natural pH. Dilute ACV with water (1:3 ratio) and apply lightly with a cotton pad.

Green Tea Compress: Green tea contains polyphenols that reduce inflammation and sebum production. Steep green tea, let cool, and apply to the skin using a cloth.

Zinc Supplementation: Zinc reduces inflammation and may decrease acne severity. Oral supplementation (under guidance) or topical zinc formulations can be used.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s help regulate inflammation and support skin health. Increase dietary sources like fish oil or flaxseed.

Dietary Adjustments: Reducing dairy, sugar, and processed foods may help lower acne flare-ups in some individuals. Increase anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Acne

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc