HERBS for SPOTS AND ACNE
SpotLess Tonic
There are herbs that have been found to be useful for spots and acne. The herbs are hormonal balancers, immuno-stimulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, detoxifying.
The lotion is anti-infection, anti-scarring, protective, healing.
Spots and Acne
Acne vulgaris (acne, spots, pimples) is a common condition in teenagers and some adults.
It appears with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), pustules (pimples), nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring.
Acne affects mostly skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.
Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in non-inflammatory forms.
Causes
The causes are generally due to changes in pilosebaceous units, that is, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, changes that require androgen stimulation.
Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles. Hyperkeratinization and formation of a plug of keratin and sebum (a microcomedo) is the earliest change. Enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in sebum production occur with increased androgen (DHEA-S) production at adrenarche. The microcomedo may enlarge to form an open comedone (blackhead) or closed comedone (milia).
Comedones are the direct result of sebaceous glands’ becoming clogged with sebum, a naturally occurring oil, and dead skin cells. In these conditions, the naturally occurring largely commensal bacterium Propionibacterium acnes can cause inflammation, leading to inflammatory lesions (papules, infected pustules, or nodules) in the dermis around the microcomedo or comedone, which results in redness and may result in scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Who Gets Spots?
Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence, and can often continues into adulthood. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in testosterone, which people of both genders accrue during puberty.
For most, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear after one reaches one’s early twenties. Some people may carry this condition well into their thirties, and beyond.
Cystic Acne
This term is used to describe severe cases of inflammatory acne. The “cysts,” or boils that accompany cystic acne, can appear on the buttocks, groin, and armpit area, and anywhere else where sweat collects in hair follicles and perspiration ducts. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue than does common acne.
Psychological
Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure.
scientific research indicates that “increased acne severity” is “significantly associated with increased stress levels.” The National Institutes of Health (USA) list stress as a factor that “can cause an acne flare.”
Scars
Acne scars are the result of inflammation within the dermis brought on by acne. The scar is created by the wound trying to heal itself resulting in too much collagen in one spot.
Ice pick scars: Deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.
Box car scars: Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either superficial or deep, these are similar to chickenpox scars.
Rolling scars: Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.
Hypertrophic scars: Thickened, or keloid scars.
Pigmentation
Pigmented scars is a slightly misleading term, as it suggests a change in the skin’s pigmentation and that they are true scars; however, neither is true. Pigmented scars are usually the result of nodular or cystic acne (the painful ‘bumps’ lying under the skin). They often leave behind an inflamed red mark. Often, the pigmentation scars can be avoided simply by avoiding aggravation of the nodule or cyst. Pigmentation scars nearly always fade with time taking between three months to two years to do so, although can last forever if untreated.
Hormonal
Hormonal activity, such as menstrual cycles and puberty, may contribute to the formation of acne. During puberty, an increase in male sex hormones called androgens cause the follicular glands to grow larger and make more sebum. Use of anabolic steroids may have a similar effect. Several hormones have been linked to acne: the androgens, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I).
Genetic
The tendency to develop acne runs in families. For example, school aged boys with acne often have other members in their family with acne as well. A family history of acne is associated with an earlier occurrence of acne and an increased number of retentional acne lesions.
Diet and Exercise
A high glycemic load diet and cow’s milk have been associated with worsening acne. Other associations such as chocolate and salt are not supported by the evidence. However it is recommended that sugar should be reduced or eliminated from the diet. Junk foods and greasy foods should be cut right back. Green salads, fresh fruit and plenty of water are helpful.
Exercise should be encouraged as this will use up androgens and testosterones.
Treatment Herbs
The herbs for spots, pimples and acne are used as antiinflammatories, to regulate hormones and reduce androgens, eliminating toxins, cleansing the blood and lymphatic glands, and supporting the immune system, also herbs to reduce stress using relaxants and tranguilizers.
Herbal lotions, creams or ointments are also used by application to the skin to counteract bacterial infection, reduce inflammation, and reduce scarring.
I also recommend that your treatment of this condition includes taking half to 1tsp of the ABC Daily Herbal NutriPowder Plus – see the sizes and prices on our Store
Email Alan Hopking Herbalist for more information
Related health issues to consider:
Worry and Stress
Liver cleansing
Weight and diet
Hormones to counteract androgens
Soapwort – Pure Herbal Soap for Skin and Hair
To imorove the condition and function of your skin, especially if your health is compromised, it is recommended that you avoid all the chemicals, petrochemicals and animal products (tallow) found in commercial soaps and shampoos, even found in so-called ‘natural’ products.
Soapwort’s native range extends throughout Europe to western Siberia. It grows in cool places at low or moderate elevations under hedgerows and along the shoulders of roadways. Soapwort was originally grown near woollen mills so it was handy for washing wool. Plants have also been found near the sites of old Roman baths. Flowers smell somewhat like Cloves.
The root is rich in saponins and produces a natural soapy lather in water. Not just used for making soap, the plant can also be used to make a shampoo for dry, itchy scalp – although try to avoid getting shampoo in the eyes as it can irritate them.
Soapwort was used to wash the Turin Shroud. Still used today in cleaning old fabrics. This probably helped in its preservation because Soapwort contains a fungicide. A decoction of the plant can be applied externally to treat itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne and boils.
Our SkinClear Soap is simply a mixed powder of soapwort root, horse chestnut, comfrey, slippery elm powder, marshmallow root, oats, and lavender flowers – all perfect for your skin’s health and cleanlines. It is gentle on the skin, healing for skin problems and a highly effective natural cleanser – for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections (ringworm/tinia), and general health. Place some of the powder in your hand, add a little water and wash your whole body; or you can put some of the powder in a flannel or loofah, perfect!
Then wash your hair with our soapwort shampoo. Made from soapwort root, yucca and lavender – nothing else – pure and simple. Yucca is known for its help in hair loss, hair thinning and baldness (including tinea or ringworm in the scalp which causes bald patches). Washes and softens your hair and cleanses your scalp; conditions and cleans – couldn’t be more natural. But its naturalness may take a little getting used to!
Buy our unique SkinClear Soap Powder:
see sizes and prices at our store
Buy our SkinClear Shampoo Powder
see sizes and prices at our store
Related health issues to consider:
Liver Detoxification
General Detox
Lymph
Blood Cleanser
PMS