Acne: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by the occurrence of comedones, papules, pustules, and cysts, typically on the face, neck, and back, caused by the overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, and bacterial infections.

If left untreated, acne can lead to scarring, emotional distress, and even increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. To alleviate acne, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem can be used to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

However, it is essential to note that some herbs, like turmeric, can interact with medications, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs for acne treatment.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of acne, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of acne?

The main causes of acne are multifactorial and involve the interaction of various biological and environmental factors.

Overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, is a primary trigger, often due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Dead skin cells and excess sebum combine to clog pores, creating an ideal environment for Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a type of bacteria that feeds on these substances and produces inflammation-causing chemicals. Other contributing factors include genetics, stress, certain medications, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates, dairy products, and saturated fats, which can lead to insulin resistance and increased androgen hormones.

Furthermore, hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can also contribute to acne development.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly an increase in androgen hormones such as testosterone, can lead to acne due to the increased oil production and subsequent clogging of pores.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in the development of acne, as individuals with a family history of acne are more likely to experience it due to inherited traits such as pore size and oil production.
• Stress: Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol, which can increase oil production and lead to clogged pores and acne.
• Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy products can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of developing acne due to the presence of acne-triggering substances such as dairy hormones and saturated fats.
• Medications: Certain medications, including steroids, testosterone, and certain antidepressants, can cause acne as a side effect due to their hormonal and oil-producing effects.
• Hygiene: Poor hygiene, including not washing the face regularly or using the wrong skin care products, can lead to clogged pores and acne by allowing dirt and bacteria to accumulate on the skin.
• Makeup: Wearing heavy or oily makeup can clog pores and lead to acne, especially if not removed properly at the end of the day.
• Hair Products: Using hair products that contain harsh chemicals or oils can transfer to the face and clog pores, leading to acne.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollution, humidity, and other environmental factors can contribute to acne by causing inflammation and clogging pores.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for acne?

The main medicinal herbs used for acne are Melaleuca alternifolia, Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Silybum marianum, Saponaria officinalis, Avena sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe vera, Zingiber officinale, Lavandula angustifolia.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with acne. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote wound healing and reduce skin irritation, while also hydrating the skin to prevent dryness and irritation.

Additionally, Silybum marianum, Saponaria officinalis, Avena sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, and Lavandula angustifolia have been traditionally used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and regulate hormonal imbalances that may contribute to acne.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with acne by reducing the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which is a primary cause of acne.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, which can help to minimize the appearance of acne lesions.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin, which can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, helps with acne by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of acne.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, or soapwort, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and promoting skin health, which can help to prevent the formation of acne lesions.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, or oats, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin, which can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and promoting skin health, which can help to prevent the formation of acne lesions.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with acne by reducing inflammation and soothing the skin, which can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with acne by reducing inflammation and promoting skin health, which can help to prevent the formation of acne lesions.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, helps with acne by reducing stress and anxiety, which can help to reduce the production of hormones that contribute to acne.

What are the main herbal preparations used for acne?

The main herbal preparations used for acne are Cream, Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Gel, Capsule, Ointment, Poultice, Suppository, Balm.

Cream is often made with tea tree oil to reduce inflammation and combat bacteria that cause acne. Decoction is used for herbs like turmeric and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. Tinctures are typically made from herbs like lavender and chamomile, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin.

Various other preparations like Salve, Gel, Capsule, Ointment, Poultice, Suppository, and Balm also contain herbal extracts like aloe vera, green tea, and saw palmetto that help to reduce acne by controlling oil production, preventing bacterial growth, and promoting skin healing.

• Cream: A topical cream made from Aloe barbadensis or Calendula officinalis helps with acne by soothing and reducing inflammation, while also providing moisturizing properties to hydrate the skin.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Achillea millefolium, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with acne by reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.
• Tincture: A tincture of the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps with acne by reducing the severity of acne symptoms and preventing infection.
• Salve: A topical salve made from the leaves of Plantago major, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with acne by reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.
• Gel: A gel made from the leaves of Aloe vera, with its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, helps with acne by soothing and hydrating the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the leaves of Azadirachta indica, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps with acne by reducing the severity of acne symptoms and preventing infection.
• Ointment: A topical ointment made from the roots of Echinacea purpurea, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with acne by reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps with acne by reducing the severity of acne symptoms and preventing infection.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of the roots of Berberis vulgaris, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps with acne by reducing the severity of acne symptoms and preventing infection.
• Balm: A topical balm made from the leaves of Equisetum arvense, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with acne by reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.