Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, plukes or zits. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles. These factors lead to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone's skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed. There are many myths about what causes acne.

Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn't cause acne, but stress can make it worse. In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne. Pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.

Home Remedies and Treatment Tips of Acne

1.Fresh limejuice may be dabbed on pimples and black heads.

2.Mix 1 tsp fresh coriander powder with a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply on pimples and black heads. Keep overnight and wash off gently the next morning.

3.Make a paste of nutmeg (Jaiphal) with raw milk. Apply on pimples and black heads leave on for 20 minutes or overnight. Continue for 10-12 days, till face is clear.

4.For dry skin rub a piece of sandalwood on a smooth stone with a few drops of raw milk. Apply the paste procured on affected areas. Keep on for 1 hour. Gently wash.

5.For oily skin make a paste of sandalwood and rosewater apply on affected areas, keep for 1 hour and wash off gently.

6.Fresh fenugreek leaves made into a paste and applied overnight clears pimples.

7.Avoid oily and chemically ridden cosmetics or any facial products.

8.Avoid products that can clog your pores like cosmetics and other facial products.

9.Take morpheme neem supplements for natural skin care.

10.Drink a glass of wheat grass juice daily to remove acne.

11.The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne.

12.Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.

13.Aloe Vera juice applied twice a day can greatly speed up the healing of acne lesions.

14.Ice down the acne before bed.

15.Vitamin A tablets are also a natural and effective acne cure.