Achieving flawless, healthy skin is a goal many aspire to. However, the demands of our busy lifestyle, daily exposure to pollution, and hectic routine, providing the kind of care our skin truly needs becomes challenging. As a consequence, you may experience skin concerns like acne, pimples, rashes, and pigmentation. But can we treat such skin issues naturally without any side effects? The answer is yes!
According to Ayurveda, skin is one of the most important Gyanendriya (five sensory organs) and is responsible for the function of touch. As the largest organ of the body, skin It plays vital functions like protection against physical and , mechanical injury, harmful effects of UV radiation, microorganisms, and thermoregulation
A survey conducted by ResearchGate identified the most prevalent skin conditions in India across different age groups. Among individuals over 51 years old, eczema, pigmentary disorders, and benign skin tumors were the most common, affecting 52.7%, 6.3%, and 9.4% of this group, respectively. Meanwhile, 17.4% of adolescents reported fungal infections, and 30.4% experienced acne.
Skin diseases are quite common nowadays affecting people of all ages, from the neonate to the elderly, and causes harm in several ways.
More than thousand conditions may affect the skin, but most skin diseases can be categorized into eight common types:
Rashes
A rash is an area of red, inflamed skin or a group of individual spots. These can be caused by irritation, allergy, infection, an underlying disease, or structural defects, such as blocked pores, or malfunctioning oil glands. Examples of rashes include acne, dermatitis, eczema, hives, pityriasis rosea, and psoriasis.
Viral Infections
These occur when a virus penetrates the Stratum Corneum and infects the inner layers of the skin. Examples of viral skin infections include Herpes Simplex, Shingles (herpes zoster), and Warts. Some systemic viral infections such as chickenpox and measles may also affect the skin.
Bacterial Infections
A variety of bacteria causes such infections. The most common types being Staphylococci and Streptococci. Bacteria may infect the topmost layers of the skin, follicles, or deeper layers of skin. Examples include Impelling Folliculitis, Cellulitis, and Lyme disease. Bacterial infections are better treated with antibiotics.
Fungal Infections
Harmless fungi are always present on the surface of the skin. Fungal infection occurs when these organisms enter the body. These infections are usually affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They also include the Athlete's Foot, Lock Itch, and Ringworm.
Pigmentation Disorders
The amount of pigment in the skin is determined by the amount of melanin produced by the body. Loss of pigment (Hypopigmentation) can be caused by the absence of melanocytes, damaged cells, exposure to cold or chemicals, or some types of infection. Age spots, freckles, and melasma are examples of hyperpigmentation.
Tumors and Cancers
They occur when skin cells multiply faster than normal. Not every skin cell’s growth is cancerous. Some tumors are harmless and will not spread. They most commonly develop when skin is exposed to the sun. The three types of skin cancers are basal cell cancer (the most curable), squamous cell cancer (which may grow and spread), and malignant melanoma (the most deadly form). Prevention from tumors involves protecting the skin against damaging ultraviolet rays.
Trauma
Trauma describes a severe skin injury caused by a blow, a cut, or a burn. Whenever the surface of the skin is broken, the body becomes more susceptible to infection and disease. Diseases associated with trauma take a few days to cure.
Wrinkles, rosacea, spider veins, and varicose veins are among those conditions that are challenging to categorize in a straightforward manner. Wrinkles are caused by a breakdown of the collagen and elastin within the dermis, which result in sagging skin. Rosacea is a chronic disorder in which the skin of the face becomes red and develops pimples, lesions, and more rarely, causes enlargement of the nose. Strangely, the cause is unknown. Spider veins and varicose veins become visible through the skin's surface when blood vessels enlarge.
Herbs are plants, flowers, or leaves that are well-known for their medicinal benefits on human bodies. For centuries, herbs have been valued for their ability to treat different skin diseases naturally and effectively. Packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, essential nutrients, and antioxidants, herbs can soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing. Common ingredients like basil, neem, aloe vera, and turmeric are widely recognized for their antibacterial and skin-nourishing properties. Herbal remedies work by not only addressing the symptoms but also targeting the root cause of skin conditions by empowering the body’s internal systems. Following a herb-based skincare regimen is a safe and holistic approach to regaining radiant, healthy skin.
Plant-based natural skincare remedies are gaining popularity because of several advantages, such as having fewer to no side effects, better patient tolerance, being relatively less expensive and acceptable due to a long history of use. Also, herbal medicines provide rational means for treating many diseases that are rigid and incurable in other practices of medicine.
Here are some of the most effective herbal remedies for skin diseases:
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has shown promising results in treating skin diseases. It is found effective in managing wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmentations. Besides, aloe vera can even speed up wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. When applied to the skin, the gel also helps survive frostbite injury.
Neem
Neem oil contains the necessary fatty acids, promoting wound healing and making your skin appear healthy. Neem also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce acne. The neem oil is believed to relieve skin dryness, skin itchiness, and redness while preventing pimples and skin blemishes.
Kanchnar
Kachnar helps in wound healing by inducing the formation of new skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Ayurveda, applying Kachnar powder mixed with honey helps manage skin problems such as acne, or pimples because of its Seeta (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Kesar
Kesar protects against UV radiations. When it comes to skin health, protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the essential things. It also fights inflammation, supports wound healing, and reduces hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil is rich in powerful antioxidants that help the skin regenerate, tighten pores, and slow down aging effects. Blemishes and redness can also be lightened by chamomile, sometimes referred to as 'natural skin bleach'.
Heena
Henna is a traditionally used plant of the Middle East that is applied on hands and feet. According to Ayurveda, henna paste can be applied on the affected parts to cure impetigo (a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children).
Herbs have a great potential to cure different kinds of skin diseases. Being a rich source of active ingredients, herbal remedies are a safer and cost-effective alternative to treat a variety of skin diseases. By harnessing the power of herbs like neem, aloe vera, or turmeric, you can address underlying causes as well as regain smooth, nourishing skin. So, embrace herbal solutions and embark on a journey to flaunting clear, radiant skin with confidence! Healthybazar brings you an expertly curated collection of the most effective Ayurvedic solutions. Explore targeted Ayurvedic products for skin from trusted brands like Baidyanath, Himalaya, Dabur, and more.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.