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Herbal Remedies for Acne - Issue #45

Weekly newsletter of Ancestral Herbiary
Herbal Remedies for Acne - Issue #45
By Ifayomi Fasola • Issue #45 • View online
Acne is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum—oil that helps keep skin from drying out—and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits. Most often, the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders.
Today, we will discuss how acne affects Black People, remedy options, & learn a few remedies that can help with breakouts tailored to dark skin.

Acne can show differently on darker skin.
Acne can show differently on darker skin.
Acne is a skin condition characterized by inflammatory and noninflammatory skin lesions. Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are all different types of acne lesions.
There are many causes of acne, including hormones, hygiene, diet, and more.
While acne affects any skin color, Black people are more susceptible to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation happens when certain areas of the skin appear darker than others. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs as a side effect of inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne.
Acne treatment is generally the same for all skin types. It typically includes topical, oral, or combination therapy, depending on the severity of the acne. However, some of these treatment options are also beneficial for fading acne scars on dark skin.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, bacteria, or shed skin cells. Acne can also develop during periods of hormonal change or even because of ingrown hairs. According to the AAD, common causes of acne include:
  • Genetics. Studies on genetics and acne suggest that people who have a close relative with severe acne may be more at risk of developing acne.
  • Hormones. Certain hormones, specifically androgens, lead to an increase in oil production in the skin and more clogged pores.
  • Stress. Stress can greatly affect hygiene, sleep, and other factors that may lead to a worsening of existing acne breakouts.
  • Sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and getting too little sleep may increase your risk of an acne breakout.
  • Skin care. An effective skin care routine plays a huge role in keeping the skin clear of bacteria, excess oil, dead skin, and other pore-clogging debris.
  • Diet. Poor dietary habits can impair the health of the skin, especially for people with inflammatory acne.
  • Nicotine. Some studies have suggested that people who smoke may be at a higher risk of developing acne lesions.
Herbal Remedies that You Can Try
Mullein Acne Soother
Yields 2 cups
Ingredients:
  •  2 cups dried mullein leaves, shredded
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 clean cotton cloths
This is a soothing astringent for broken, weepy acne and for skin that has become rough or pitted. Use this compress for acute flare-ups or each evening for stubborn, chronic conditions until the skin clears.
Directions
  • Heat water to a comfortable warm temp & add herbs to mixture
  • Be sure to strain the mullein through several layers of cheesecloth to remove tiny hairs.
  • This soothing compress is best applied while you are reclining and relaxing.
  • Allow the first cloth to remain on your face as long as it feels comfortable and is warm, 7 to 8 minutes.
  • Remove it and replace it with the second cloth, keeping your face warm and your body relaxed.
Acne Internal Tincture
Yields 2 cups
 Ingredients:
  • 1 cup burdock root, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 cup burdock seeds (burs)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
Teenage & Adult hormonal changes are completely normal and usually need no herbal or medical interference. However, burdock root and seeds have traditionally been used to alleviate problems directly related to the acne some teens experience during their hormone fluctuations.
Directions:
(Follow the instructions listed on www.ancestralherbiary.com on how to make a vinegar tincture)
Take ½ teaspoon 3 times daily in water.
I hope this helps with your herbal journey!
-Ifayomi
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Ifayomi Fasola

I’m Iya Ifayomi! She/Her. Onisegun. Herbalist. Isese. Ifa, Egbe, & Olokun priestess. Rootworker. Mvskokxe. 2 headed. Bone Reader 🦴 Venmo:@ifayomifasola

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