Are acne and depression linked? Here’s what you can do

Acne- a skin condition that most, if not all, are prone to.

But did you know this simple thing is linked with depression?

Acne is associated with increased risk of developing major depression in the first years after the condition appears, reveals a study.

The analysis included data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) from 1986 to 2012. The database included 134,427 men and women with acne and 1,731,608 without and followed them for 15 years. Most were under 19 at the start of the study, though they ranged in age from seven to 50, an international news agency reported.

The investigators found that the risk for major depression was highest within 1 year of acne diagnosis–a 63% higher risk compared with individuals without acne–and decreased thereafter.

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The results indicate that it is critical that physicians monitor mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiate prompt treatment for depression or seek consultation from a psychiatrist when needed.

“This study highlights an important link between skin disease and mental illness. Given the risk of depression was highest in the period right after the first time a patient presented to a physician for acne concerns, it shows just how impactful our skin can be towards our overall mental health,” said lead author Dr. Isabelle Vallerand, of the University of Calgary, in Canada.

“For these patients with acne, it is more than a skin blemish–it can impose significant mental health concerns and should be taken seriously.”

The findings have been published in The British Journal of Dermatology.

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SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

According to Ayurveda, there are certain foods that can help you achieve clear, beautiful and gorgeous skin. Here are some effective home remedies for pimples:

Honey and lemon juice

Mix equal amounts of honey and lemon juice – preferably a tablespoon each – and apply this mixture to the affected areas, including the marks left out by pimples. Do not apply on the aggravated areas as this may cause a severe burning sensation. Leave it for about 10 minutes and rinse off with water. Do this 5-6 times a week for effective results.

Fresh mint leaves

Purchase or pick fresh mint leaves and grind them to a rough paste form. Now, squeeze the mint juice out of this paste and apply it generously all over your face, ensuring that you concentrate more on scars. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing off with water. You can repeat this process for 4-5 days a week.

Garlic

You can either cut a big clove of garlic into two pieces or crush it to extract the juice. Now, if you’re using cut garlic pieces- just apply the cut end of the garlic on the pimples, allowing the juice to stick on the face for at least five minutes. Wash off using warm water. Repeat this process several times a day. Follow the routine till the pimples vanish altogether.

Neem leaves

Neem leaves are an excellent natural remedy for treating pimples. Make a paste of fresh neem leaves and apply on the affected areas. Leave it for about 20 minutes or till it dries up. Rinse off with cool water. This not only helps to reduce outbreaks of acne and pimples but also revives dull skin and adds a glow to the face.

Potato

Apply potato juice/slice directly on your pimples and leave it for about five to 10 minutes. Rinse off with water. You can also use tomato juice using the same procedure.