how do I cure acne marks and new acne on my back and butt? - #17985
Hello, I need advice on diet and lifestyle to cure acne marks and stop new acne coming on my back and butt. I am a vegetarian and do not drink or smoke. I workout 3 times per week and my instructor asks me to take 100+ gm of protein but I do not know if that makes my acne worse. I want to know if high protein intake will make my acne worse. I would like to get a comprehensive plan on lifestyle and diet to cure my acne. Will neem powder help with acne?
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Doctors’ responses
Namaste,
Acne on the back and buttocks is primarily a result of Pitta and Kapha imbalance in Ayurveda. Pitta, the fire element, leads to excessive heat and inflammation in the body, while Kapha, the earth and water elements, can cause excessive oil production and clogged pores. The high protein intake in your diet may also be contributing to breakouts, especially if digestion is not strong enough to process it efficiently. Undigested protein can lead to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the digestive tract, which manifests as skin eruptions. Additionally, sweating from intense workouts, friction from tight clothing, and improper skin cleansing can aggravate body acne further. Ayurveda emphasizes balancing internal heat, improving digestion, and detoxifying the blood to prevent recurring acne.
Dietary Adjustments for Clear Skin Your diet should focus on cooling, detoxifying, and digestion-supporting foods. Include bitter and astringent foods like Neem, Amla, Turmeric, and Bitter gourd to purify the blood and prevent breakouts. Instead of relying heavily on dairy-based protein sources like whey, switch to easily digestible plant-based proteins such as mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, and seeds. If you use protein powders, choose natural, plant-based options with digestive enzymes to prevent bloating and toxin buildup. Hydration is also key—drink warm water with lemon in the morning and coconut water or buttermilk to cool the body. Avoid deep-fried, overly spicy, and excessively sour foods, as they aggravate Pitta and lead to more inflammation.
Herbal Remedies for Acne Control To cleanse the blood and detoxify the liver, take Neem powder (¼ tsp) with warm water daily or drink Manjistha tea, which helps clear toxins and improve skin health. Externally, you can apply a Neem, Turmeric, and Sandalwood paste to the affected areas 2-3 times a week to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth. If acne leaves scars or pigmentation, Aloe Vera gel mixed with Kumkumadi Tailam can help lighten dark spots and heal the skin. Additionally, using Ubtan (chickpea flour + turmeric + rose water) once a week can gently exfoliate and prevent pore clogging.
Lifestyle and Hygiene Practices Showering immediately after workouts is essential to prevent sweat from blocking pores. Use Ayurvedic soaps or body washes containing Neem, Tulsi, or Sandalwood to keep the skin clean without stripping away natural moisture. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to reduce friction and irritation on the back and buttocks. Regular dry brushing or Garshana (Ayurvedic exfoliation) before bathing can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping prevent toxin buildup under the skin. Oil pulling with coconut oil or sesame oil in the morning can further support detoxification and reduce internal inflammation that may contribute to acne.
Stress, Sleep, and Exercise Modifications Excess stress and poor sleep can increase cortisol levels, which trigger oil production and worsen acne. Ayurveda recommends incorporating Ashwagandha or Brahmi tea at night to calm the mind and support deep sleep. Avoiding screen time before bed and eating late at night can further reduce internal heat and improve digestion. In terms of exercise, continue strength training but balance it with cooling Pranayama (Sheetali, Sheetkari) and Yoga postures like Twists, Forward Bends, and Inversions, which help detoxify the body and regulate metabolism.
By following these dietary, herbal, and lifestyle recommendations, you can gradually clear acne from the inside out. If the condition persists, a deeper detoxification process such as Panchakarma may be beneficial. Let me know if you’d like a more personalized plan for your Ayurvedic healing journey.
Wishing you healthy, glowing skin and overall well-being!
In Ayurveda, acne is often linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation in the body. High protein intake, particularly from dairy or animal sources, can sometimes exacerbate Pitta and contribute to acne, especially if the body has difficulty digesting these foods. Since you’re vegetarian, it’s essential to focus on plant-based proteins, like lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas, and avoid overly processed foods. A balanced, Pitta-pacifying diet—rich in cooling foods such as cucumbers, leafy greens, coconut, and sweet fruits—can help calm inflammation. Neem powder, known for its antibacterial and detoxifying properties, can be helpful for acne when used topically or taken internally as a supplement. Additionally, drinking herbal teas like chamomile or turmeric, and using Ayurvedic oils like coconut oil for hydration, may support skin healing. Lifestyle changes like reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining regular exercise also help balance Pitta and promote clearer skin. Lastly, stay hydrated and avoid excess heat-inducing foods like spicy or fried items.
Acne on your back and butt can be really frustrating, I get it. So let’s start with the protein thing. Too much protein, especially from sources like dairy, can sometimes make acne worse for some people, but it’s not a given for everyone. In Ayurveda, it’s more about balance. Your instructor’s suggestion to take 100+ grams could be excessive if it’s throwing off your body’s equilibrium, but if you’re getting it from clean, plant-based sources, you might be okay. Watch out for whey or too much soy - these can trigger breakouts in some. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and maybe experiment by reducing a bit to see if that helps.
Diet-wise, go for more cooling and pacifying foods - think fresh veggies, greens, fruits like pomegranates, or berries - stuff that doesn’t ignite the Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation (like acne, y’know?). Avoid anything too spicy, oily, or processed. Cook with turmeric, it’s a powerhouse for skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe acne.
On lifestyle, don’t underestimate sleep and stress reduction. These are huge. Stress can really mess with your skin, ramping up hormonal stuff. Meditate, breathe, take nature walks, or do whatever keeps you chill.
For topical solutions, neem might be your ticket! Its anti-bacterial properties are excellent for acne. You could mix neem powder with rose water and apply that to the affected areas as a paste, leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing off. Try this 2-3 times a week and see if there’s improvement.
Oh! And super important - keep the affected skin dry and clean, wear loose-fitting clothing to let your skin breathe. Shower after workouts to wash away sweat and bacteria.
Hopefully, this makes a positive difference. Acne can be stubborn, so patience and consistency is key. But remember, if things persist, sometimes chatting with a dermatologist might be needed. Take care!

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