Acne Issue intense pigmentation and acne scars - #26153

hello pournami N Nambiar, At your age (20), the skin is going through hormonal sensitivity, and when that combines with internal heat, poor digestion, or unsuitable skin care, it often shows up as persistent acne, itching, pigmentation, and scarring especially on cheeks, jawline, and back. This is not just a skin-level issue, it is happening due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha and Rakta dhatu dushti (vitiation of blood and heat channels).

With the right internal cleansing and external care, it can be fully brought under control and the scars will also fade gradually.

1. Internal Medicines (6–8 weeks) These are safe classical Ayurvedic formulations:

Sarivadyasava – 15 ml + 15 ml water after lunch and dinner Manjisthadi Kashayam – 15 ml + 45 ml warm water before food, twice daily Kaishora Guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily after food Gandhaka Rasayana – 1 tablet twice at bedtime Arogyavardhini Vati – 1 tablet twice daily (if digestion is sluggish or tongue is coated)

2. External Applications Face Cleanser (daily):

Mix Triphala powder + Neem powder with rose water – apply for 5 mins and wash.

Face Pack (3 times/week):

Multani Mitti + Manjistha powder + Mulethi powder + rose water – apply, leave for 15 mins, rinse gently. Helps dry active acne and lighten spots.

Nalpamaradi Taila or Kumkumadi Taila on dark spots (not over active pimples).

Take warm, homecooked meals. Include lauki, turmeric, coriander, moong dal, green leafy vegetables. Drink turmeric water or fennel-coriander-jeera water boiled and cooled. Soaked raisins (5–7) + 2 dates + 3 soaked almonds every morning.

Oily, fried, bakery items, chocolates, curd, sugar, junk food Cold drinks, late nights, sleeping during the day Picking or touching acne

Wash your face only 2–3 times/day with lukewarm water. Change pillow cover every 3 days. Avoid stress and late-night screen exposure. Do Sheetali Pranayama and Anulom Vilom for 10 mins daily (helps heat and skin)

Investigations (if not done recently): CBC Vitamin D3, B12 Fasting insulin Hormonal panel (if acne worsens around periods)

If followed regularly, results will start showing in 3–4 weeks. Be patient healing acne the right way will also prevent future breakouts and scarring.

If you have any doubts, you can contact me. Take care, Regards, Dr. Karthika

What you describe suggests an imbalance in the body, potentially driven by excess heat or toxins. This may be linked with aggravated Pitta dosha, responsible for inflammation and skin issues such as acne. To address this from a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective:

1. Dietary Adjustments: Start by incorporating cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and greens into your diet. Avoid spicy, hot, and oily foods which can worsen Pitta. Staying hydrated with water is essential to help flush out toxins.

2. Internal Cleansing: Consider a gentle detox to eliminate toxins. Triphala is an excellent Ayurvedic formulation for detoxifying and cleansing. Take a teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water before bed. This supports digestion and cleanses the system over time.

3. Herbal Remedies: Neem and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties beneficial in treating acne. You can apply a paste of neem powder and turmeric with a little water directly onto the affected areas. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

4. Skin Care Routine: Use gentle, natural cleansers. Saffron-infused oils or chandan (sandalwood) paste can help lighten scars and soothe the skin. Apply a few drops of oil as a moisturizer to balance.

5. Lifestyle Practices: Regular sleep and managing stress through meditation or pranayama can stabilize hormonal fluctuations contributing to acne. Aim for a consistent sleeping schedule and try deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress.

If these measures do not yield noticeable improvements, or if the condition worsens, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Persistent itching or worsening symptoms hint further medical attention might be needed to rule out severe infections or underlying conditions.

Addressing acne with Ayurvedic principles involves understanding the underlying dosha imbalance likely contributing to skin concerns. Acne is usually a manifestation of Pitta imbalance, where excessive heat influences the skin, sometimes coupled with Kapha, leading to congestion and blockage. The itching indicates Pitta and Vata involvement. Here’s a comprehensive approach:

1. Diet Adjustments: Begin with cooling foods to pacify Pitta. Opt for a diet rich in fresh fruits such as watermelon, grapes, and pomegranate. Include leafy greens like spinach. Avoid spicy, oily, and fried foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol which aggravate Pitta. Hydrate well with water and herbal teas like fennel or coriander.

2. Herbal Support: Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) are potent in purifying the blood and are beneficial for skin issues. Take these as capsules or in powder form with warm water. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for specific dosing suitable to your constitution.

3. Skincare Routine: Use Ayurvedic formulations containing turmeric (Curcuma longa) and sandalwood for topical application. Neem oil also works as an antibacterial treatment to reduce infection and control itchiness. Perform a gentle, daily face wash using chickpea flour mixed with a little turmeric to cleanse without irritating.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Adopt a regular routine with early waking and sleeping times. Practice cooling yoga poses like Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama to reduce internal heat. Meditation can be beneficial for stress management, reducing overall Vata and Pitta imbalances.

5. External Therapies: If accessible, consider weekly face massages with ayurvedic oils and steam with a few drops of tea tree oil. This helps unclog pores and soothe irritated skin.

For scarring and pigmentation, patience is necessary—regular care will lighten these over time. If persistent or severely impacting quality of life, consulting with a professional for personalized advice would be beneficial. Meanwhile, avoid picking or touching acne to prevent further irritation and possible long-term scarring.