Hlw prabhjot ji,
In Ayurveda, acne is usually due to an imbalance in:
Pitta dosha – Excess heat in the body, leading to inflammation (pimples, pus) Kapha dosha – Blocked pores due to oiliness (comedones, cysts) Rakta dhatu dushti – Impure blood
1. Internal Herbal Remedies
Neem – Capsule / decoction Antibacterial, blood purifier
Manjistha – Powder / capsule Detoxifies blood, reduces pigmentation
Guggulu (Kaishore Guggulu) Anti-inflammatory, helps with
chronic acne
Sarivadyasava Balances Pitta, detoxifies skin
Triphala Churna (at night) Improves digestion, cleanses system
Mahamanjishtadi kadha 10ml -10ml Blood purifier
For Comedones (Whiteheads)
Steam with neem leaves – 2-3 times/week to open pores and reduce bacterial load.
Face mask (1–2x/week):
1 tsp Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) ½ tsp Neem powder ½ tsp Turmeric (organic, not cooking turmeric) Rose water to make paste – Apply 15 mins, then wash.
For Pigmentation / Dark Spots
Kumkumadi Tailam – Ayurvedic facial oil for pigmentation (use 2-3 drops at night).
Licorice (Yashtimadhu) powder + honey – as a face pack for post-acne marks.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
Skin reflects internal health in Ayurveda. You need to cool and cleanse the system from within.
Eat More: Warm, freshly cooked food Bitter veggies (neem, karela, methi) Amla (Vitamin C-rich, for collagen and skin tone) Aloe vera juice (morning)
Avoid: Spicy, oily, fermented food Sugar, chocolate, fried snacks Dairy (can aggravate acne for some) Stress, irregular sleep
Thank you!
hello prabhoj Kaur, Since you’ve had acne for over 6 years and now mainly have closed comedones (small bumps) and pigmentation, it means your skin has chronic inflammation and excess oil buildup (Kapha-Pitta imbalance). Even if active pus-filled acne has stopped, the leftover blockages (comedones) and pigmentation need internal balancing and skin-clearing herbs. Using only face wash or creams won’t help unless your digestion, hormones, and skin-cleansing channels (Rakta & Rasavaha Srotas) are corrected from inside.
Treatment Plan
1. Ama Pachana (First 3 days)
Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp with warm water after dinner Triphala Churna – 1 tsp at bedtime with warm water
2. Internal Medicines (From Day 4 onward)
Mahamanjishtadi Kwath – 20 ml with 40 ml warm water twice daily before food Gandhaka Rasayana – 2 tablets daily after meals Saribadyasava – 15 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner
3. External Application
Nalpamaradi Tailam – Apply on face 20 mins before bath, then wash off with herbal face wash Kumkumadi Tailam – Apply a few drops at bedtime only on marks and pigmented areas Duration: Continue for 6–8 weeks, and review after 1 month for changes.
Warm regards, Dr. Karthika
Addressing both acne and hyperpigmentation can be effectively approached through Ayurveda by balancing your doshas, particularly focusing on Kapha and Pitta imbalances. Since you’ve been dealing with acne for over six years, it’s crucial to also strengthen the agni (digestive fire) to prevent further skin issues.
First, let’s tackle the comedones. Integrate steam face every other day. Boil water with a teaspoon of neem leaves or tulsi leaves. Allow the steam to open your pores, helping the impurities loosen, allowng easier, gentle extraction. Post-steam, apply a natural mask made of chickpea flour (besan) and a pinch of turmeric mixed with rose water. Leave this on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Do this twice weekly.
Regarding pigmentation, daily applying a paste of sandalwood powder and a few drops of lemon juice can aid in lightening the spots over time. Use it as a face pack, applying for 10 minutes before rinsing off. If your skin is sensitive, test the paste on a small skin area before applying it on the face.
Diet plays a significant role too. Avoid foods that aggravate Pitta like spicy, oily, and fried foods. Favor a diet that’s rich in fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Aloe vera juice taken orally (1 tablespoon, twice daily) can help reduce internal heat and support skin healing.
Ensuring proper hydration is vital. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily to help flush out toxins and keep the skin hydrated.
Incorporate a daily routine of yoga and meditation to reduce stress, which can exacerbate acne issues. Consider poses such as the fish or cobra pose to improve circulation and digestion.
Lastly, remember these remedies are gradual. You’ll need to be consistent over several weeks to see noticeable progress. If the condition persists or worsens, consulting a local Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice would be advisable.
The presence of pus-filled acne along with post-acne pigmentation and closed comedones indicates an imbalance in your body’s doshas, likely involving an aggravated Pitta dosha, which is often responsible for skin inflammation and pigmentation. To address these concerns in a Siddha-Ayurvedic framework requires a multifaceted approach.
First, focus on your diet. Consume cooling and Pitta-pacifying foods like cucumber, coconut water, and bitter greens. Avoid spicy, fried, and fermented foods as they might aggravate Pitta. Including turmeric in your diet can also be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
For topical treatments, you can prepare a paste using sandalwood powder and rose water; apply it to the affected areas. This helps to cool the skin and lighten pigmentation. Also, a paste of turmeric, honey, and a little bit of neem powder can be applied to help prevent infections in closed comedones.
Daily facial steaming with neem leaves or turmeric-infused water can also help open clogged pores and cleanse your skin. Alongside this, regular detoxification with herbal formulations like Triphala will aid in removing toxins that may be contributing to these skin issues.
Remember to maintain a consistent skincare routine but keep it gentle to avoid aggravating your skin further. Be mindful of stress and anxiety which can also impact your skin health. Practice yoga or meditation regularly to maintain balance in your body and mind.
However, if these issues persist despite these lifestyle and self-care changes, it would be wise to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to get a personalized treatment plan that considers your doshic constitution and the root cause of your imbalances.
