How to heal acne scars and recurring acne. Tried many treatments including antibiotics for my 18 year old daughter. - #26571
She has had acne for two years and this is ongoing and has caused scarring to her cheeks.she eats too much sugary foods and but can’t seem to stop doing this. She stays up late abs sleeps in late. She has a very slim build. We have tried lotions, potions, supplements and as a last resort antibiotics. Nothing working. Please help. Thank you so much.
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Doctors’ responses
It’ll be taking some time but she’ll definitely get relief 😊
Thank you for explaining your condition in detail. She has been experiencing acne for the past 2 years, leading to scarring on the cheeks. She consumes excessive sugary foods and finds it hard to stop. Her sleep pattern is irregular—stays up late and wakes late. She has a slim build. Multiple treatments including lotions, supplements, and antibiotics have been tried without success. In Ayurveda, this suggests pitta–kapha aggravation, excess ama (toxins) from poor digestion and diet, and disruption of circadian rhythm. The focus will be on detoxification, balancing pitta-kapha, supporting liver function, and improving skin healing.
Internal:
1.Manjisthadi kwath – 20 ml with 20ml of warm water twice daily before food (blood purifier)
2. Gandhak Rasayana – 2 tabs twice daily after food (skin rejuvenator)
3. Arogya Vardhini Vati – 1 tab twice daily after meals (liver detox)
External:
Fresh aloe vera gel twice daily
Massage face with Nalpamaradi tailam and do steaming for face on alternate days
Diet & Lifestyle:
Strictly avoid sugary, fried, dairy, and processed foods
Increase vegetables, fruits, and warm water intake
Sleep by 10:30 PM, wake up early
20–30 mins walking or yoga daily
With warm regards Dr.Sumi.
Don’t worry, You’ll definitely get relief 😌 First of all avoid excessive spicy, sour and salty food,oily,sesame seeds etc. And start taking1.Mahamanjishtadi kwath 20ml +20ml lukewarm water empty stomach twice in a day. 2.khadirarishta 20ml +20ml lukewarm water just after having meal twice in a day. 3.Kaishore guggulu 1-0-1 for chewing 4.Gandhak rasayana 1-1-1 5.Haridrakhand 1tsf with 10ml of Panchtikta ghrita once in a day. **Apply paste of Neem bark over your face. Follow up after 2 months. **APPLY PASTE OF RAKTACHANDANA POWDER +MANJISHTHA POWDER +MULETHI POWDER OVER HER FACE AND THEN WASH IT OFF WITH COLD WATER. **Massage her face with NALPAMARADI OIL thrice in a week. **Apply few drops of KUMKUMADI TAILAM at bed time only. Follow up after 1 month. TAKE CARE 😊
Considering your daughter’s situation of persistent acne and scarring, several factors within Ayurveda could be contributing, including diet and lifestyle imbalances impacting her doshic balance, especially Pitta and Vata. The excess consumption of sugary foods and irregular sleep patterns may further agitate these imbalances, exacerbating her skin condition.
For diet, aim to reduce or avoid sugar-rich foods. Instead, introduce more whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits that are naturally sweet, such as dates or figs, to help satisfy her cravings. Encourage hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon, that cool Pitta. but ensure not to overconsume raw foods, which might disturb Vata. Include spices like turmeric and coriander in her meals, they’ve anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for skin health.
Regarding sleep, aim to establish a regular sleeping routine. Ayurvedic principles emphasize early sleep — around 10 pm — supporting natural body clock and improving restorative cycles. Encourage her to wake up early, which balances Vata dosha, vital for skin health. If difficulty arises, consider calming practices before bed, like warm milk with a though of nutmeg.
Topical treatment like Kumkumadi oil, renowned in Ayurveda, may help with scarring. Apply a small amount on affected areas before bed, gently massaging into the skin. For natural cleansing, a face mask using sandalwood paste mixed with rose water can soothe inflammation and lighten scars over time.
Remember to promote regular digestive function, as impaired Agni (digestive fire) often leads to skin issues. Encourage sipping warm water throughout day, and considering herbal teas like ginger or fennel. If symptoms persist, you might want to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner, they’ll craft a more tailored approach considering her unique Prakriti and condition history.
Addressing your daughter’s acne concerns, especially with ongoing issues like scarring and recurring breakouts, involves understanding the root causes from an Ayurvedic perspective. Acne is often linked to an imbalance in the doshas, particularly pitta, which governs heat, metabolism, and transformation processes in the body. Here’s a focused approach to alleviate her symptoms:
First, let’s consider dietary modifications since her tendency towards sugary foods may contribute to elevated pitta levels. Encourage her to incorporate more cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and bitter greens. Avoid spicy, oily, and overly sweet foods. Suggest substituting refined sugars with natural alternatives like jaggery or honey, used in moderation.
Her late sleeping can also aggravate pitta imbalances. Encourage a regular sleep pattern by setting a bedtime, ideally before 10 PM, to align with the body’s natural rhythms. Encouraging morning sunlight exposure can help reset her circadian rhythm.
Incorporate natural remedies like a gentle turmeric paste, which can be applied directly to scars and acne-affected areas. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and aid healing. Ensure she does not have any allergies beforehand.
Support her agni, or digestive fire, by avoiding cold drinks and fatty meals, focusing instead on warm, cooked meals that are light on the stomach. Drinking warm herbal teas, like coriander or fennel, can aid digestion.
Consider an herbal supplement like neem, known for blood purification and effective in treating skin imbalances. A qualified practitioner should supervise the dosage, as excessive use isn’t recommended without guidance.
Finally, regular practice of pranayama (breathing exercises) can calm her mind and reduce stress, which may also contribute to her skin troubles. Techniques like Nadi Shodhana help balance energy channels and support overall health.
If these adjustments aren’t providing sufficient relief within a few months, consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner would be beneficial. They can offer personalized assessments and treatments like panchakarma to detoxify and restore her body’s balance.

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