How to reduce dark spots and open pores? - #26742

​From an Ayurvedic perspective, your skin concerns—large pores, frequent acne breakouts, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots)—are indicative of an imbalance primarily related to the Pitta and Kapha doshas.

​Pitta Dosha: Pitta is associated with fire and water elements and governs metabolism and heat in the body. An excess of Pitta can manifest as inflammation, redness, and heat, which are characteristic of acne breakouts and dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

​Kapha Dosha: Kapha is related to earth and water elements and is responsible for structure, lubrication, and moisture. An imbalance in Kapha can lead to excess oil production, clogged pores, and cystic or whitehead-type acne.

​The accumulation of oil, dirt, and dead skin in your pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads, is a classic sign of an aggravated Kapha dosha. The subsequent inflammation and dark spots are a result of the agitated Pitta dosha.

​Ayurvedic Recommendations ​Ayurvedic treatments focus on balancing these doshas internally and externally. Here are some holistic approaches and product recommendations.

​1. Internal Management (Diet and Lifestyle):

​Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Avoid hot, spicy, oily, and fried foods, as they can aggravate Pitta and increase inflammation. Reduce intake of fermented foods, excessive salt, and sour foods. Focus on cooling, bitter, and sweet-tasting foods like leafy greens, cucumber, coconut, and melon.

​Kapha-Balancing Diet: Limit heavy, oily, sweet, and cold foods. Avoid dairy products, especially cheese and yogurt. Include warming spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin in your meals, as they help with digestion and detoxification. ​Hydration: Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day. You can add a slice of lemon to detoxify and a sprig of mint to cool down the body.

​Herbal Teas: Incorporate teas with herbs like coriander, cumin, and fennel (CCF tea) to aid digestion and balance Pitta and Kapha. A tea made with Neem leaves or Manjistha powder can also help purify the blood.

​2. Topical Application (Skincare): ​Cleansing: Use a gentle, herbal face cleanser. Look for ingredients like Neem, Tea Tree oil, or turmeric, which are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

​Face Masks: Use a face mask 2-3 times a week. A paste of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with rose water is excellent for absorbing excess oil, tightening pores, and calming inflammation. You can add a pinch of sandalwood powder for a cooling effect and to help with dark spots.
​Spot Treatment: For active breakouts, a paste of Neem powder with a few drops of rose water can be an effective spot treatment.

​Toning: Use a gentle toner. Rose water is a traditional Ayurvedic toner that helps to balance the skin’s pH, soothe irritation, and tighten pores.

​Moisturizing: Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Look for products with ingredients like Aloe Vera, which is soothing and hydrating, or Sandalwood, which has a cooling effect and helps to lighten dark spots.

​3. Specific Herbal Remedies for Your Concerns: ​To Reduce Pore Size and Control Oil: ​Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth): This clay is a key Ayurvedic ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin. It cleanses, exfoliates, and tightens pores.

​Lodhra: This herb is known as a “pore tightener” and is often used in face packs for its astringent properties.

​To Control Acne and Inflammation: ​Neem: A powerful blood purifier and antibacterial herb. It’s effective against acne-causing bacteria.

​Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it helps to heal pimples and prevent infection.

​To Fade Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation):

​Manjistha: This herb is a potent blood purifier that helps to improve complexion and fade dark spots. You can consume it internally (in capsule or powder form,or use it topically in face packs.

​Sandalwood (Chandan): A cooling and soothing herb that helps to reduce inflammation and lighten dark spots.

​Kumkumadi Tailam: This is a traditional Ayurvedic facial oil known for its ability to brighten the complexion and reduce blemishes and dark spots. While it is an oil, a few drops can be massaged into the skin at night, and it is specifically formulated to not clog pores.

​4. Daily Routine: ​Morning: Cleanse with a mild herbal face wash, tone with rose water, and apply a light moisturizer.

​Evening: Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove all dirt and pollution from the day. Tone with rose water. Apply a spot treatment on active pimples. Every night, or a few nights a week, you can also use Kumkumadi Tailam or a similar spot-correcting serum.

​Remember, consistency is key in Ayurveda. These recommendations are based on a holistic approach, addressing the root cause of your skin issues from both within and without.

Hello Anjali I can understand your concern about acne breakout, open pores, dark spots but dont worry we are here to help you out😊

☑️AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT -

✅INTERNAL MEDICATION

1 Manjisthadi ks tab 2-0-2 After breakfast and dinner 2 Sarivasava 30ml-0-30ml After breakfast and dinner 3 Mahariktakam ghrita 1 tsp at bed time follwed by warm. Water

✅EXTERNAL TREATMENT

👉Gentle Cleansing Use Neem and turmeric face wash or make a homemade paste with neem powder and turmeric applied daily to clean skin and reduce microbes.

👉Face Packs (2-3 times a week) ➡️Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth) with rose water and a pinch of turmeric absorbs excess oil, tightens pores, and brightens skin. ➡️Sandalwood and turmeric paste cools skin, reduces pigmentation, and soothes irritation. ➡️Chandana (Sandalwood) and Tulsi powder with water or rose water balances Pitta, tightens pores.

👉Oil Control: Use a few drops of Camphor oil diluted in aloe vera gel as a light moisturizer it cools and controls oil without clogging pores.

✅DIET MODIFICATION

❌Avoid- oily, fried, and heavy foods Junk. Food Reheated food items Fermented food

✅Include fresh, light, and warm foods like kichadi, steamed veggies, and fruits like pomegranate and berries. Drink plenty of warm water and herbal teas such as Coriander or Mint tea to cool Pitta and flush toxins.

✅LIFESTYLE TIPS

👉Practice daily oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil to detoxify and improve oral hygiene. 👉Keep your face clean and avoid touching it often. 👉Regular moderate exercise to stimulate circulation and sweat out toxins. 👉Practice Pranayama (deep breathing) and meditation to reduce stress, as stress worsens acne.

Wish you a good skin and health😊 Warm Regards
Dr Snehal Vidhate

Neemghan vati Kaishore guggulu- 1 tab twice daily after food with lukewarm water Khadira aristha- 4 tsp with equal quantity of water twice daily after food Apply Alovera gel over face Apply sandalwood paste along with rice flour Multani motto along with rose water / potato juice n coffee powder

First your body detox should be done. According to ayurveda, these can be caused by Raktha dushti.

1. Manjishtadi kashayam 15 ml+45 ml lukewarm water twice daily before food. 2. Khadirarishtam 10 ml twice daily after food. 3. Krimighna vati 1 -1-1 after food (for 1 month).

4. Make a paste of multani mitti + eladi choornam and apply over face thrice in a week for 3 week. Then according to your condition you can change it into twice /once in a week.

5. Apply eladi cream as a moisturizer.

Also apply kumkumadi tailam as a night serum. Took 1/2 drops of tailam and massage all over face.

Hey Sarivadyasava 20 ml+ 20 ml water twice a day, after meal Manjisthadi kwath 20 ml+ 20 ml water twice a day, after meal Kaishore guggulu 2 tab twice a day, after meal Arogya vardhini vati 2 tab twice a day, after meal Kumkumadi taila- apply before bed time with a gentle massage

Triphala or neem water for face cleansing Apply paste for dark spots-haldi+ chandan+ honey toner for open pores-rose water+cucumber juice+tulsi juice(apply after cleansing)

Hope it will help you…

Start with khadirarist 10ml twice daily after food with water Kishore guggul 1 -0-1 after food with water Kamdudharas 1-0-1 after food with water Apply paste of manjista powder turmeric powder multani mitti besan powder raktachandan,mix with rose water apply twice weekly keep for 10 minutes and wash with clean water. Avoid direct Sun rays exposure, wear hat or use umbrella use Sunscreen SPF 50+ during the day

HELLO ANJALI,

From an Ayurvedic perspective, acne(known as Yuvan pidika) is primarily caused by an imbalance in the pitta dosha, PITTA- Inflammation, redness, burning, pus KAPHA- oily skin, comedones, whiteheads, cysts VATA- scarring, pigmentation, dryness, open pores

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS -impaired digestion->(Mandagni->Ama) -Blood impurities(rakta dushti) -Hormonal imbalance(especially in women) -Improper skin hygiene -Stress, lack of sleep, poor lifestyle

TREATMENT GOALS 1)balance pitta and clears toxins 2)improve digestion- agni deepana 3)blood purification- rakta sodhana 4)regulate hormones 5)promote skin healing and scar reduction

TREATMENT PLANNED FOR YOU

INTERNAL 1)GANDHAK RASAYANA- 1 tab twice daily after meals= 8-12 weeks continue

2)AROGYAVARDHINI VATI- 1 tab twice daily after meals= 12 weeks

3)NIMBADI GUGGULU- 2 tabs twice daily after meals= 8-12 weeks

4)MAHAMANJISTHADI KWATH- 20 ml+40 ml water twice daily before meals= 3+ months

5)SARIVADYASAVA- 15ml+equal water after meals twice daily= 2 months

PANCHAKARMA ADVISED IF FEASIBLE -VIRECHANA(purgation) -RAKTAMOKSHAANA(leech therapy) -NASYA(nasal drops)

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS

1)CLEANSER(daily use) -Triphala decoction(cooled)- use as a gentle wash -Neem water- antibacterial -Herbal face wash with turmeric, aloe, neem

2)FACEPACKS(2-3 TIMES/WEEK)

-multani mitti+ neem powder+ turmeric+ rose water= anti-acne, reduces oil, clears pores

-Sandalwood powder+milk+manjistha powder= for pigmentation, cooling effect

-Massor dal paste + milk or rose water= lightens acne scars

apply for 15-20 minutes, wash off with cool water.

3)OILS FOR ACNE MARKS AND GLOW -KUMKUMADI TAILA- scar reduction, pigmentation lightening, glow -JATYADI TAILA(if active acne present)- anti-inflammatory, heals eruptions -NEEM OIL(DILUTED)- potent antibacterial

apply thin layer before bed

DIET:-

EAT -BITTER AND ASTRINGENT TASTES- neem, bitter gourd, amla, bottle gourd -COOLING FOODS- coconut water, cucumber, coriander -FRUITS- amla, pomegranate, guava, apple -WHOLE GRAINS- red rice, barley, wheat(avoid polished rice) -WATER- warm water, triphala-soaked water(overnight infusion) -DETOX TEAS- cumin-fennel-coriander seed decoction

AVOID -milk+salt, curd+fruits, banana+mmilk-> virrudha ahara(incompatible) -excess oily, fried, spicy, sour foods-pickles, chips -chocolates, ice creams, caffeinated and carbonated drinks -late night meals, irregular eating -smoking, alcohol, junk food

LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES -wake up before 6 AM- aligns with brahma muhurta, boosts healing

-Oil massage- 2 times/week with neem oil or coconut oil

-Yoga- Suryanamaskar, sarvangasana, matsyasana, trikonasana etc

-PRANAYAM- anulom vilom, sheetali, bhramari- cools pitta

-Adequate sleep- 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep crucial for skin regeneration

-Face hygiene- don’t touch face often, clean pillow covers weekly, avoid harsh scrubbing.

MENTAL - EMOTIONAL -chronic skin disorders often correlate with repressed emotions, stress, or frustration -Daily 10 minute meditation, journaling, or mantra chanting helps reduce cortisol, which worsen acne.

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

Understanding the interplay between open pores, acne, and dark spots is crucial to effectively manage your skin concerns, especially considering your skin’s tendency toward excess oil, which can be worsened by external factors like pollution and dust. In Ayurveda, this condition could be influenced by an imbalance in Pitta dosha, which governs heat and metabolism in the body. Here’s a carefully thought plan to address these issues:

Firstly, focus on cleansing. Use a gentle Ayurvedic cleanser with ingredients such as Neem or Turmeric, renowned for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They help in controlling excess oil and prevent pores from getting clogged. Wash your face twice a day, ideally in the morning and once before bed, to maintain cleanliness without over-drying your skin.

Next, for toning and reducing pore appearance, try a natural toner made from rose water or a mixture of cucumber and coriander juice. This will help tighten pores and rejuvenate the skin. Apply using a cotton pad after cleansing.

Incorporate an Ayurvedic face pack once or twice a week to deep clean and control oil production. A pack made from Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) and a pinch of Sandalwood powder with rose water can help absorb oil, make the skin soft, and gradually reduce pigmentation.

Diet too plays a critical role. Favor cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens while avoiding excessive spicy, oily, and processed foods that can exacerbate Pitta. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas like Chamomile or Mint can keep the body and skin hydrated.

Though you may want quick results, it’s essential to be patient and consistent in your routine. Minimizing sun exposure and using sunscreen is crucial to prevent further dark spots. Opt for natural sunscreens with ingredients like Zinc oxide.

If breakouts persist or worsen, consider a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner to customize a treatment plan, possibly including herbal remedies like Guduchi or Manjishtha, which help detoxify the blood and skin. Remember, let’s be consistent and patient. Ancient wisdom often takes time to show its full effect, but when it does, it brings balance and health.

Your concerns about acne, open pores and dark spots point to a possible imbalance in the kapha dosha, which can increase oiliness and lead to the issues you’re facing. Addressing these will involve both internal and external treatments. To start, consider incorporating Triphala into your routine. It’s a powerful, cleansing Ayurvedic formula that can help purify the blood and improve digestion. Take half a teaspoon nightly with warm water, as it assists in balancing doshas, reducing impurities contributing to acne and benefiting your skin’s clarity.

For open pores and oil control, applying a weekly face mask made of Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti) mixed with rose water can be beneficial. This clay helps absorb excess oil, tighten large pores, and exfoliate dead skin cells. Apply it once or twice a week for about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by gentle rinsing.

Additionally, making a paste of Sandalwood powder and turmeric in rose water can help lighten dark spots. Apply this mixture to affected areas, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before washing it off. This practice might be followed 2 to 3 times a week and is both soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Since diet greatly influences skin health, try to reduce consumption of spicy, fried foods and incorporate more fresh, hydrating foods such as cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. Drink adequate water throughout the day to support detoxification and maintain hydration.

Practicing pranayama or breathing exercises each morning can help balance your internal energies, supporting stress management and better skin health. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can be especially beneficial, aiding in calming the mind and body.

Regarding topical products, avoid thick, oily creams, and opt for light, non-comedogenic moisturizers to prevent further clogging of pores. If possible, have a dermatologist examine any persistent or severe issues. While these approaches should enhance the overall appearance of your skin, regular professional check-ups ensure all aspects of your skin’s health are addressed.

Hello Anjali, Acne , pimples and other skin issues might be due to- 1. Pitta aggravation 2. Oily skin type 3. Intake of oily or junk food 4. Not taking proper care of your skin 5. Use of chemical loaded products 6. Chronic constipation Treatment - 1. Neem ghanvati 1-0-1 after meal 2. Mahamanjisthadi kwath 30ml with 30 ml water twice a day after meal 3. Apply Aloe vera gel after cleaning the face with rosewater 4. Apply kumkumadi tel before bedtime

Follow these - 1. Adequate amount of water 2. Eat antioxidant rich food like amla, beans, green tea, spinach etc 3. Clean your towel and pillowcase every week 4. Avoid using makeup or some chemical product especially before sleeping. 5. Stress management -Through meditation, walking, journaling etc.

Yoga - 1. Anulom vilom 2. Sheetali 3. Sheetkari