Acne affects roughly 85% of young adults aged 12–25 years.1 If you know acne, you know it is a menace. As soon as you feel your skin clearing up, the pimples reemerge like nobody’s business. To put an end to this recurring problem, you need a permanent solution. In order to understand acne treatment, let’s first take a look at acne causes and the types of acne that can occur.
Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll cover in this article.
Acne Causes
Acne Treatment In Ayurvedic Medicine
Vata Type Acne Treatment And Remedies
Pitta Type Acne Treatment And Remedies
Kapha Type Acne Treatment And Remedies
Simple Tips For Clear, Acne-Free Skin
Ayurvedic Cleansing (Panchakarma)
Simple Must-Do Tips For Acne-Prone Skin
1. Fried Food And Junk Food
Fried food and junk food vitiate Kapha and Pitta dosha, two Ayurvedic fundamental principles (we explain these a bit further down in the article). In turn, the blood becomes vitiated and acne develops.
2. Night Waking
Waking at night leads to an imbalance of the body’s daily rhythms, stress, metabolic imbalances, undigested food or ama and acne.
3. Overuse Of Cosmetics
Overuse of cosmetics has a direct impact on facial skin, clogging pores and wearing down the delicate, natural top layers of the skin.
4. Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety lead to metabolic imbalance and again, undigested metabolic waste or ama.
5. Physiological Changes
The physiological changes that take place in adolescence can be attributed to hormonal imbalance, which may lead to acne.
6. A Heavy Meat Diet
An excessive intake of meat and dairy can easily burden the digestive system, leading to other disturbances in health.
7. An Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Testosterone levels will likely be higher than female hormones in the days prior to menstruation and during menstruation. This can be a starting point for acne. The imbalanced hormones affect the performance of sebaceous glands, produce more sebum and your chance of getting acne.
8. Certain Medications And Steroids
Acne or acneiform (acne-like) eruptions can occasionally be caused by medications. Some may have side effects that can alter your body’s chemistry or hormones and lead to an acne outbreak. Androgenic steroids, DHEA, progesterone-dominant forms of birth control, and medications containing bromides or iodides also fall into this category.
9. Pregnancy Related Hormonal Fluctuations
Even pregnancy related hormonal fluctuations can lead to acne. There are many reasons for the breakout of pimples during pregnancy. Increased levels of androgens (male sex hormones) can result in increased acne-causing secretions. The body’s increased retention of fluids can cause acne. Dietary changes and genetic tendency can also be causative factors.
Some women have severe flare ups of acne throughout pregnancy.
READ MORE: How To Breastfeed The Ayurvedic Way
In Ayurveda, the ancient natural medicine of India, the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) act and dwell within us as three doshas, or mind-body principles. When these five elements or doshas are imbalanced, either in excess or in lack, the disease process sets in.
The Doshas
We all have some combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha within us, just in different ratios.
1. Vata dosha is formed of Air and Space. It’s movement, creativity and agility.
2. Pitta dosha is formed of Fire and Water. Pitta is the intelligence, metabolism and temperature of the body.
3. Kapha dosha is formed of Water and Earth. It’s the structure and glue of our bodies and expresses as love, compassion and solidity.
Again, when these doshas are in balance, there is health. When they are vitiated, there is disease.
Acne, in Ayurveda, is called Mukhdushika. Mukha means face and dushika is that which destroys the beauty of a face.2 In the Ayurvedic classical texts, acne is also called Yuvan pidika. Kapha dosha, Vata dosha and Rakta dushti, contamination of blood tissue, are considered the causative factors of the disease.
Acne typically involves an imbalance in all three doshas, which is why you need to approach it through multiple modalities.
An imbalance in Vata dosha results in impaired digestion and accumulation of ama, undigested food matter that clogs the body’s systems. An imbalance of Pitta dosha affects the blood and liver leading to inflammation. Excess Kapha, which controls the production of sebum, results in clogging of the pores. This combination of impaired digestion, accumulation of undigested food or ama, inflammation, and excess production of sebum creates the perfect environment for the overgrowth of bacteria resulting in chronic acne.
A core philosophy in Ayurveda is that a healthy inside is necessary for a healthy outside.
The Ayurvedic approach to acne treatment is to pacify the internal aggravating factors while simultaneously addressing the topical issues. In order to tackle an acne problem, in addition to topical Ayurvedic skincare you need to change your lifestyle.
Now let’s look at the type of acne that shows up in each dosha.
READ MORE: Vata Diet: Everything You Need To Know, Pitta Diet: Everything You Need To Know, Kapha Diet: Everything You Need To Know
Acne aggravated by an excess of Vata dosha tends to present itself as tiny milia or blackheads. In general, the skin feels congested and bumpy, but the acne tends to be small and dry, not deep or pus-filled.
Two very common culprits are dehydration and constipation. Dehydration occurs with too much of the Air element and dryness. Constipation occurs with a lack of movement and too much dryness. Vata type acne is usually not caused by oil as you would expect, but from the opposite: systemic dehydration.
Vata Type Acne Remedies
Pitta type acne tends to be red, inflamed and painful. It may also appear as milia, tiny white bumps or cysts, surrounding the eye. Or it may cluster around the nose and top lip.
The liver, the blood, stomach and small intestine are all governed by Pitta. If you are breaking out on your cheeks and nose, you are also breaking out in other places like your back, chest and shoulders as well.
Here’s the Ayurvedic acne treatment for Pitta type acne.
Pitta Type Acne Remedies
Kapha Type Acne Treatment + RemediesKapha type acne tends to be deep, large, cystic, fluid-filled, painful and slow to resolve, reflecting the slow, fluid, heavy qualities of Kapha dosha.
A diet rich in Kapha-aggravating foods may be the culprit.
Kapha Type Acne Remedies
READ MORE: Kapha Pacifying Date Pickle Recipe
Follow these simple and effective Ayurvedic tips for acne-prone skin. Achieve clear, lovely and gorgeous skin with the right diet and lifestyle.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi or Holy Basil is considered sacred in Ayurveda for its wonderful healing properties. It is one of the best herbs to heal acne, pimples and blemishes naturally. Crush some fresh and clean tulsi leaves, take out the juice and massage on your face. Let the face absorb the juice for 15-20 minutes and rinse off.
If you don’t have fresh Tulsi, you can use dried Tulsi powder and mix it with rose water to form a paste. Apply this as a mask or take an organic Tulsi capsule.
READ MORE: The Sacred Benefits Of Growing Tulsi, Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi Benefits, Research
Turmeric
Turmeric is a staple of Ayurvedic cooking and medicine. It is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse and can help in hyper-pigmentation, scarring and other skin damage. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend consuming nearly a teaspoon of turmeric every day (you can also use it topically). Luckily, there are many ways to get your fill. Cook with it, drink it in your favorite green juice, or pop an organic turmeric capsule.
READ MORE: Turmeric Benefits (Curcumin), Dosage, Side Effects + More, Will Turmeric Lower Blood Pressure?, Turmeric Can Help You Lose Weight
Aloe Vera Juice
Drink ¼ cup of organic aloe vera juice in the morning on an empty stomach. Aloe vera juice is a natural way to remove toxins from your body, especially the liver and blood.
Amla
Amla is known as an elixir for your skin. It removes excess sebum, fights acne-causing bacteria and prevents scarring. Make a paste of amla, available at most Asian markets, and apply on your face. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
Triphala
Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for the skin. It balances the tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), detoxifies the whole body, fights against bad bacteria and helps in healing acne. Take one teaspoon of Triphala with hot water on an empty stomach every morning.
Beets And Carrots
Beets and carrots are excellent natural sources of iron. Iron is also a foundation of healthy skin as iron deficiencies can lead to shallow, dry, itchy and prematurely aging skin.3
READ MORE: Vata Pitta Pacifying Beetroot And Carrot Soup
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well-known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows it can help reduce mild to moderate acne breakouts. Be sure to use diluted tea tree oil because the undiluted variety can burn and irritate skin when applied directly.
Potatoes
Potatoes are useful in treating acne. They fight off bacteria and give a natural glow to the skin. Slice thin disks from a potato and massage your face gently with them. Make sure to use a different piece of potato disk on different parts of you face to avoid spreading bacteria.
Papaya
Papaya is a great Ayurvedic remedy for acne and pimples. Wash your face, pat dry and apply papaya paste on your face. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Repeat daily.
Neem
Neem has many healing powers, including strengthening the immune system and helping to heal acne. Because Neem is a blood purifier and detoxifier, it works well to cleanse your system and skin. It’s also antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and reduces inflammation. It’s perfect for pimples that don’t seem to go away.
Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
Bottle gourd cools the skin and cleanses your system, thereby improving digestion and excretion. It also helps you sleep better. Peel the outer skin, blend it and drink the juice.
Coriander
Be it acne or pigmentation, oily or dry skin, pimples or blackheads, coriander juice works like magic. Coriander’s anti-fungal and antimicrobial elements are even known to relieve eczema. It is a detoxifier, a disinfectant and even treats dark lips.
Manjistha
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) purifies the blood, improves blood circulation and helps in healing acne. It makes skin radiant and evens out skin tone.
READ MORE: iYURA Manjish Glow Elixir
Nutmeg
Nutmeg or jatiphala is useful for black spots and scars. Make a paste along with honey or lime juice and apply to the affected area.
Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Ashoka
Shatavari, Ashwagandha and Ashoka can also be used in hormonal imbalance and resulting acne.
Ayurvedic Cleansing (Panchakarma)The Ayurvedic cleansing series called Panchakarma can help too. In particular, these particular aspects of the days-long treatment series can be beneficial.
Please note, Panchakarma should only be administered by a qualified Ayurvedic professional. Even simple Ayurvedic cleanses performed at home should be guided by a trained practitioner.
Vamana Karma (Emesis): According to Ayurvedic master Sushruta, vamana or therapeutic emesis is particularly beneficial for acne.4
Virechana Karma (Purgation): Virechana is indicated especially to subside Pitta dosha. The purgative formulation expels the excess Pitta dosha from the body.
Nasya Karma (Nasal Insufflation): Ayurvedic master Vagbhatta also described this process for Mukhdushika.5
Shiravedha (Bloodletting): To get rid of these vitiated doshas, bloodletting is one of the best procedures explained in the Ayurvedic classical texts.6
In modern day India, bloodletting is still in legal practice by Ayurvedic practitioners for various ailments. Hair loss and skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and arthritis may be treated with bloodletting. In place of bloodletting, one may also purify the blood with blood purifying herbs like Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia), Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia) and Neem.
Please note, Panchakarma should only be administered by a qualified Ayurvedic professional. Even simple Ayurvedic cleanses performed at home should be guided by a trained practitioner.
If all of this feels a little confusing, take simple steps to cut out additives and preservatives first, so you’re eating foods that are as whole and natural as possible. This will help keep the body calm and clean from the inside out.
Don’t pop the pimples. It can lead to more swelling, redness and even scarring. Feel a pimple is on its way? Just clean the area with rose water, and place a chilled green tea bag for ten minutes. Also, if you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
Use chemical free products, even when it comes to things like laundry powder and household cleaning sprays—they will have an impact on your skin as well.
Remove makeup completely before going to bed. This is the first and foremost step to naturally glowing skin.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. A minimum of eight glasses, if not more will keep you hydrated.
You are what you eat. Keep a note of what you put on your plate. Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Consider a low-sugar diet, which can keep insulin levels down, allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance.
American author and Ayurvedic practitioner Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc in The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies advises, “Don’t eat spicy foods, fermented foods, salty foods or fried foods. Instead favor blander foods such as rice, oatmeal and applesauce.”
READ MORE: Rice + Ayurvedic Diet: White Rice, Brown Rice, Types Of Rice.
Sleep at least seven hours a night. Cortisol, the stress hormone, ages the skin and can cause acne. Sleep reduces the cortisol level in your body. So it’s a simple equation: sleep = younger, clearer skin.
It could be time to reconsider a regular meditation practice or reignite your interest in yoga.
Do aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week. The increased circulation and sweating naturally removes toxins from your body.
Finally, as frustrating as it may be, remember that beauty comes from within. There is no need to feel anything less than fabulous. Don’t let a simple thing like acne ruin your confidence.
References
1. Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
2. Sushruta Samhita Acharya yadavji Trikamji, Nidana Sthana 13/39, Chowkhamba publication 2005 Varanasi.
3. Schagen, Silke K., et al. “Discovering the Link between Nutrition and Skin Aging.” Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 July 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/.
4. Vd. Anantram Sharma. Sushruta Samhita Chikitsa sthan, Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan; 2010. Verse 20/36-37; 332.
5. Dr. Brahamanand Tripathi. Astanga Hrdayam, Uttar sthana, Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2009. Verse 32/3; 1119.
6. Kavraja Ambikadatta Shatri .Bhaisajya Ratnawali- Ksudrarogchikitsa; Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthana; 2001. Verse No.60/37-38; 663.
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