Ayurvedic Cure For Acne

Acne is the most common skin disease found in adolescents and youngsters. The Androgen hormone secretion is more in teenagers. This stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, an oily substance consisting of fatty acids. The increased secretion results in the accumulation of sebum in the hair follicles. They are prone to bacterial infection and cause inflammation. Normally acne appears on the face but can also affect the neck, chest, scalp, shoulders, upper arms, and back.

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Acne is known as Yauvanpidika in Ayurveda. Ayurveda treatment is based on the concept that the life forces namely ‘doshas’ present inside the body must be in tune with those outside in the universe. Disturbance in this balance leads to disorders according to the dosha aggravation. Ayurveda has a holistic and preventive approach to healthcare and produces long-term benefits without causing any side effects.  To restore the body to its healthy and strong state Ayurveda has many different treatments using herbs, diet adjustments, lifestyle changes, yoga and meditation, and spiritual practices like mantra chanting and yagnya.

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Acne is caused by the vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. The blood (Rakta Dhatu) filled with the dosha aggravation affects the skin resulting in the eruption of acne and pimples. Kapha dosha aggravation also makes the secretion of sebum sticky. 

Causes of Acne 

• Bacterial infection may also result in inflammation. Oversensitive sebum glands cause increased sebum secretion. In some cases, the keratinized sebum overflows in the hair follicles and causes acne to erupt on the surface of the skin.
• Vitamin A deficiency can also be a cause of acne.
• Acne appears in young women during their menstrual cycle as it coincides with the hormone change caused by the doshas.
• Improper diet is another cause of acne. Irregular and faulty eating habits are other reasons.
• People with mild constipation (anah) or indigestion (ajirna) are also prone to acne.

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Ayurvedic Remedies for Acne

Ayurvedic medicated oils like Chandanadhi Thailam or Kumkumaadhi Lepum applied on the affected skin area were found highly effective in treating acne. 

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How to Prevent Acne

• Eat fresh vegetable salads and fruits to make the skin resistant to Acne and naturally glowing.
•  Avoid spicy and oily foods as far as possible to avoid indigestion and Vata dosha.
• Avoid fast foods and soft drinks as they contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
• Keep a regular habit of emptying bowels to maintain the Vata dosha balance of the body.
• Washing your face twice daily using a mild cleanser can help to keep it fresh and free from dust.
• Avoid the use of scrubs.
• Keep your hair dandruff free and prevent hair from falling on the face to avoid dirt on the hair affecting the facial skin.
• Drink plenty of water to cleanse the system of impurities and toxins.
• Regular exercise helps to improve blood circulation and energize the glands.
• Avoid exposure to extreme climatic conditions.
• Remove make-up before going to bed.
• Avoid squeezing the pimples as it can aggravate the condition and create permanent scars.

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Home Remedies

Make a paste made by grinding Neem leaves and turmeric and apply to the face in the affected areas. Allow to dry and wash it off.

Use a face pack of ripe tomato similarly. Gram flour mixed with rose water can also act as a good face pack to combat acne.