Acne is a frustrating skin care issue, especially for women. This condition is referred as Mukhadooshika (which harms the beauty of the face) in Ayurveda. Dr. Arya Krishna explains how Ayurveda is effective in treating the condition:-

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

As per Ayurveda, the most common reasons for developing Acne are

• Intake of fried and junk food

• Poor sleep

• Stress and anxiety

• Hormonal imbalances

• Overuse of cosmetic products

Role of ‘Doshas’ in Acne formation

Acne is formed due to imbalance of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, but mainly due to the aggravation of the Pitta Dosha. The vitiated Pitta is said to lead to the vitiation of Rakta Dhathu (blood tissue). Also, the vitiated Kapha Dosha blocks the normal excretory function of the skin, thus preventing the release of the waste materials inside the skin leading to symptoms like itching, pustules and nodule formation. The vitiated Rakta also stagnates waste materials in the skin and produces multiple eruptions, redness, raised local temperature, thick bloody discharge formed from the boils and abscess formation. Finally, the irritation, blackish discoloration and ugly scars are formed.

In Susruta Samhita (Classical Ayurveda Textbook) Mukhadooshika comes under the topic Kshudra Rogas (minor diseases). And Acharya Susruta mentions the role of Kapha Dosha in Mukhadooshika.

When Vata is the more vitiated Dosha, the formation of Acne is associated with dryness and blackish discoloration. When Pitta is vitiated, Acne formation is associated with redness and burning sensation. And when Kapha is vitiated, development of pus will be seen.

Treatment of Mukhadooshika

The Ayurvedic method of managing this condition involves purification of the blood and the body by using herbs with astringent qualities. Also natural complexion enhancers can be used to moisturize the skin along with herbs that balance the hormonal levels.

Five important Herbs used for treating Acne

1. Neem- Well-known blood purifier that prevents further deterioration of the skin

2. Turmeric- Provides luster to the face and helps to reduce oiliness in the skin.

3. Sandalwood – Used to soothe the skin.

4. Nutmeg- Helps to reduce the scar marks formed on the skin.

5. Indian Gooseberry – Nourishes the skin and blood.

Ayurvedic Medicines and Therapies for Acne

Panchakarma (Purification procedures)

Panchakarma is effective in eliminating toxins from the body. It purifies the skin from a very deep level. This treatment helps in maintaining beautiful skin that is free from pimples. It also reverses the negative effects of daily living and thus helps to attain clear and glowing complexion.

Panchakarma treatment like Vamana (Vomiting), Virechana (Purgation), Nasya (nasal administration of medications) are effective in treating pimples.

Raktamokshan (Blood letting)

Here, the circulated blood acts as a carrier of all vitiated Doshas and helps in removing stagnated blood i.e. Raktamokshan. This is a significant method for treating Acne. Leech application for purifying blood is another para surgical method described by Sushruta.

The important Ayurvedic medicines for Acne management includes:-

1. Triphala Guggulu – It clears the channels and pores and dries up sebum.

2. Khadirarishta – Blood purifier

3. Avipathikara choorna – Corrects the digestive fire and can pacify the aggravated Pitta dosha

4. Sarivadyasava – Blood purifier

5. Mahamanjishtadi Kashayam – Excellent decoction for blood purification. It cleanses the blood tissues.

External application of Kumkumadi Oil and Nalpamaradi Oil can help in reducing the scars and acne.

Ayurvedic home remedies for Acne

1. Red Ixora flowers and rose flower petals are crushed and made into a fine paste. A little turmeric is added and then grounded well. The application of the final fine paste on the diseased area helps to clear the scars.

2. In case of cystic Acne, where there is a local skin infection, application of neem leaf paste or neem –turmeric paste is very useful.

3. The juice of crushed fresh tulsi (Basil) leaves is used for massaging the face. The same will be rinsed off after 15-20 minutes.

4. Applying a few drops of raw honey on the pimples or the scars and rinsing it off after 5-10 minutes regularly give good results.

5. Applying lemon juice directly on the pimple overnight clears pimple and protects the skin from further pimple attacks.

Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle for Acne

1. Intake of lukewarm water is good.

2. Easily digested foods should be consumed.

3. Avoid spicy (the spices will aggravate Pitta Dosha), oily food items

4. Intake of fruits like guava, apple, pear can help to reduce acne formation

5. Deep sleep for at least 7-8 hours per day is good

6. Anti-stress techniques like practice of Yoga and pranayama can help

7. Washing the face 4-5 times a day with lukewarm water can be helpful

Diet for Acne with Vata imbalance

•          Include more fats and oils in your diet, as these can help to soothe and smooth the digestion and nourish the skin.

•          Take low-fat dairy products.

•          Go for grains such as rice and wheat.

•          Favor sweet, heavy fruits such as: bananas, avocados, and mangoes.

•          Asparagus, beets, and carrots are good

•          Spices like cardamom, cumin, ginger, and cinnamon can be used

Diet for Acne with Pitta Imbalance

•          Low-fat dairy products can be used

•          Skip anything that is fermented.

•          Avoid sugar and opt for honey instead.

•          Pacify Pitta with olive or coconut oil.

•          Wheat, rice, barley, and oats are the best grains to reduce Pitta.

•          Eat sweeter fruits such as grapes, melons, guava and cherries.

•          Eat cooling, calming vegetables such as asparagus, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Reduce tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, beets, egg plant, onions, garlic, radishes, and spinach.

•          Choose spices that will cool and soothe. Coriander, cilantro, cardamom, saffron, and fennel are good choices

•          Drinking cold water is good

Diet for Acne with Kapha Imbalance

•          Eat light.

•          Reduce the intake of dairy products.

•          Drinking hot ginger tea with meals helps to stimulate slow digestion.

•          Intake of beans and green peas is advised

•          Favour lighter fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and apricots.

•          Reduce heavier fruits like bananas, avocados, pineapples, oranges, peaches, coconuts, melons, dates, and figs.

•          In general, all vegetables are recommended, but, reduce consumption of sweet and juicy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini.

•          All spices except salt are pacifying for vitiated Kapha. Use pungent spices like pepper, cayenne, mustard seed, and ginger freely in your diet.

•          Keep fats to a minimum.

•          Grains: Favour barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye. Reduce intake of oats, rice, and wheat.