Are you troubled by frequent breakouts and acne-prone skin? Are you currently following a skincare routine to address this issue? It’s important to ensure that your skincare routine is tailored to your specific skin type in order to achieve clear, flawless, and healthy skin. One ancient medical system that offers valuable natural remedies for acne is Ayurveda. Why Ayurveda, you may wonder? Ayurvedic skincare provides a wealth of solutions for various skin problems and promotes overall skin health.
Each person has a unique skin type, and it’s crucial to use skincare products and techniques that effectively remove excess sebum, dirt, and pollutants while keeping your pores clean, treating wrinkles, and managing acne breakouts. Ayurveda encompasses a holistic approach to treating ailments and provides insights into addressing the root causes of various health issues.
In Ayurveda, the treatment of acne involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and the use of herbal remedies to balance the body and address underlying imbalances. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your skincare routine, you can unlock the potential of these natural remedies to achieve clear and radiant skin.
So, if you’re seeking effective solutions for managing acne and improving your skin’s health, Ayurvedic skincare offers a comprehensive approach worth exploring.
What is acne?
Acne is a common inflammatory disorder of the skin that happens when your hair follicles get clogged with oil sebum and dead skin cells under your skin causing inflammation swelling, redness, heat, and pain resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. It affects all age groups but it’s most common among teenagers and appears on the face, back, chest, or shoulders as small blisters. This condition is not only painful but also highly stubborn, distressing sometimes, and leaves scars.
Some of the most common reasons you are getting acne are:
- Release of excess sebum
- Hormonal imbalance
- Blocked follicles and pores
- Bacteria build up in pores
- Inflammation
- Stress
- Certain Make-up or skin care Products
- Certain medication
- Diet
- Lack of sleep. etc
Know your acne type
Before treating your acne it is most important to understand what type of acne you are getting and what are the causes. As per Ayurveda, the imbalance in the body tri dosha, vata, kapha, and pitta leads to different skin issues. Aggravation of any of the dosha makes your skin acne-prone. An aggravation of Kapha leads to increased sebum production and clogging of pores and aggravation of Pitta along with Kapha causes red bumps and inflammation with pus. The elevated vata dosha leads to the hardening of acne nodules and the shedding of dead skin cells.
When trying to understand your acne type you will also get to know which dosha is linked to your acne problem. The natural remedies suggested in Ayurveda not just help you to root out your acne and other skin problems but also balances your elevated dosha. So first figure out your acne type and then start with your morning and night skincare routine and natural remedies to prevent and control acne.
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Some basic tips to prevent acne
Making slight adjustments to your daily routine can significantly help prevent acne and pimples, ensuring healthier skin. Here are some practical tips to incorporate into your skincare regimen:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day to keep it clean and free from impurities.
- Always remove your makeup before going to bed—sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
- If you have oily skin, use a toner specifically formulated to control excess oil and prevent blemishes.
- Hydrate your skin by applying a suitable moisturizer to keep it nourished and balanced.
- Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using sunscreen with an appropriate SPF during the day.
- Opt for non-comedogenic and toxin-free skincare products that won’t clog your pores or cause irritation.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking an ample amount of water, aiming for at least 3-4 liters per day.
- Minimize your consumption of junk food and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet for their skin-boosting nutrients.
- Enjoy juice and nuts as healthy snack options that contribute to your skin’s vitality.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as they can have adverse effects on your skin.
- Engage in regular exercise to promote healthy blood circulation and enhance your complexion.
- Prioritize quality sleep, aiming for 7 to 8 hours each night, allowing your skin to repair and rejuvenate.
- Refrain from picking or squeezing acne, as it can lead to inflammation, scarring, and further breakouts.
- If you have dry skin, avoid using retinoids, as they may exacerbate dryness and sensitivity.
- Take precautionary measures and avoid using or consuming any treatments or products that you are allergic to.
By following these practical tips and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can actively work towards preventing acne, maintaining healthier skin, and promoting an overall radiant complexion.
AYURVEDIC SKINCARE REMEDIES FOR PIMPLES
1. Haldi (Turmeric)
Turmeric, often referred to as the “wonder-spice,” possesses an array of unparalleled benefits that make it an essential part of skincare. With its antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, turmeric offers remarkable advantages. Curcumin, a key compound found in turmeric, plays a vital role in treating various skin conditions. When applied to the skin, turmeric effectively addresses concerns such as acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and bacterial breakouts, while also cleansing the skin pores of toxins.
To leverage these natural benefits, you can try the following remedies:
- Create a paste by mixing turmeric powder with water or honey (for dry skin) and apply it to the affected area. This remedy helps prevent acne marks, scars, and pigmentation. However, it is advisable to avoid applying turmeric or honey to inflamed cystic acne.
- For optimal results, consider applying a combination of turmeric and mint leaves juice on acne and blemishes. Leave it on for twenty minutes and repeat every three days.
- Another effective remedy involves mashing a 1-inch piece of turmeric root with 1 teaspoon of gram flour or rice flour, along with a mixture of water. Apply this paste to your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes on alternate days.
By incorporating these easy and natural turmeric remedies into your skincare routine, you can harness the power of turmeric to address various skin concerns and enjoy its remarkable healing properties.
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2. Chandan (Sandalwood)
Sandalwood, whether in the form of red or white sandalwood, offers remarkable healing properties when used externally. It possesses antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it an excellent choice for treating various skin concerns. Sandalwood’s natural oils are known to lighten scars and impart a warm glow to the skin. It is particularly effective in addressing acne and psoriasis. However, it is essential to conduct a patch test before using sandalwood, as it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
To experience the benefits of sandalwood, you can try the following natural remedies:
- Apply sandalwood paste, also known as Chandan, every other day to prevent pigmentation, black marks, and reduce acne. This remedy helps in treating acne spots on the skin.
- Create a mixture of sandalwood and turmeric paste in equal parts, and add rose water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the skin for 20 minutes. This remedy is effective in treating blemishes and lightening acne scars.
By incorporating these simple and natural sandalwood remedies into your skincare routine, you can harness the potential of sandalwood to address skin concerns, reduce inflammation, and achieve a healthier complexion. Remember to perform a patch test beforehand to ensure compatibility with your skin.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is highly recommended for skin care in Ayurveda. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Also, it protects the skin by keeping it moist and soothes inflamed and painful acne by providing the hormones auxin and gibberellins that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply freshly scooped aloe vera juice or organic aloe vera gel on the affected area of acne, black marks, and blemishes for 30 minutes, you can leave overnight too.
- Blend freshly scooped aloe vera and mix with gram flour or besan in equal parts. Apply this mixture for 20 minutes on alternate days.
4. Pudina (Mint)
Mint, also known as pudina, is a rich source of vitamin A, making it beneficial for skin health. It possesses properties that aid in the elimination of blackheads, toning the skin, and lightening acne scars and blemishes. Mint is also effective in treating acne by inhibiting bacterial growth, thereby reducing the occurrence of breakouts.
To leverage the benefits of mint, you can try the following simple and natural remedies:
- Create a paste by crushing mint leaves and mixing them with water. Apply this paste directly to the affected area and allow it to dry. Afterward, use lukewarm water to get it off.
By incorporating mint into your skincare routine, you can take advantage of its skin-enhancing properties, such as combating blackheads, toning the skin, and fading acne scars and blemishes. Give these natural remedies a try and experience the potential benefits of mint for healthier and clearer skin.
5. Madhu (Honey)
Honey is a remarkable natural ingredient with numerous health benefits, including its ability to treat acne and pimples. For centuries, honey has been widely utilized in Ayurvedic remedies due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is particularly effective against Escherichia coli, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine or even your daily diet to address acne and pimple-related issues.
You can explore these simple and natural remedies using honey:
- For spot treatment, apply organic honey directly to the affected area or create a honey mask. Use a Q-tip or cotton bud to apply it evenly for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it off. Consistent application is key for optimal results.
- Another effective approach involves combining honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice in equal parts for ten minutes daily, but avoid using it on open wounds or popped acne. This mixture can help combat pimples. However, keep in mind that lemon juice increases skin sensitivity, so avoid sun exposure and always use sunscreen when undergoing this treatment. Additionally, perform a patch test.
Incorporating honey into your skincare regimen can leverage its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to treat acne and pimples. Give these natural remedies a try and witness the potential benefits of honey for achieving clearer and healthier skin.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities that help remove acne-causing germs preventing pimples from fully forming. It is one of the best remedies for acne-prone skin as it maintains the skin’s pH levels because of its alkaline nature. Also, it forbids the growth of acne-causing bacteria and eliminates dead skin cells.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with filtered water and apply this mixture to the affected area with a cotton ball for 10-12 minutes. It will help with acne breakouts.
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7. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla or the Indian Gooseberry is a magical natural ingredient known as heavenly nectar in ancient India. It is rich in vitamin C, which is good for the skin and treating conditions like acne and pimples and slowing down the signs of aging. Loaded with antioxidants, amla helps to reduce the effect of free radicals and fight fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots resulting in younger-looking, smooth skin. Also, amla is a natural blood purifier that reduces acne-causing bacteria and acne scars and prevents its occurrence, and also removes excess sebum.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply amla paste on the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix amla juice and aloe vera gel in equal parts and apply it for 10-15 minutes
8. Neem
Neem is the perfect and most popular Ayurvedic remedy for treating pimples for generations. It has antibacterial properties, that significantly pacify inflammation on the skin and soothe aching pimples, also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Also, it is enriched with antioxidants and acts against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and forbids the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply a paste of neem leaves blended with rose water on the affected area of the skin as a natural spot treatment for acne. Make neem leaf paste by using fresh leaves and boiling and crushing them. You can even use neem leaf powder.
- Make a mixture of neem paste, fuller earth, and rose water in a 1:2:1 ratio and apply it for 20 minutes on alternate days. If it’s itchy for you add 1 teaspoon of rice flour to the mixture and apply.
9. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi or Holy basil has immense importance in Ayurveda for its healing properties and for treating acne, pimples, and blemish naturally. It has antimicrobial properties that help treat acne and other skin conditions originating from gut or bacterial infections, excellent antibacterial properties which give the skin a radiant glow and reduces acne scars, and also anti-acne properties that improve skin texture.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Squeeze out the juice from crushed basil leaves and massage it on your face for 15-20 minutes.
- Make a paste is basil leaves and apply directly on the affected area for 10 minutes or boil the paste with a cup of water and apply it once it is cooled down.
- Take a facial steam with basil leaves in it for 10 minutes and later wash your face with cold water. This will open up the pores for deep cleansing and dead cells and toxins from the body. For oily skin, you can squeeze a piece of lemon in it.
- Make a mixture of 2 teaspoons of fuller earth and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with a drop of basil oil. Apply it for 10 minutes twice a week.
10. Manjishta (Indian Madder)
Manjishta is an amazing solution for all your skin issues from acne, and sunburn, to scars and dryness. Enriched with antioxidants it detoxes your skin. It forbids acne-causing bacteria and Rubimallin in manjishta helps manage inflammations, also it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-androgen properties.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply a mixture of Manjishta powder with aloe vera gel to get soft skin and a clear complexion.
- Apply Manjishta powder along with honey or rose water 2-3 times a week.
11. Dhanyaka (Coriander)
Coriander, also known as Dhanyaka, is a potent ingredient enriched with vitamin C and carotenoid antioxidants. These components work together to combat free radicals that can damage the skin. Coriander offers a range of benefits, including its ability to fight blackheads, pimples, sunburns, rashes, and acne scars. It possesses natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, making it an ideal choice for soothing and cooling the skin. Additionally, coriander acts as an excellent anti-bacterial, detoxifier, and anti-inflammatory agent. The vital vitamins and minerals present in coriander contribute to restoring skin elasticity. Furthermore, coriander’s oil-absorbing properties make it particularly effective for oily skin.
Here are some easy natural remedies you can try incorporating coriander into your skincare routine:
- Create a face mask by mashing coriander leaves and mixing them with cucumber juice. This soothing mask can help calm irritated skin and improve uneven skin tone.
- For acne and pimple treatment, prepare a mixture using coriander leaves paste, tomato juice, lemon juice, and Fuller’s earth. Apply this mixture to your skin for 15-20 minutes to promote clearer skin.
- Combine coriander with rose water or sandalwood to create a face pack that effectively addresses allergies and dryness.
- Utilize coriander seeds as a natural exfoliator. Gently scrub your skin with these tiny granules to achieve a deep cleanse. This exfoliation process helps remove dead skin cells and blackheads.
Incorporating coriander into your skincare routine can provide multiple benefits for your skin’s health and appearance. Give these natural remedies a try and experience the potential advantages of coriander for achieving radiant and rejuvenated skin.
12. Jaiphala (Nutmeg)
Nutmeg, also known as Jaiphala, is a remarkable ingredient for addressing clogged pores and oily, acne-prone skin. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties play a crucial role in regulating sebum production and eliminating impurities that can contribute to acne breakouts. Nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in soothing acne and reducing the appearance of scars, while also inhibiting melanin synthesis. Additionally, it can help diminish skin pigmentation, fade wrinkles and scars, and promote the clearance of blackheads and clogged pores.
Here are some easy natural remedies you can try incorporating nutmeg into your skincare routine:
- Create a mixture of nutmeg powder and lemon juice. This remedy is particularly effective for addressing skin discoloration, pimples, and redness.
- Prepare a paste using nutmeg and raw milk, and apply it to pimples and blackheads. Leave it on for 20 minutes or overnight, repeating this treatment for 10-12 days to achieve clearer skin.
By incorporating nutmeg into your skincare routine, you can harness its beneficial properties to improve the condition of your skin. Give these natural remedies a try and experience the potential advantages of nutmeg for achieving a healthier, more radiant complexion.
13. Giloy (Heart-Leaved Moonseed)
Giloy, renowned for its anti-aging properties, is a potent herb that offers numerous benefits for addressing concerns such as pimples, dark spots, and fine lines. Its remarkable properties can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and impart a natural, radiant glow to the skin. Additionally, Giloy possesses detoxifying abilities, making it beneficial for balancing the vata and kapha doshas.
Here are some simple natural remedies you can try incorporating Giloy into your skincare routine:
- Create a face pack by preparing a paste or powder of Giloy leaves. Applying this pack can help diminish acne and scars while improving the overall texture of the skin.
- Prepare a paste using Giloy fruit and mix it with rosewater and honey. Apply this face pack to the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
By utilizing these easy natural remedies, you can harness the potential benefits of Giloy to enhance your skin’s appearance. Give them a try and experience the rejuvenating effects of this remarkable herb.
14. Lemon
The citric acid in lemon helps to reduce stubborn blemishes and acne marks and makes your skin tone look even. Enriched with the antioxidant, Vitamin C which helps fight free radicals in the skin and boost collagen levels. Its acidic property effectively reduces excess oil and sebum that prevents acne. Also, its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities help to kill acne-causing bacteria. It can treat inflammatory acne by reducing redness and inflammation. Applying lemon on the skin can increase skin sensitivity so avoid sun exposure, always use sunscreen while this treatment, and always do a patch test before using this remedy.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply lemon juice directly to the pimple overnight to cure the pimple.
- Apply the mixture of lemon and honey to the affected area for minutes once a day.
- Apply the face pack of lemon juice and chickpeas powder for a few minutes until it’s dry every day.
15. Triphala
Triphala, an excellent Ayurvedic ingredient for skin care, offers effective treatment for skin problems such as acne and pimples. The aggravation of Kapha dosha can lead to excessive sebum production and clogged pores, while Pitta dosha imbalance can cause red bumps, inflammation, and the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Triphala helps to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), detoxify the body, combat acne-causing bacteria, and promote the healing of acne. It possesses remarkable antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Here are a few simple natural remedies you can try with Triphala:
- Consume 1 teaspoon of Triphala with hot water on an empty stomach every morning. You can also soak Triphala overnight and drink it the next morning. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of turmeric to the drink. Repeat this regimen thrice a week for optimal results.
By incorporating these easy natural remedies into your routine, you can experience the beneficial effects of Triphala on your skin. Enjoy the detoxifying and acne-fighting properties of this remarkable Ayurvedic ingredient.
16. Papaya
Papaya is a great Ayurvedic remedy for acne and pimples and is good for health and skin. Enriched with vitamin A, an antioxidant, and papain which helps reduce dead skin cells and breaks inactive protein. It also reduces the growth of toxins, thereby protecting the skin from acne flare-ups. Additionally, it possess excellent anti-aging properties, promoting an even skin tone and a radiant glow.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Apply papaya paste on your washed clean face and leave the mask on for 20 minutes and repeat daily.
- Make a face pack of mashed papaya and honey, and apply this pack for 30 minutes daily.
- Soak papaya seeds overnight and make a face pack by blending them in the morning. Apply it for 20 minutes on alternate days.
17. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and protect your skin. Furthermore, they serve as a natural source of salicylic acid. Moreover, this compound not only helps clear clogged pores but also maintains hormonal balance, ultimately promoting healthier skin.
You can try these easy natural remedies:
- Drink overnight soaked fenugreek seeds water in the morning every day.
- Make a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds, add 2-3 drops of lime juice, and apply it on your face for 20 minutes on alternate days.
Our rich ancient science of Ayurveda is full of easy and effective natural remedies for every skin problem, including acne. Among them, some easy remedies are listed above and other home remedies for acne include various face packs, Cumin Coriander-Fennel tea, tea tree oil, and the list goes on. The Internet is a great source to learn about those natural ways to root out your skin and health-related problems. Try these listed remedies to cure your acne problem and don’t worry about side effects as all the remedies are absolutely natural and include easily available ingredients, and flaunt your acne-free, healthy clean, and glowing skin confidently.