Ayurvedic explanation of Acne and Acne removal Remedies

Authored by: Kapil Dhameja
Reviewed by: Sanyog Jain 
Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

Acne has been a problem for centuries among people regardless of their geographical location. Even though it may appear to be innocuous at first, epidermal malignancy that is unhesitatingly managed or mistreated, although this is rare and all, can progress to extreme conditions that include fissures, darkening of the skin and even the dry eye syndrome. It is easily perceivable as a skin disorder and more often than not, a difunctional one. Fortunately, with some regular actions, it is possible to control it. Now, as nearly all of the problems mentioned are rather practical and simple to comprehend within a couple of minutes of spouting the internet, this article will specially highlight the causes of the acne and its consequences as well as give remedies for the acne including those which can be prepared at home.

The image shows a clear contrast on the lady's face, with one half covered in acne while the other half is smooth and clear, highlighting the difference in skin condition

Table of Content:

  • Where does Acne come from?
  • Medical Explanation
  • Ayurveda Explanation
  • Home Remedies for Acne
  • Things to keep in Mind

Where does Acne come from?

Even though the underlying diseases of true acne do not change, different schools of thought also explain the initiation and the effect of acne in different ways. There are two cardinal schools of medical approaches – Western or scientific approach and Ayurveda, which propose different causes and effects of acne.

Medical explanation

Acne occurs when the pores are clogged with excessive sebum and old skin debris, and consequently, there is inflammation, bacteria, and finally the awful pimples that we dread. Acne is exacerbated by a number of factors including:

1. Sebaceous gland hyperactivity

Sebaceous glands within the skin make sebum, a naturally oily product that keeps the skin and hair nourished. It becomes a problem when these glands become hyperactive producing more oil than necessary due to hormonal changes (as in adolescent) stress or a processed diet high in sugars. This surplus sebum can easily block the pores and cause acne.

A woman is attempting to squeeze a pimple on her face.

2. Bacterial Growth (Propionibacterium acnes)

It is worth appreciating that P. acnes is a type of bacteria that lives on the surface of our skin. However, when pores become clogged, these microbes are able to flourish and reproduce rapidly leading to such complications like inflammation and infection which may present with cysts and nodes. Hormones, poor skin care, or trauma to the skin can cause excess numbers of P. acnes which is a high risk for acne.

3. Hormonal Impact

Hormones, particularly androgens such as testosterone, are thought to contribute to this excessive proliferation of keratinocytes by increasing cutaneous oil production. There are many hormonal fluctuations like during puberty or with menstruation that can enable the skin oily texture and hence lead to aggravation of acne. Possible causes include puberty, menses, pregnancy, certain hormones including contraceptive pills and conditions such as PCOS.

Explanation on Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, all humans can be defined as a combination of 5 elements – Earth, Fire, Water, Air, from where they have emerged (Space). All these elements are further molded by 3 pivotal energies or more commonly Doshas which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Everyone has a certain degree of these Doshas and once this degree of balance is perturbed there are health calamities that loom around.

Ayurveda Three doshas and their type has been explained in the image

Ayurveda advocates, acne can chiefly be traced back to one causative factor: the diminished Agni (digestive fire) such as imbalance of the Pitta Dosha. Such an imbalance creates in the blood and fatty tissues blood-impurities that block up the sterna which in turn results in the formation of skin-swellings known as pimples. Type of diet, hygiene, and stress level are among other factors that will determine the type, extent, and duration of healing of the acne.

A good number of treatments are provided in Ayurveda, quite a few of which can be prepared at home without much effort. Let us go through each of these accordingly.

Home Remedies for Acne 

So in the next lessons, let’s look at the best home remedies for acne, what research has to say about them, and what you can do in your daily life.

Note: Whenever it is a new combination, make sure to first test it on a small area of the skin to see if one has an allergic reaction or whether the skin will be sensitive to the product.

1. Neem Bark Powder Scrub

As for neem, the leaves are most popular but neem bark appears to contain even higher antibacterial activity to combat acne. For a mild scrub mixture neem bark powder with rice flour and yoghurt. This must be applied twice a week to help eliminate dead skin cells on the skin surface and the clogging materials found in the pores without harming the skin.

Applied twice a week, this scrub sends neem’s bioactive constituents to combat acne causing bacteria and lessen the inflammation. The rice flour gives the skin gentle scrubbing further, its lactic acid in yogurt helps in emulsification hence offering effective skin treatment.

Neem paste, neem water, and fresh leaves are on a green table

2. Kalonji Oil and Aloe Vera

Aloe vera soothes the skin and fights acne while kalonji oil (Black Seed) has antibacterial properties that help eliminate acne from the skin. Add a few drops of kalonji oil with the natural aloe vera gel and apply the mixture over the acne at night. Wash your face in the morning to address these issues and help the skin to heal faster.

Kalonji oil is rich in thymoquinone, which is an anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant that will reduce skin-blemishing bacteria. The polysaccharides in Aloe vera act as emollients and have antimicrobial properties this became a perfect combination for a smooth, healthy complexion.

3. Raw (unpasteurized) milk, Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth, Aloe Vera

From my mom, I learned one recipe involving the use of some unpasteurized milk containing lactic acid, Multani Mitti, which is famous for its ability to absorb oil together with aloe vera which acts as an anti-inflammatory substance. These in addition assist in exfoliation of the skin cells which may otherwise clog the pores that, in turn, fuel the aforesaid sebum scenario.

This combination is most effective if you have skin that is over-actively secreting sebum. When mixed with aloe vera gel and milk, Multani mitti has a near-perfect resemblance to clay face masks everyone can make at home. This can be done twice a week within 30-45 minutes in order to pull off any excess oil and dirt embedded in the pores, leading to a clear skin.

A Multani mitti face pack, along with Multani mitti powder and a towel, are on a white table.

1. Cinnamon and Egg White

Another recipe, which I used, was improvised with cinnamon and egg white. Stir one teaspoon of the cinnamon powder with the white part of one egg. You pat this mixture onto clean skin and let it settle for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Cinnamon has antifungal properties too and can cease round-the-clock bacterial activities that cause acne. Egg white can effectively shrink pores and ease oiliness to minimize skin roughness in addition to protein that it contains and has nourishing properties.

2. Turmeric-Water Paste

A mixture of turmeric and water in a paste is effective as home treatment for the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, it can successfully eliminate redness and swelling of the skin associated with acne, and prevent the growth of new bacteria.

Also, it helps in complexion and enhances skin tone, skin repair and reduces keloid formation. To extract the juice, grind turmeric powder with water in a small bowl until it becomes a thick paste then leave to settle down overnight. Rub it gently on clean skin especially areas with acne or irritation. Use warm water to wash your face, apply the mask for about 10-15 minutes then wash it off.

A bowl of turmeric paste, accompanied by a pink flower and a spoonful of turmeric paste, is placed on the table.

3. Jamun (Indian Blackberry) Seed Powder Mask

Jamun seeds are rich in antioxidants and have astringent properties, helping to reduce excess oil production and clear acne.

Dry jamun seeds and grind them into a fine powder. Mix the powder with yogurt and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mask to your face for 20 minutes before rinsing.

4. Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Turmeric Ice Cubes

Mash the tulsi leaves with a pinch of turmeric and some amount of water, pour this into ice trays, and freeze it. Use the ice cubes to gently rub the skin where the acne usually appears to reduce the inflammation and redness.

Tulsi possesses antibacterial and antifungal actions, whereas turmeric is anti-inflammatory in body tissues. A study with evidence showed that curcumin which is found in turmeric has antibacterial properties that can effectively control bacteria that cause acne and the compound has properties that suppress inflammatory markers which is good for the skin. This in turn aids in reducing inflammation on the skin and aids in skin healing. Applying it as ice reduces pimples by shrinking them.

5. Ashwagandha and Honey Mask

Ashwagandha when combined with honey produces a perfect ingredient for skin that enhances the glowing skin when used as a mask. In addition to that, the elements present in both of them deeply nourish the skin and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which is ideal for preventing the appearance of acne. People who wear this mask will experience an improved skin textural quality and illumination to eliminate any spots on the skin. Also, it is good for calming the skin since a stressful life makes the skin upset apart from healing, giving aphytes and the ability to fight bacteria.

A honey jar, along with ashwagandha sticks and their leaves, is placed on the table.

Ashwagandha + raw honey + skin application + leave it for 10-20 minutes. Rinse them with warm water after application or better still warm water after washing

6. Rice Flour and Milk

The preparation of Rice Flour and Milk Pack is very simple, you need to put 2 tablespoons of rice flour in 2-3 tablespoons of raw milk until you achieve the paste-like consistency. If it feels too thick you can add a little more milk. This mixture should be spread across your face and especially focusing on the regions of the face that forms acne. Let it remain for at least 15-20 minutes afterward, and wash it off gently with lukewarm water in circular motions. When washing your skin, ensure you gently pat it dry and after that use a lotion that is not heavy. This pack should be used twice or thrice a week depending on the condition of the skin of the user.

The Rice Flour and Milk Pack is a simple yet powerful remedy for acne which a lot of people with oily skin have reported effective. Rice flour absorbs excess oil, gently exfoliates dead skin cells, and makes inflammation less aggressive, in the meanwhile, the lactic acid in milk helps clear clogged pores and soothes irritated skin. Together, they work to reduce breakouts, leaving your skin smoother, less oily, and refreshed.

7. Potato Juice

The last remedy goes on to tell you how simple and easy getting rid of acne, with a few consistent efforts, can be. If the ingredients mixing and letting the mixture sit overnight seem a little too over the top, try applying potato juice!

A bowl of potatoes, a glass of potato juice, and a brush beside a bowl of mashed potatoes are arranged on the tableAntioxidants found in the juice from raw potatoes can ease inflammation that causes swelling and redness. It also has the property of an astringent; that is, it will assist with shrinking the pores and decreasing secretion of oils. But simply massaging potato slices on acne prone areas and letting the juice stay on the skin after 15-20 minutes can reduce skin irritation and give a fresh skin look.

Things to keep in mind

When trying homemade remedies for acne, here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Patch Test First: Before applying any remedy to your face it is always wise to do a skin patch test to ensure you do not have reactions on your face. This makes it safe to avoid an allergic reaction that may come with the reaction of the skin to the surface that has been washed.

2. Be Consistent: It is understood that the natural treatments do not have as fast an effect as the chemical ones. Try not deviating from the plan set for the next few weeks and see what impact it has.

Lady is doing the patch test on her elbow

3. Monitor Skin Reactions: Take care to note the reaction of your skin. If there is some redness, irritation or breakouts try its use and if it further worsens, stop using it immediately.

4. Use Fresh Ingredients: It is important to prepare treatments only from fresh and better quality things to derive the best result.

5. Limit Sun Exposure: Some natural ingredients in foods might put your skin at a risk of skin damage due to exposure to sunlight. Pregnant women should avoid exposing their skin to the sun when using new remedies for treating conditions.

6. Consult a Doctor If Needed: It is recommended that if you’ve attempted several of these natural home remedies and your acne has not improved, or vice versa, you should seek a dermatologist. They can advise and treat your skin appropriately with the rightful needed treatment depending on the kind of skin you have.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Kumkumadi Brightening Face Wash with Saffron for Non-Drying & Gentle Cleansing

Shubhr Women's Grape Seed Vitamin C Oil Free Face Cream For Oily & Acne Prone Skin

Shubhr Plum & Neem Face Serum with Vitamin C for Acne Prone Skin and Acne Marks (30 ml)

Shubhr Steam Distilled Vetiver Toner & Face Tonic Mist (Alcohol & Preservative Free)

Shubhr Almond & Flax Seed Powder Face Cleanser for Skin Firming

Shubhr Kumkumadi Tailam Skin Brightening Face Serum for Glowing Skin, Dull & Damage Skin Repair


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