
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine, widely practiced in India. Acne, a skin condition caused by hormones and stress, produces lesions on the face and body that can eventually lead to scarring. Remedies used in Ayurveda may help reduce scarring and prevent acne altogether. Consult with your doctor before using Ayurveda for acne.
External Remedies
To treat acne scars in Ayurveda, natural topical mixtures are applied directly to the skin. One way is to mix an equal amount of turmeric and sandalwood powder with just enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and allow it to dry fully. After 15 to 20 minutes, wash the affected area completely. Use the paste on your face three times a week until the scarring improves. You may also apply aloe vera gel to your acne scars. Aloe vera gel can stay on your skin all day.
Internal Remedies
Ayurvedic physician and director of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, Dr. Vasant Lad, recommends drinking a 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice twice daily to prevent acne. Healing qualities, such as detoxification and digestive aids, is what makes aloe vera useful in preventing acne. Aloe vera juice is extracted from the leaves of an aloe vera plant and can be found for purchase at most health food stores.
Cleansing
Severe cases of acne are typically the ones that produce scarring. In Ayurveda, specific cleansing methods are used to treat severe cases of acne. One cleansing method is to use natural laxatives. Mix a cup of hot milk with 2 tsp. of ghee, also known as clarified butter. Drink this mixture at bedtime until the symptoms subside. Another method is blood-letting, a technique used to extract toxins out of your blood that could be causing acne. These cleansing methods should be used only under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.
Eliminate Stress
One of the root causes of acne is extended periods of stress. During times of stress your body goes into survival mode and takes important nutrients from the skin and sends them to the organs for protection. This can eventually slow down the renewal of skin cells, resulting in acne. While remedies may help prevent and treat acne and acne scars, a longterm solution to stress, such as a regular yoga practice, is highly recommended in Ayurveda.
Related Articles

Which Foods Help You Get Toxic Waste ...

Chasteberry for Acne

Nutmeg and Turmeric for Acne Scars

Dandelion Root for Reduced Acne Symptoms

How to Remove Acne Scars With Water

What Are the Benefits of Ashwagandha in ...

How to Remove Red Scars on Your Face

Fiber Sure by Metamucil Ingredients

Can Tri-Luma Be Used to Fade Acne Scars?

How to Remove Shaving Scars
Burdock Root for Acne

Bromelain & Bruising

Can Ghee Improve Dark Under-Eye Circles?

Urea & Acne

Fresh Homemade Orange Juice Will Stay ...
Home Remedies to Permanently Remove ...
Ways to Make Tomato Juice Taste Better

L-Arginine & the Skin

Foods to Prevent Jaundice
Removing Acne Scars With Tretinoin Cream
References
- Yoga Journal: Ayurvedic Solutions for Stressed Skin
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad, 1984
Writer Bio
Grace Wathen is a certified yoga, Pilates and raw nutrition instructor. Her dedication to health and wellness motivated her to organize and build several community gardens in Utah, Oregon and Nevada. She has been sharing her expertise on the above topics through online publishers since 2007.
Photo Credits
Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images