Acne: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Acne?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition caused by excess sebum, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal imbalance and inflammation. It presents as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts or nodules, commonly on the face, chest and back.

Critical Safety Note

Ayurvedic acne management is highly effective when combined with diet, lifestyle and correct skin care. Severe cystic acne may also need dermatological evaluation. We focus on safe, non-invasive therapies that restore skin balance naturally.

Ayurvedic Care Approach for Acne

• Pitta–Kapha balancing: Herbs, diet and therapies that reduce heat, inflammation and oiliness.
• Detoxification: Mild internal cleansing if Ama is present.
• Skin purification: Lepam, Udvartana and decoction therapies to reduce acne and scars.
• Stress reduction: Nasyam and gentle Abhyanga to balance hormones.
• Diet & lifestyle: Pitta-friendly, low-oil, low-sugar diet with good hydration and sleep hygiene.

Therapies We Use for Acne — with reference images

These therapies reduce inflammation, unclog pores, support detoxification and promote natural skin healing.

Lepam (Herbal Anti-inflammatory Paste)

What it is: Application of medicated herbal paste on acne-prone areas.

• Reduces inflammation, redness, heat and acne swelling.
• Detoxifies skin layers and helps dry active acne.
• Useful for acne, marks, pigmentation & oil imbalance.

Udvartana (Herbal Exfoliation)

What it is: Dry or paste-based herbal scrubbing for deep cleansing.

• Removes dead skin, unclogs pores and reduces oiliness.
• Balances Kapha, improves circulation and brightens complexion.

Swedan (Mild Herbal Steam)

What it is: Gentle steam to open pores and reduce congestion.

• Helps remove oil, dirt and toxins from clogged follicles.
• Used before Lepam/Udvartana to maximize effect.

Kashaya Dhara (Herbal Decoction Pouring)

What it is: Warm herbal decoction poured over the face/body.

• Reduces skin inflammation and heat.
• Improves complexion & purifies skin channels.

Nasyam (Nasal Detox Therapy)

What it is: Gentle herbal oil/powder administered via the nose.

• Balances Pitta-Kapha and reduces hormonal/stress-induced acne.
• Improves skin-gut connection by reducing toxins.

Navara Facial (Rejuvenating Facial Therapy)

What it is: Nourishing Navara rice therapy for skin healing.

• Improves texture, brightness and reduces acne marks.
• Calms Pitta and enhances natural glow.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Gentle full-body herbal oil massage.

• Balances hormones & reduces stress-related acne.
• Supports detoxification and improves skin tone.

Herbal Medicines & Diet Support

Sample Acne Treatment Plans