The best Ayurvedic skincare is the one that suits the individual's constitution and present state of imbalance.
As per Ayurveda, skin is understood to be composed of the five great elements; Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
Pairs of these elements form the three doshas. Vata dosha is made up of Space and Air elements and is cold, dry, rough and mobile in quality. Pitta dosha is made up of Fire and Water elements and is hot, sharp, pungent and oily. Kapha is made up of Earth and Water and is smooth, heavy and thick. Each individual has a constitutional tendency to one or two of these doshas, which also influences the quality of their skin and their tendency to imbalance.
Vata Skin
Vata skin has a tendency to be dry, rough, and thin. Because of these qualities, it can tend to form wrinkles more easily, and can be cold to the touch. It can also be particularly sensitive to wind and cold. Because Vata imbalance tends to create dark discoloration, Vata can also manifest as dark pigmentation and dark patches.
When working with Vata type skin, we want to bring the opposite qualities to balance out excesses of cold, dry, dark and rough. The emphasis is on warmth, oleation and hydration both inside and out! Overuse of astringent products such as toners and over cleansing of the skin can perpetuate dryness and other Vata imbalances. Products that incorporate heavier oils such as sesame oil and nourishing herbs can be particularly useful in Vata skin.
Pitta Skin
Because of the innate qualities of Pitta, Pitta skin has a tendency to be oily and has a tendency to be reddish or rosy. It can also be warm/hot to touch and can be prone to inflammations such as rash and acne. Typically, Pitta types may also feel as though they are particularly sensitive to being exposed to sun and heat. They may get moles and freckles more easily.
When working with Pitta type skin, the best course of action is to balance those hot, oily qualities with astringency and cooling. The products we use on Pitta skin should support detoxification of the skin. Having ingredients like aloe or charcoal and different types of clay will help to absorb the excess oil that is on the face. Incorporating products that will nourish the face and rejuvenate it will help the sensitivity of pitta skin which does well with products that will pull excess oil and replenish it with healthy nutrients.
Products that incorporate rose, hibiscus, aloe, charcoal will work well. Pitta skin can work well with a light, cooling oil like coconut but could benefit from using more water-based moisturizers.
Kapha Skin
Kapha skin is usually well-hydrated, supple, and has an evenness throughout the whole face. It is cooler to the touch, pale and with a natural glossiness. It can be likened to that of a beautiful marble statue. The skin itself will be thicker and more resilient in nature than Vata and Pitta skin.
When working with Kapha skin, we want to think about tonification and mild cleansing and detoxification as Kapha can tend towards stagnation and accumulation because of its heavy and static qualities. A little astringency will go a long way for Kapha-type skin.
Incorporating lighter oils such as safflower, vitamin E and jojoba are all wonderful to nourish the natural consistency of kapha skin. Kapha skin can handle slightly more abrasive material than Pitta and Vata, so natural exfoliators like almond and chickpea flour as well as lepas can work well.
What Matters the Most in Ayurvedic Skin Care?
To get clear skin, one needs to eat clean and healthy, you might have heard that what you eat shows on your skin, right? That's correct as per ayurveda, for getting clear, youthful skin, one needs to check if his/her bowel is clear, there shouldn't be any constipation, the gut should work properly, your gut reflects how your skin should look.
Skin Care Routine You Can Follow
As we have seen, Ayurvedic skincare begins in the GI tract and overall health of the internal systems. However, Ayurveda does also offer a wide range of external or topical supports to healthy, glowing skin.
Step 1: Cleansing
For cleansing and exfoliating of the skin, Ayurveda employs flours such as Almond and Chickpea as well as specialized herbal mixes that are gentle on the skin whilst scrubbing away accumulations and impurities.
Step 2: Toning
Toning the face and tightening pores, Ayurveda employs the use of herbal waters and hydrosols such as astringent Rose or Jasmine water.
Step 3: Moisturizing
Ayurvedic herbs like Manjistha, Sandalwood, Neem and Turmeric as well as other substances like milk and pearl extract to promote skin healing and radiance. But should be used as per your skin constitution.
Step 4: SPF
In today's modern world you can opt for a good sunscreen, which protects your skin from harsh rays of sun. Always re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours, for better protection.
Some Ayurvedic Useful Tips Which Will Help You to Look Attractive
- Wake up and sleep at the same time, everyday. (try to sleep by 10 pm)
- Eat meals at a fixed time. (practice having dinner before sunset)
- Practice tongue scraping and gandush/kaval each morning.
- Practice ten minutes of yoga or pranayama every morning.
- Eat a balanced diet which includes fiber, protein, carbohydrates.
- Try to go for at least 10 minutes of walk after meals.
- Eat in a calm environment without any distractions.
- Avoid screen time 2 hours prior to going to sleep.
- Warm oil body massage before shower helps in deep nourishment of skin, making it look healthier.
- Try to maintain a simple and consistent skin care routine, which you can do everyday without getting bored. Remember it is never about complicated fancy skin care routine, it is about consistency which can give you better results.
