Every day, our bodies and skin are constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and toxins. We are also exposed to unwelcome pollutants in the air we breathe. Plus, the added stress in our fast-paced life does not help matters. All of these can do more damage than good in the long run. And that’s exactly why we need to find ways to minimize exposure to chemicals and toxins in every way possible. One thing we can do to reduce this exposure is to switch to a more natural skincare regime like Ayurvedic skincare.
While the market is filled with natural and organic skincare products, why not move towards ancient medicine that has been tried and tested? I’m sure we would all have stumbled upon the word Ayurveda – an ancient Indian medicine that originated over 5000 years ago. But did you know that Ayurvedic experts have perfected the art of glowing and natural skincare years ago?
Ayurveda skincare is based on the concept that your skin basically eats anything and everything applied to it. So it’s no surprise that it’s made of only food-grade ingredients. So, before you go and shop from the many Ayurvedic skincare brands out there, let’s dwell a little more on Ayurvedic skincare and its natural wonders!
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient medicine that works by nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Its foundation is rooted in the fact that nourishing the body from the inside, helps you look better on the outside. Ayurveda embraces every aspect of a person’s life – nutrition, emotional wellbeing, exercise, and even sleeping pattern.
Ayurveda whether used in skincare, diet, or medicine is based on the idea that every person has a dosha – the biological energies that together make up the constitution of your body and mind. We all have a dominant dosha that determines what your diet should be, your exercise, your skincare, and everything in between.
Sometimes the balance of these doshas is disturbed because of external stress, diet, pollution, seasons, and even energy vibrations around you. This imbalance is called Vikruti. To restore and maintain your skin health the doshas need to be balanced. That’s why it’s important in Ayurveda skincare to first find out your dosha and then follow a skincare regime based on your dosha skin type.
Understanding The Three Doshas And Their Role in Ayurvedic Skincare
The three doshas that make up the body and mind’s constitution are Vata (wind), Pitta (fire), Kapha (water and earth). These are the life forces or energies that are believed to circulate in the body. Let’s understand each of these in more detail and the type of Ayurvedic skincare each dosha requires.
Vata Dosha
Vata’s skin type is dry and rough with an uneven tone, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. People with Vata skin type have very few fat deposits and hence thin skin, which needs a lot of moisturizing both internally and externally. When their dosha is imbalanced, the skin starts to get dehydrated, dry, and flaky, showing early signs of aging.
Ayurvedic Skincare for Vata Dosha
Vata skin type needs a lot of moisturization and nourishment regularly to keep the skin hydrated. It is ideal for them to use cold-pressed Ayurvedic oils for skin like coconut or jojoba, pure cow’s ghee to nourish the skin, or use Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha that can reduce dryness when used in a mask. Also, keeping the body hydrated with water is equally important.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta’s skin type is extremely sensitive, of medium thickness, and gets tanned easily. They are more prone to rashes, redness, inflammation, and eczema. That’s why people with Pitta dosha are less tolerant to spicy and hot foods.
Ayurvedic Skincare for Pitta Dosha
To balance and nurture the Pitta skin type it is recommended to use cooling and soothing herbs such as aloe vera, turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties, jasmine, sandalwood, and rose. This is more like a combination skin that needs more of a healing and balancing skincare regime.
Kapha Dosha
The Kapha skin type is oily with dull, thick skin that tends to have large pores leading to acne. Because of the oily skin, the Kapha dosha attracts more impurities from the environment and needs regular detoxification.
Ayurvedic Skincare for Kapha Dosha
Kapha’s skin type needs light and simulating skincare routine. A deep cleansing using an herbal ubtan at least twice a day and regular detoxification both inside and outside is recommended. It is important to use Ayurvedic skincare products that will help control excess sebum production and avoid oil-based creams.
Top Ayurveda Skincare Tips
1. Always cleanse with a nut or flour powder
In Ayurveda, the face is always cleaned using an ubtan. Ubtan is usually made using almond powder or lentil flour mixed with other herbs. Almond powder is especially both exfoliating and nourishing for the skin. And works really well to remove dirt and toxins from the skin.
2. Nourish with Ayurvedic oils for skin
Oils are a vital part of the ayurvedic skincare routine. Ayurvedic oils for skin can be used to hydrate and nourish all skin types and balance the body’s production of oil. it is recommended that people with Vata dosha use sesame oil, Pitta dosha should use coconut oil, and Kapha dosha sunflower oil. Among the most popular Ayurvedic skincare brands are Sahajan, Uma Oils, Ranavat, and Rasasara Skinfood.
3. Do a self-massage
A gentle face and neck massage that you can give yourself is considered the key to slowing down the aging process and enhancing the luster of the skin. Self-massage every day even for a few minutes can help improve immunity, skin circulation, and sleep.
4. Spritz on some rosewater
Always finish your Ayurvedic skincare routine with a spritz of rose water. It will just help lock in all the moisture and create an instant glowing effect.
5. Go on a healthy and clean diet
What we eat makes a large difference to our skin. Ayurveda recommends eating whole foods, and largely a vegetarian diet for all types of doshas. Avoid fried, fatty, and processed food is also key to maintaining your health.
6. Get enough sleep and Exercise
Ayurvedic skincare entails having a regular sleep schedule – going to sleep and waking up at the same time. That, combined with exercising at least five times a week, helps remove toxins and produce more collagen in the body. This helps retain the elasticity of your skin.
Conclusion
Before we make any changes to our skincare routine, we should keep in mind that just because an ingredient is natural (like witch hazel) doesn’t imply it’s suitable for everyone.
That said, making a switch to clean, natural, and healthy glowing skin is definitely possible with Ayurvedic skincare products. We hope that this beginner’s guide on Ayurveda skincare helps you understand the principles and benefits of Ayurveda. Now go ahead and find the best Ayurvedic skincare brands that will work for your skin!