Ayurvedic Skincare: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Radiance

Understanding Ayurvedic Skincare

You have a dominant dosha throughout your life, which defines how your skin behaves. 

Each dosha has specific characteristics which can affect the skin.

Vata

Vata represents the elements of air and space. A Vata person has dry and dull skin, which is prone to cracks, fine lines and wrinkles. Their skin tends to age fast.

A Vata person needs more moisturisation, both internally and externally. 

Pitta

Pitta represents the elements of fire and water. A Pitta person has sensitive skin and is prone to redness and acne. Their skin tends to age moderately.

A Pitta person needs more cooling elements like sandalwood and aloe vera in their skincare regimen.

Kapha

Kapha represents the elements of earth and water. A Kapha Person has oily skin with large pores and is prone to blackheads, whiteheads and congestion. Their skin tends to age slowly.

A Kapha person must avoid oil-based skin care products and choose to exfoliate and dry brush more often. 

Other Ayurvedic Concepts in Skincare

Agni

Metabolism, or Agni, is the digestive fire that converts food into energy in your body and manages all hormonal reactions concerning the skin. A good and proper metabolism ensures that your skin is healthy. 

Ama

Ama refers to the build-up of toxins in the body, which can also clog your skin. This can affect the healthy circulation of blood, which can, in turn, affect how your skin appears. Good circulation and proper elimination of wastes and impurities is critical to healthy skin. 

Ayurvedic Skincare Routine

Skincare in Ayurveda is a process that, when followed, can give you long-term results. Let's get into the details of the process.

Know your Dosha

Understanding your dosha is taking the first step in your skincare routine. By knowing your dosha, you will learn more about your skin, how it reacts and behaves and what it needs. This way, you can create a skincare routine to suit your skin for optimum results.

Pro Tip: You can take a simple quiz online to know your dosha.

Cleanse

Cleansing is a crucial part of skin care in Ayurveda. Avoid harsh cleansers that rid your skin of natural oils, leaving it hard and dry. Choose mild and gentle products that can maintain your skin's delicate balance. 

Pro Tip: Make your own cleanser (ubtan) using honey, yoghurt, oatmeal or chickpea flour.

Nourish and Moisturise

Abhyanga or massage with specific oils help retain moisture, increase circulation and give you radiant skin. You can use sesame oil, which works for all skin types, or choose oils based on your doshas.

Vata: Almond Oil

Pitta: Coconut Oil

Kapha: Grapeseed Oil

Ensure you slightly warm the oil before a full body massage. Wait for a few minutes before you bathe or shower. You can remove the excess oil by using a mild cleanser. In case the oil is light, you can choose to skip the cleanser. 

For your face, you can choose an oil like jojoba oil, as it mimics the skin's natural oils and is less. You can apply this after the cleansing routine. Allow it time to absorb before you use a moisturiser. 

Herbal Ingredients

Turmeric

It contains curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It is effective in treating redness acne and soothing irritated skin. 

Pro Tip: You can make a paste by mixing turmeric with yoghurt or honey and applying it as a face mask. 

Neem

It is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. It is excellent for treating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Neem oil can be applied directly to affected areas or added to skincare products. 

Pro Tip: You can create a neem paste by mixing neem powder with water and applying it as a mask on your face.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It can help reduce redness, alleviate sunburn, and promote skin healing. 

Pro Tip: You can apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your skin or look for skincare products that contain aloe vera.

Sandalwood

It has a cooling effect and is excellent for soothing irritated skin. It's particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive or inflamed skin.

Pro Tip: You can make a paste by mixing sandalwood powder with water and applying it as a face mask.

Rosewater

Rosewater is a natural toner and astringent. It helps balance the skin's pH, tightens pores, and adds a refreshing scent to your skincare routine. 

Pro Tip: Use it as a toner after cleansing your face.

Holy Basil

Also known as Tulsi, holy basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's beneficial for treating acne and skin infections. 

Pro Tip: You can make a paste with tulsi leaves and use it as a spot treatment or face mask.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola or Indian Pennywort is rich in triterpenoids, which promote collagen production and skin elasticity. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Pro Tip: Look for products containing gotu kola or apply an infused oil on your skin.

A Carefully Chosen Diet

Ayurvedic skin care is more than skin-deep. What goes into your body reflects on your skin. A balanced diet aligned to your dosha can have a significant impact on your skin. 

For balancing Vata, choose warm and nourishing foods like cooked grains, vegetables, ghee and healthy fats like avocado.

For balancing Pitta, choose cooling and hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, mint, fresh fruits, etc.

For balancing, Kapha choose foods that are warm, light and dry, for example, cruciferous vegetables, beans, lentils, and spices like black pepper and ginger. 

Regardless of your dosha, you can ensure the following

1. Consume seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Include sufficient protein in your diet as it aids in skin regeneration.
3. Include healthy fats that maintain skin's moisture.
4. Support gut health by including probiotics.
5. Reduce intake of processed foods.

Hydration and Rest

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and getting 8 - 9 hours of good quality sleep have a direct impact on skin health. Water helps flush out toxins, while sleep encourages skin repair and rejuvenation. 

Detoxification

According to Ayurveda, Panchakarma, a detoxification process should be done regularly to purify your body, which results in good, glowing and healthy skin. It also helps balance the doshas.

Exercise

Regular exercise is proven to show remarkable positive results in attaining healthy skin. Exercise promotes sweating and serves as an outlet for toxins.

Meditation and Stress Management

Increased stress levels can also contribute to skin issues. By engaging in daily meditation and or yoga, you can reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.

Wrapping Up

Patience and consistency are vital in getting favourable results in Ayurveda. All efforts yield long-lasting results. With Ayurveda, you not only treat your skin, but you also promote your overall health and well-being. The wisdom of Ayurveda offers a balanced and sustainable approach to beauty that stands the test of time. If you're looking for a clean and natural way to attain radiant skin, the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda might be just what you need.