Put Your Best Skin Forward With Ayurvedic Beauty Secrets for Customized Skin Care
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” wrote the famous Romantic poet John Keats two centuries ago. Yet it is as true today as it was at that time. When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we secretly admire the shape of our eyes, the long eyelashes that cast a shadow, the sunlight where it hits our cheekbones, and the contours of our nose. But what we admire most is the glow on our skin and its radiance. However, there are days when our skin isn’t at its best. It may look dull or dry, we may have acne or a rash, or it may be a skin irritation we may be suffering from. These are indications of a deeper imbalance of Vata, Pitta or Kapha doshas or the bio-energy centre within our body as described by the science of Ayurveda.
According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, our skin is the mirror of our physiological, psychological and emotional wellbeing. If we are happy or elated, it is reflected in the radiance of our skin. If we are stressed or unwell, that too is reflected by the lacklustre nature of our skin. Therefore, Ayurvedic skin treatments go deeper and heal better.
Skincare in Ayurveda begins by first distinguishing one’s skin type into one of the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha. The five elements of nature, namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, combine to form these doshas. The properties of the elements then become the properties of that particular dosha.
You can find out whether you have Vata, Pitta or Kapha skin, by taking this questionnaire
What is Vata Dosha, and how does one identify Vata Skin?
Vata Dosha implies a combination of the properties of space and air. It is the blueprint based on which a person’s energy, movement, digestion, skin and even speech and nerve impulses are defined. No wonder then that Vata Dosha signifies qualities like lightness, cold, dryness, mobility and flow. People born with Vata dosha are defined as the butterflies of the ayurvedic world.
The Vata skin is thin, dry and cool to the touch. It tends to get easily dehydrated and is extremely sensitive to dry, windy weather. Excess dryness, fine lines, premature ageing and wrinkles all signify an imbalance of Vata. However, when the balance is restored, Vata skin often evokes envy with its rich olive skin tone and fine pores. So, if you have skin that can be
Ayurvedic skincare routine for Vata skin:
The cornerstone of Vata Skin Care Routine is hydration. Consistently providing moisture, strength, warmth and nourishment to dry/mature skin is highly beneficial. Therefore, nourishing herbs and oils such as jojoba oil and almond oil with Vitamin E should be a part of your daily ayurvedic skincare routine to prevent premature ageing and wrinkles.
For flawless skin, those with Vata skin should:
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Drink plenty of warm water daily
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Opt for sweet juicy fruits
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Consume ghee or olive oil
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Consider warm oil self-massage (abhyanga) for ensuring that the skin remains lubricated
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Avoid raw and cold foods
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Cook food using herbs like turmeric, cumin and nutmeg
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Maintain a daily routine
What is Pitta Dosha and how to identify Pitta Skin?
Pitta Dosha is the heat energy of the body. It is the prototype for one’s metabolic processes, body temperature, hormonal balance, hunger, thirst and even intelligence. Therefore, qualities like heat, flow, lightness, sharpness and excess oil are inherent in people with Pitta Dosha.
Pitta skin when in balance is delicate, warm to touch and sports a rosy glow. However, it is susceptible to sun and heat even at the best of times. Acne, inflammation, excess oil, blemishes and redness, as well as, wrinkles between the eyes are all signs of an imbalance in pitta.
Ayurvedic skincare routine for Pitta skin:
Pitta skin needs cooling and nurturing ayurvedic skin treatments. Therefore, opt for Ayurvedic skin treatments that are soothing and enhance sun protection. Herbs such as Sariva, Chandana, Shatavari, etc. are a good choice in any ayurvedic skincare routine.
To attain that balanced pitta skin that flaunts a rosy glow,
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Avoid spicy foods or deep-fried foods
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Consume gulkand and cold milk every day
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Cook with cooling spices like fennel and liquorice
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Protect your skin when you go out in the sun.
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Drink green tea every morning to detoxify skin
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Engage in calming activities like walks and yoga
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Practice meditation for a minimum of 5-20 minutes daily.
What is Kapha Dosha and how to identify Kapha skin?
Kapha Dosha is a combination of earth and water elements. It is the foundation for stability, solidity, adequate body fluids and all structures of the body. Thus, Kapha dosha signifies qualities like heaviness, a slow pace, steadiness, softness and at the same time an impenetrable toughness and coldness.
Kapha skin, when in balance, is soft, supple and pale. However, when the balance goes away, the Kapha skin is prone to excess oil, acne, large pores and congestion and also to the accumulation of toxins under the skin.
Ayurvedic skincare treatment for Kapha skin:
What Kapha skin needs more than anything is a detoxifying ayurvedic skincare routine. A combination of ayurvedic skin treatments and lifestyle changes meant to detoxify internally as well as externally can go a long way in maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
For that divine Kapha skin-
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Avoid sweet or deep-fried food
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Eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables
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Cleanse your skin with milk, honey and Haldi regularly
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Cook with warming spices such as ginger and black pepper
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Exercise daily
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Add cayenne pepper, cinnamon and black pepper to foods to stimulate Agni
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Indulge in cardio workouts
So what are you waiting for? With our customised ayurvedic skincare routine under your belt, you can achieve healthy, beautiful, problem-free skin and glow every single day. Go, admire yourselves in the mirror once again and be your kind of beautiful!
For a personalised Ayurvedic consultation package from our team of Ayurvedic vaidyas, nutritionists and yoga coaches,
Have any queries? Feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
4 Comments
Sayali
How are Ayurveda skincare tips helpful?
ReplyAyurveda understands your body type and gives you solutions accordingly.
Every skin type is different, and according to your Doshas, you’ll get the right solutions. Ayurvedic skin treatment is considerate of your Prakruti and suggests solutions or tips powered by nature.
As these solutions are natural, they cleanse you from the inside, which results in glowing and healthy skin.
Santoshi
Why people with Pitta skin type should avoid spicy food?
ReplyHello, Pitta Dosha is the heat energy of the body. People with Pitta Dosha inherent qualities like sharpness, anger, heat, excess oil & more.
These people commonly deal with acne, excess oil, inflammation, blemishes & redness. Hence, their skin needs cooling Ayurvedic skin treatment to balance the Pitta Dosha.
That is why you’ll find the diet for these people to be soothing and detoxifying. So avoiding spicy foods helps to flush the toxins out of the body.
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