Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash
Maybe you’ve seen the term ‘Ayurveda’ for the first time scrolling your feed, or you’ve grown up immersed in Ayurvedic practices. Doesn’t matter how you found it, Ayurvedic beauty practices work for all skin types. But what is Ayurveda? By definition, Ayurveda is “the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.” Ayurvedic beauty practices have gained popularity for their holistic, natural approach.
Before trying any Ayurvedic beauty advice, it’s a good idea to know which doshas are more prominent on your skin, because skincare varies from person to person, and each skin type requires its own treatments.
Vata Skin Type: Thin, dry skin with fine pores that is usually cool to the touch. You may experience excessive dryness in some weather and your skin easily shows signs of ageing and stress.
Treatment: Focus on moisturizing and hydrating your skin as it’s unable to retain moisture. Drink enough water and apply natural, nourishing moisturizers.
Pitta Skin Type: Thicker skin that is usually fair in colour and warm to the touch. Pitta skin is more prone to rashes and can break out easily.
Treatment: Because your skin is sensitive, focus on protecting it from harsh conditions like excessive sun exposure. Use natural cleansers and creams and apply sunscreen before going outside.
Kapha Skin Type: Thicker and oilier skin with enlarged pores that are easily clogged with dirt and excessive sebum, causing pimples.
Treatment: Focus on cleansing and exfoliating your skin as it is prone to attracting oil and dirt.
Knowing your dosha skin type can help you filter out which beauty advice may or may not work for you. However, these five Ayurvedic beauty tips are sure to work for all skin types.
Give your skin a milk bath. Thanks to fats and lactic acid found in raw milk, this Ayurvedic beauty tip has great moisturizing and softening effects on the skin, and can help cool and calm irritated or inflamed skin. Try dipping a cotton ball in raw milk and applying on the face once a day. Full-fat milk or cream face masks are great for soothing and nourishing your skin as well.
Include dry brushing. This practice helps detoxify the skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage while also exfoliating dead skin cells. It helps with cellulite and is great for overall toned and firm skin.
Practice self-massage with facial oils. Abhyanga is an ayurvedic massage done with warm oil, and helps deeply moisturize your skin making it appear more radiant. Though Abhyanga can be done all over the body, it can be done on the face as well with a natural facial oil suitable to your dosha.
Use aloe vera. This well-known skin remedy is also found in Ayurveda. Apply aloe vera as a face mask and leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing for smoother, supple skin. This natural skincare solution has many benefits including moisturizing/healing dry and flaky skin, soothing irritated or sunburned skin, treating dark circles and puffiness, and helping with signs of aging.
Don’t forget your vitamins. Strengthen and support your skin inside out by eating enough Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc. While Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is great for the immune system, it’s also necessary for helping the body produce collagen which strengthens the capillaries under the skin. Meanwhile Vitamin E supports skin growth and protects against cell damage. Add Zinc to keep your skin soft and help repair skin damage. Foods high in these vitamins are oranges, papaya, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, guava, avocados, beetroot, seeds and nuts.
Source: Kama Ayurveda
Follow our journey.
