A Beginners Guide to Ayurvedic Skincare

Photo by Megumi Nachev on Unsplash

What is Ayurveda?

 Ayurveda was founded in India over 5,000 years ago, serving as healing system working with preventive measures, and curative medicine. The word Ayurveda directly translates to "the science of life", promoting a healthy way of life encouraging svadhyaya ( self study), and dinacharya (habitual self care routine).Although Ayurveda is the one of the oldest health systems, its teaching are still applicable to the world today. Ayurveda practices still rain on in India, as well as other parts of the world. 

Like Western Medicine there are Ayurvedic medical schools providing physicians in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, toxicology & gerontology. What sets Ayurvedic practitioners apart from traditional medicine practitioners is that Ayurvedic practitioners treat the fire not the smoke.  Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a harmonious being in terms of mind and body. 

 What Are The Doshas?

Within Ayurveda there are 3 separate Doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These 3 life forces are derived from the five elements (Ether, Air, Earth, Water and Fire), and every living thing contains a unique hybrid of the Dosha's presented in their internal and external self. Vata translates to "that which moves things", and is a combination of Ether and Air, Pitta is fierce by nature and made up of fire and water and Kapha when in balance is grounded and is cultivated by water and earth. 

Within different seasons, years and points in your life your combination of the Dosha's will change, as well as the balance of them. Ayurvedic science bestows the framework for a congruous external existence, in addition to a fruitful inner balance. Knowing what your Dosha is can benefit several aspects of your life including your skin! 

How Do The Doshas Effect your Skin?

Ayurveda stresses how skin  irritations, breakouts, dryness, inflammation and imbalances are a direct manifestation of our well being. So rather than accepting you are just "acne prone" or "oily", try approaching your skin based on your Ayurvedic skin type!

Vata skin is typically dry, thin, small pored and prone to wrinkles. When in balance, vata type skin portrays a beautiful olive completion, is slightly cool, & has fine pores. When out of balance, Vata skin is prone to chapped and dehydrated skin, lots of blackheads, fine lines, premature aging & wrinkles (especially on forehead). To best support this skin type  try the following - Drink lemon water to replenish your body and hydrate your skin , give yourself a massage (abhyanga) using sesame oil- great for nurturing and warming your skin , add healthy fats like avocado or coconut oil to aid in your skin's hydration and plump-ness, maintain a regiment skin ritual, as Vata's do good with routine, and always finish with a light lotion and perhaps a moisture lock oil at night. 

 Pitta skin tends to be more susceptible to inflammation, breakouts, rosacea and a rosy undertone. With Pitta skin type it is crucial you take in to consideration the natural fire essence it bestows when thinking about going out in the sun without proper protection, or an extended steam and or sauna session. To insure your Pitta skin stays cool and nurtured  add these concept to your routine - Avoid spicy foods, as they will only enhance Pittas natural fire, stick to all natural skincare products ( I really adore PAAVANI), protect your skin when basking in the rays and lastly use a cream cleanser to calm the skin and try a rose hip spray as it will help combat any warmth on your skin. 

Kapha skin is usually oily, thicker, shiny, prone to blackheads and clogged pores and pores tend to be big.  If you are someone with Kapha skin type you produce excess sebum, blocking your pores and producing blemishes above and underneath your epidermis. It is vital to cleanse and detox your internal and external on a regular basis for optimal and vibrant skin. To keep your Kapha skin in balance try- Eating the earths delicious fruits and vegetables, adding an chemical exfoliant to your skin routine to remove sebum and open your pores, exercise frequently to promote circulation, find a natural charcol mask to detox your blackheads and lastly avoid excess sweet and processed foods, as they will add to the oil on your skin. 

In order to find out what Dosha your skin is take a test here!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Best Ayurvedic Skincare Lines

Within this specific skincare niche, I have found a few lines thats products are absolutely amazing!

When I found PAAVANI I was overjoyed, as the products are mostly all vegan, ethically sourced and intentionally made. I have tried a handful of their products, but my personal favorites are their tridoshic body oil (my skin feels so rich and clean after using, and truly glows) and their clarify line as it aided in diminishing acne and also brightened my complexion. 

I recently discovered Pratima Skincare and girl im hooked! Their products are truly embedded in te wisdom of Ayurveda. I personally love their Botanical Moisturiser Cream ( it is lightweight and has the aroma of oranges and roses!).   

I hope this article excited you as much as it excited me. Ayurvedic Skincare is an amazing way to treat your skin like the QUEEN she is.