Ayurvedic Skincare: Tips to Maintain and Improve!

Skin is the outermost organ of the human body, also the largest, which is most exposed to the outer world. The skin goes through every harshness the world throws at it. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy skin, and professionals widely suggest a holistic approach. Through Ayurveda, detoxifying and correcting the Dosha imbalances can help in maintaining. Every skin differs from one another, and to recognize which skin or hair care products and remedies suit the issues your skin faces. Based on the three doshas, skin can be of three types. In this blog, we discuss tips on how to take care of skin.

Vata Skin 

Because of excess Vata, skin becomes dry and cool, making it flaky and rough to touch. This type of skin is prone to diseases like eczema and dermatitis as there is stretchiness in skin given the lack of hydration and flaky texture, Vata type skin ends up being wrinkly much earlier. There are chances of the skin’s conditions worsening during extreme weather, more so in dry climates. Intake of sufficient water and a natural moisturizer is suggested, along with a good diet.

Pitta Skin 

The dominance of the element of fire means this kind of skin is warm and reddish in appearance. This type of skin reacts worse to extremely hot weather and can end up developing rashes and inflammation. This is acne-prone skin and sensitive in texture which requires the products used on the skin to be mild and gentle. Harsh chemicals or soaps can harm this skin. People with this type of skin should avoid food that is too spicy and follow a balanced diet.

Kapha Skin 

Kapha type of skin is pale and thick but is also very oily. It is prone to clogged pores, leading to acne breakouts and bacteria entering the skin. While this is comparatively healthier-looking skin, it faces severe breakout and needs to be detoxed and cleaned properly and regularly. Excessive fried food and sweets should be avoided to prevent over secretion of oils by the skin.

Combination Skin 

Sometimes skin quality can be resulted from the combined effects of two Doshas. Vata-Pitta skin would be dry and sensitive, Pitta-Kapha skin would be oily and sensitive, and Vata-Kapha skin can be both oily and dry but in different zones.

Ayurveda for Skin Care: Ingredients and How to Use Them 

Since time immemorial, people have used Ayurvedic products to help improve their overall skin health. Ayurveda and natural products make sure the Doshas are balanced from inside and out, making their effects to be long-term, without being harsh on the skin. Well-known Ayurvedic herbs, which are easily accessible and are most useful in maintaining elements of the skin, are:

• Manjistha is an antimicrobial herb that helps in purifying the blood. A rejuvenated blood circulation automatically leads to healthy-looking skin. In addition, it reduces blemishes and acne spots, resulting in naturally glowing skin. It is also an ingredient in the Kumkumadi oil, an ancient concoction for skincare that makes the skin radiant by cleansing and detoxifying from inside and outside. Another Ingredient that compliments Manjishta, present in Kumkumadi oil, is Sandalwood. It softens and hydrates the skin and acts as a cooling agent, reducing inflammation

• Aloe Vera is filled with goodness, being useful for every type of skin. You can massage with the pulp as a moisturiser or add water and use it as a natural face mist. It is anti-inflammatory, so it helps in soothing sunburn and rashes on the skin. It is suitable for acne-prone skin, as aloe vera is an antiseptic that protects against bacteria, making it useful against infections, breakouts, and blemishes. It contains vitamin C and E, making it effective against ageing and dryness.

• Tulsi and Neem are both ingredients with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They help in hydrating the skin and fighting off infections, making it look younger and radiant.

Key Ayurvedic ingredients used for skin care 

Ayurveda uses herbs to create products and supplements that help in skin care. These herbs are used as ingredients because of the benefits they offer for the skin. Some of the well-known Ayurvedic herbs that help ensure skin care are:

1. Aloe vera or Ghritkumari helps provide relief from skin problems and improves skin health. It has cooling properties.

2. Sandalwood or Chandana is used to prepare soaps. It helps to hydrate skin and keep it soft. It helps reduce inflammation.

3. Neem is antimicrobial and helps manage various skin conditions. It acts deep on the skin tissues and helps to improve skin health. It helps to open up clogged skin pores.

4. Manjistha or Indian madder is a blood purifier that helps in rejuvenating skin. This helps keep the skin younger and improves skin health.

5. Tulsi or Holy basil is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. This helps manage skin conditions. It is rich in antioxidants helping you in making your skin look younger.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding skin care and skin health:

Which Ayurvedic oil is good for skin?

Kumkumadi oil is a skin care oil that is formulated using traditional texts. This oil helps to improve skin tone and complexion. Crocus sativa or Saffron is a key ingredient of this oil. It helps manage skin conditions and can ensure radiant skin. Manjishta or Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia) helps purify the blood. This helps to improve skin health. Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinusi) helps to soften skin and improve skin tone.

Which is the best Ayurvedic face cream?

Swarnamukhi face cream is prepared from saffron and Kamal kesar (Nelumbo nucifera). These ingredients are beneficial in improving skin complexion. They are also helpful in keeping the skin moisturised and soft. It acts as a natural cleanser, allowing your skin to look healthy and young.

How to take care of your body skin?

Winsoria oil is a proprietary oil from Kerala Ayurveda that helps to keep the skin soft and nourish it. Manjistha or Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia) is a key ingredient and it helps improve blood circulation by purifying blood. Dyer’s Oleander (Wrightia tinctoria) is rich in antioxidants and helps skin look younger.

- What does Ayurveda say about skincare?

Ayurveda classifies the body's natural constitution into three types: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The texture and other qualities of your skin are determined by the dominant dosha in your body. However, external factors like pollution, dust and lack of nutrition can cause dosha levels to increase or decrease, leading to skin issues.

Based on your dominant dosha, your skin will be:

• Dry and prone to ageing if you have dominant Vata

• Sensitive, thin and prone to acne, freckles and moles if you have dominant Pitta

• Smooth, youthful and mildly oily if you have dominant Kapha

For best results, Ayurveda always recommends a specific skincare routine depending on your dominant dosha. Also, with small, simple adjustments in your lifestyle, you can have the skin you desire and deserve.

- How can I get clear skin with Ayurveda?

Whether you are looking to get rid of acne and black spots or want to retain your youthful glow and smooth texture, Ayurvedic remedies can help you achieve your skincare goals.

The first step is to exfoliate your skin using a lemon sugar scrub once in two weeks to remove dead skin. If you have dry skin, use honey to moisturise your skin after exfoliation.

Apart from that, Ayurveda recommends various skincare routines to be performed daily or on alternate days, depending on your skin type and the kind of results you want to achieve.

• Apply turmeric paste on your face to reduce pigmentation

• Use a saffron-honey face mask for skin lightening

• Rejuvenate your skin with kumkumadi oil

• Get even skin tone with rose water

• Use sandalwood to soothe your skin