Natural Skincare as per Ayurveda

Natural Skincare as per Ayurveda

Acne breakouts, pigmentation inflammation, dark circles, dry skin, and more! It’s an endless list of skin issues. Isn’t it? Even with all your efforts it’s possible that your skin doesn’t appear radiant from the inside as well. What could be the cause?

Your skin’s health is dependent on your lifestyle, diet habits, and a regular skincare routine that’s appropriate for your type of skin. Imbalances in your internal system can impact the health of your skin. Ayurveda, the ancient art of Ayurveda helps to reveal the healthiest version of your skin by making use of natural solutions.

This article will show you how to take good care of your skin using Ayurveda’s tried and true herbal treatments. Let’s begin!

How to Take Care of Skin in the Right Way?

1. Discover your Ayurvedic Skin Type

According to Ayurveda each person is the aggregation of three energy types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that govern the mental and physical systems. Although these doshas differ in different proportions within each individual, the predominant doshas impact greatly on the individual’s psychophysical traits and overall health. Doshas must be in balance to ensure your skin and body are well-maintained.

Regarding skin type,

• A person who has dominant Vata dosha may be prone to sensitive skin, which is more susceptible to rough or dry skin texture wrinkles, wrinkles and more.
• People who have dominant Pitta dosha may be more susceptible to sunburns, acne freckles, etc.
• A person who has dominant Kapha dosha may be naturally oily and produce excessive sweat. They typically have greasy skin.

For the correct products that suit what type of skin, it is necessary to determine the predominant doshas within your body. It is possible to identify the problematic doshas that are present in your body, based on skin concerns. This can help you determine the best skincare regimen using products that contain herbs to help balance certain doshas that are elevated.

2. Make A Regular Skin Care Practice based on Your Skin Type

Ayurveda suggests following a routine which involves cleansing, toning and moisturizing at least twice per day (in the morning and before going to sleep) using the appropriate products made from herbs for the type of skin you have.

A. Cleansing and Exfoliation

A regular cleansing routine is necessary to eliminate dirt, pollutants and dead cells off your skin. It is possible to use homemade herbal facial cleanser and gentle exfoliants every day in accordance with your doshas.

• To treat Vata dominating skin type: Make an extremely smooth paste, by mixing one teaspoon of almond flour with 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Apply the paste to your face , and lightly massage for several minutes. Then cleanse your face using cool water.
• To treat Pitta dominating skin type: Make an extremely dense paste using one spoon of lentil meal, half a teaspoon of neem powder and one teaspoon of water. Use this to exfoliate your skin paste and rinse it off using cool water.
• To treat Kapha predominant skin mix 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Apply it on your face. For 5 minutes, wait before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Ayurveda suggests that whatever we apply on the skin gets metabolized and absorbed in our system. Hence we need to be mindful of the ingredients we are choosing.

B. Toning

Toning is vital to close pores that were open during cleansing. Toning can also eliminate any toxins that may remain on your skin following cleansing.

Rose water is a perfect toner for any kind of skin. Use rose water in spray bottles and apply it as a facial mist on your dry skin after cleansing. It will also give an instant refreshment to the skin.

C. Moisturizing

Many of the skin issues can be prevented if you frequently moisturize your skin with products that contain ingredients that are suitable to the type of skin you have. Moisturization keeps your skin hydrated , while keeping healthy cells in your skin. It helps relieve your skin of acne, breakouts and acne.

• To treat Vata dominant skin type: Choose an nourishing, deep-seated moisturizer that is made up of herbs like Aloe vera, Vetiver, Bakuchi.
• For Pitta dominant skin, you may choose a cream or lotion that contains cool herbs like Kamala, Neem, Vetiver and many more.
• To treat Kapha dominant skin type: Choose mild moisturizers with herbs like Lodhra, Kamala, Manjistha and more.

3. Do Self-Massage (Abhyanga) For Nourishment

It is recommended to perform Ayurvedic Abhyanga, also known as oil massage for at least 30 minutes prior to bathing at sunrise. The procedure involves massaging your entire body using warm Ayurvedic oils that work to reduce your stress doshas. Additionally, it will nourish the skin’s tissues extensively by enhancing blood circulation as per the season and skin type.

4. Pay attention to Seasonal rhythms

To ensure that your doshas are in balance and to keep your skin healthy, Ayurveda recommends following certain rituals that follow the seasonal rhythms.

• In summer, it is essential to cool your skin with herbs like Aloe vera, Chandan, Karpoora, Vetiver and more. Be sure to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
• Spring is the perfect time to cleanse your skin by performing regular Abhyanga and Panchakarma routines.
• In the winter and fall months it is important to focus on your skin’s health and nourishment using natural herbal oils. Apply a moisturizing treatment to the deeper layer of the skin as well.

5. Use Essential Oils

You can make use of the nourishing essential oils like lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and tea tree in your products for skincare. Include 4-5 drops of these essential oils into your body wash or moisturizer. It is also possible to dilute these essential oils using carrier oils like Sesame oil, Almond oil or Olive oil and apply them for massage, that is Abhyanga.

Quick Tip: Don’t apply essential oils to damaged regions of your face. Also, apply an experiment on your elbow using the essential oil in diluted form. If you don’t experience any allergic reaction within the next 48 hours, you can apply it on your products for skincare.

6. Make sure you are eating the right foods in Your Diet

Consuming the right food is crucial to maintain the balance of your doshas. Every food has properties that help regulate your doshas. So, you should consume foods that allow your doshas to be brought back into the optimum level.

Consuming vegetables like asparagus, lettuce as well as carrots, radish, cucumber etc. regularly can benefit all skin types. Include sunflower seeds, almonds and flax seeds to your diet in accordance with your doshas for healthy, glowing skin. Also, add herbs like cumin, fennel, ginger, coriander, lemon, etc. in your daily diet.

Below are some diet guidelines to assist you in maintaining good skin health:

• Reduce the use of sugar and salt. These chemicals damage the collagen in your skin and ultimately cause premature wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
• Make sure to eat meals that are freshly prepared and not highly processed food items.
• Take your time eating mindfully in a comfortable area. Don’t spend your time watching television or chatting as you enjoy your meal.
• Drink a glass of water 45 mins prior to and following your meals.

7. Drink water mindfully

Dehydration is among the main manifestations of the aggravated Vata dosha within your body. The skin appears dull and dry. You must remain hydrated all day long by drinking at least eight glasses of water. This will help keep your skin hydrated and leave with a smooth and soft appearance.

8. Exercise Regularly

Engaging in regular exercise helps in increasing blood flow to your skin’s tissues which can boost digestion and elimination of free radicals that are present in your skin. Exercise is a great way to boost the natural glow your face has.

Furthermore, exercising regularly is the best option to manage the stress on your body and mind levels, which can affect the health of your skin. Include breathing exercises as well for a minimum 15 minutes every day.

“You could try regular meditation and yoga to soothe your mind, body and your soul. In this way, you will be able to harness your positive energy into your body and reduce anxiety,” says Dr. Zeel.

9. Have a Good Night’s Sleep

Beauty sleep is a fact! Your skin tissues are repaired during your sleep, and your body requires at minimum six hours of restful sleep every day. Sleep is crucial for renewal of your skin and insufficient sleep causes an increase in inflammation cells within your skin. This could eventually result in acne and dermatitis. In addition, irregular sleep patterns can cause disruptions to Vata doshas and can lead to the appearance of dryness as well as premature aging.

10. Make sure your skin is protected from Sun

Although your skin requires some sunlight exposure to produce the daily dose of vitamin D that is required for your body, too much sun exposure can cause irritation in Vata as well as Pitta doshas that will result in tan, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sunburn. Therefore, it is important to shield your skin from sun damage by applying sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF daily and especially between 10 a.m & between 5 p.m. If possible use an umbrella or a scarf to shield your skin from the direct light.

Ayurvedic skin care tips for All Skin Types

1. It is a good idea to drink herbal teas made from ginger, chamomile, or lemon. Ideally, it is at lunchtime, after your meal.

2. Put a spoon of raisins in the water for a night. Drink them in the morning with a full stomach. It can help calm your unbalanced Pitta dosha.

3. Massage your skin with the paste that you make by mixing a spoonful of dry Okra powder, and half a teaspoon of honey. It keeps your skin smooth and soft.

4. Mix 2 spoons of yogurt per tablespoon of powdered orange peel. Spread it all over your face, then wash it off within about half an hour. This can help to lessen acne and brighten your skin.

5. Soak a small amount of saffron strands in one spoon of milk overnight. The next morning, add an aloe vera gel and mix it well. Apply the mixture on your face, then wash your face off using cold water within about half an hour. Your face will remain healthy, free of blemishes, and glowing.

6. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with one spoon of the sandalwood powder. Add 3-4 spoons of honey to the mixture and mix it into an extremely fine paste. Apply it on your neck and face and allow it to dry. Then, wash it off using cold water. This will help you control the acne and inflammation.

7. Mix 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, 1 spoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 spoon of milk as well as 1/2 cup of yogurt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly into a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your face and wash off with cold water within 30 minutes. This is the best method to get glowing skin while also reducing excess oily and blemishes on your face.

8. Take the juice of finely grated potatoes and apply it on your face. It should be left overnight before washing it off the following morning. This will help remove dark spots and help prevent premature aging.

9. To eliminate dark spots caused by the tan and pigmentation, prepare the paste into a smooth consistency by mixing 2 tablespoons of chickpea meal, 1 tablespoon of milk, as well as 1 teaspoon of lemon juice diluted. Apply the paste to your face and allow it to dry completely. Then you can massage the area for a few minutes prior to washing off the paste with warm water.

10. Make an extremely fine paste by crushing the leaves of fenugreek. Apply the paste to your face and rinse it off with warm water within half an hour. This is the best way to combat dryness and avoid wrinkles on your face.

11. Prepare a paste crushing the leaves of tulsi. Add a tablespoon or two of fresh milk. Apply the paste on your face, then wash your face in cold water within about 30 minutes. In addition to helping to treat acne, this treatment can help you improve your skin tone as well.

12. Incorporate a few drops of water to a half-spoon of cow Ghee. Massage your face with circular movements for around 10 minutes. Let it sit overnight, then wash it off with a gentle cleanser the next day. This will help prevent the signs of aging, and make your skin softer.

13. If you are suffering from an elevated Vata and Pitta it is possible to apply freshly grated cucumber on your face. This helps reduce inflammation and moisturise your skin.

14. Apply freshly prepared bitter gourd juice to the Pitta source acne. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then wash away with cold water.