How Ayurveda keeps your skin glowing

While that may be a moot point, humans have striven for millennia to ensure that their skin, the largest organ in the human body, to look better. No surprises then that Ayurveda, which is about nourishing your mind, body, and soul, has, over the centuries, also evolved skincare options. Yes, options, for as with any other Ayurvedic treatment, the skin types are divided into Vata (dry), Pitta (sensitive) and Kapha (oily) and possibly a combination of more than one type.
 

Vata skin type is usually dry, rough in texture, fine-pored, thin and wrinkle-prone. The thin outer layer can lead to premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. People of this skin type would do well to avoid food that is cold and dry, have adequate water, apply oil on the skin, get enough sleep, and avoid exposure to extreme weather as well as extensive physical stress. Ayurvedic treatments, complemented with skincare products can help the Vata skin to heal internally, leading to a healthy glow. People of this skin type should include milk, ghee, olive oil, whole grains, juicy fruits and green leafy vegetables in their diet. Regular drinking of lukewarm water helps in internal hydration. Application of warm massage oils should help keep the skin lubricated. Natural moisturizers and cleansers are important as is getting plenty of rest.

Pitta skin type can be identified with a tendency to have rashes and breakouts. Pitta skin can get affected by heat and sun, leading to burns. This skin type can also turn reddish and freckled on prolonged exposure to the sun. Sensitivity to oils is common for the pitta skin, as are acne and inflammation. Ayurveda eliminates these problems by detoxifying and cleansing from the inside out. People with this skin type should avoid hot, sweet, salty and oily food, while dairy products should be kept to a minimum. Fruits are advisable, as is cool milk. The most suitable spices for this skin type are fennel and basil. For applying oil externally, choose cool ones such as citronella or lemongrass or sandalwood. These people should also get regular exercise.

Kapha skin type is generally oily, smooth and thick. Characterised by large pores, while this skin type ages better than the others, it can develop blackheads, pimples, and eczema. Excessive oil excretion combined with dirt can lead to clogging of skin pores. People of this skin type should avoid oily and sweet foods. Eating vegetables and fruits is advisable as it helps to internally cleanse the body. The best spices are ginger and black pepper. It is important to clean the skin twice daily as well apply a face mask weekly. Kapha skin type people need to apply warm oil daily to aid circulation.

A note of caution. Even if a person is born with a certain skin type, over time, that type may alter significantly due to various factors such as climate, diet, and lifestyle habits or environmental pollution. When opting for a skincare regimen, it is important to keep such developments in mind. Yes, these can lead to ‘combination’ skin types. Kapha-Pitta skin type, for example, has oily and sensitive skin while Vata-Kapha skin is generally dry with some oily zones.

Ayurvedic skincare concentrates on the face as all the five senses are located here. All skin types need to keep the face clean and remove any dirt and toxins from the skin regularly. Providing a self-massage, even if for a few minutes a day can improve sleep and lead to better immune functions, thus benefitting the skin. Most Ayurvedic treatments recommend the use of rose water, especially to hydrate the skin. Regular application of natural face masks is beneficial for the skin. The application of natural, raw milk also aids the skin. Indeed, many spas now offer milk baths. The regular application of aloe vera also benefits the skin.

It is important to choose the right facial oil for nourishment, according to skin type. While a rule of thumb would suggest sesame for Vata skin type, coconut for pitta skin type and sunflower for Kapha skin type, many other oils are also recommended in Ayurveda for skincare. These include oil of coconut, neem, jojoba, sunflower, rose, hibiscus, jasmine, and other flowers.