Ayurvedic skin care for glowing skin

The Ayurvedic perspective on skin and Ayurvedic skin care is multifaceted and fascinating. Like many other topics, the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda is as important as ever in helping people in the modern world improve their skin health and deal with imbalances in a truly holistic way. In this article we will explore the skin’s many connections to various organ systems and tissues, as well as its relationship to the three doshas, ​​in order to enable readers to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of imbalance and pathways to healing. We will conclude the article by exploring important topics in Ayurvedic skin care such as nutrition and herbs as they specifically relate to skin health.

Beauty (and health!) is more than just skin deep

The Sanskrit word tvak is used to describe the outer covering of the body and one of the body’s largest organs, the skin. Ayurveda holds that the skin consists of more than seven deep layers. The upper layer of skin is connected to rasa dhatu or lymphatic tissue. The subsequent six deeper layers are associated with dhatus or other tissues; Rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), medha (adipose), asti (bone), maja (nerve), and shukra/artava (reproductive tissue). The health of the skin and these respective layers is therefore closely linked to the health of the digestive fire; Agni which nourishes and affects all the deep tissues of the body. In this way, the skin is understood as a mirror.

Since rasa and rakta dhatus are found in the most superficial and therefore visible layers of the skin, these are often the tissues we look at first when checking for skin imbalance.

From a more personal perspective, the skin is viewed as the point of contact between the inner and outer physical world. It is not viewed as a mere barrier, but rather as a living, breathing, digesting part of the individual’s body. The skin has the ability to imbibe prana (vital force or breath) directly from the external environment as some advanced yogis have realized and it contains a digestive fire of its own; This gives it the ability to digest substances that are applied to it, such as herbal pastes and oils.

Follow an Ayurvedic skin care routine

With regard to the health of the first two dhatus that are clearly represented in the skin, nutrition and hydration are of paramount importance. The food we eat and the fluids we drink are processed by the digestive system and enter directly into these first two tissues. Thus, the skin becomes a mirror of imbalances in the digestive process. For example, insufficient fluid intake leads to dry, dry skin, while inflammation of the digestive system can lead to overheating. Skin rashes and infections.

Advice for moisturizing the skin

For plump, smooth skin, drink a cup of warm water first thing in the morning and drink an amount of warm, room temperature water or the equivalent of half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 ounces of water per day.

When the digestive system is weak, undigested food can accumulate in the digestive system causing toxins or Ama. These toxins, such as Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha imbalances, can also spread to the first two dhatus causing clogged pores and imbalances such as acne. Aside from proper eating habits to ensure optimal digestion, cleansing the lower digestive tract is of utmost importance in Ayurvedic skin care.

Advice for clear skin

Use virecana (Ayurvedic bowel support) such as Triphala, Bhumyamalaki or Sat Isabgol to maintain bowel regularity and keep the skin clean. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor to determine which vericana is right for you and the appropriate dosage.

What is Ayurvedic skin care?

Constitutionally, Vata, Pitta and Kapha individuals share similar skin types, which we will explore in detail. As such, as with all Ayurvedic medicine, Ayurveda for skin tends to take an individualized approach, based on an understanding of an individual’s tendencies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The best Ayurvedic skincare products are those that suit the individual’s constitution and current state of imbalance.

This is where the concept of the three doshas enters the picture. Within Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Skin Care, it is understood that all matter, including skin, is composed of the five great elements; Space, air, fire, water and earth.

Pairs of these elements make up the three doshas; The biological energies that govern anatomy and all physiological processes of the body. Vata dosha is composed of the elements of space and air and is cold, dry, rough and mobile in quality. Pitta dosha is made up of the elements of fire and water and is hot, sharp, pungent and oily. Kapha is composed of earth and water and is soft, heavy and thick. Every individual has a constitutional predilection for one or two of these doshas, ​​which also affects the quality of their skin and their tendency toward imbalance.

Vata skin

Vata skin tends to be dry, rough and thin. Because of these qualities, it can tend to form wrinkles more easily, and can be cool to the touch. It can also be particularly sensitive to wind and cold. Because Vata imbalance tends to create dark discolouration; Vata can also appear as dark pigmentation and dark spots.

When working with Vata skin, we want to bring in the opposite qualities to balance out the excess of cold, dry, dark and rough. The focus is on warming, grooming and hydrating from the inside out! Overuse of astringent products like toners and over-cleansing of the skin can lead to dry skin and other Vata imbalances.

Products containing heavier oils such as sesame oil and nourishing herbs can be especially beneficial for Vata skin.

Pitta skin
Due to the pitta’s innate qualities, pitta skin tends to be oily and tends to be reddish or pink. It can also be warm/hot to the touch and can be prone to infections such as rashes and acne. Typically, Pitta types may also feel particularly sensitive to exposure to sunlight and heat. They may develop moles and freckles more easily.

When working with Pitta-type skin, the best course of action is to balance those heating, astringent, and cooling oily properties. The products we use on Pitta skin should support skin detoxification. The presence of ingredients such as aloe vera or charcoal and different types of clay will help absorb excess oil present on the face. Incorporating products that nourish and rejuvenate the face will help sensitive pitta skin, which works well with products that draw out excess oil and replenish it with healthy nutrients.

Products containing rose, hibiscus, aloe vera, and charcoal will work well. Pitta skin can do well with a light, cooling oil like coconut but can benefit from using more water-based moisturizers.

Kapha skin

Kapha skin is usually well hydrated, soft, and even throughout the face. It is cooler to the touch, paler and has a natural sheen. It can be likened to a beautiful marble statue. The skin itself will be thicker and more elastic in nature than that of Vata and Pitta.

When working with Kapha skin, we want to think about toning, mild cleansing, and detoxification as Kapha can tend toward stagnation and buildup due to its heavy and static qualities. A little astringent will go a long way for Kapha type skin.

Incorporating light oils like safflower, vitamin E, and jojoba are all great for nourishing the natural consistency of Kapha skin. Kapha skin can handle a little more abrasives than Pitta and Vata, so natural exfoliants like almond and chickpea flour as well as lepas can work well.

External applications

As we have seen, Ayurvedic skin care begins with the digestive system and the overall health of the internal systems. However, Ayurveda also offers a wide range of external or topical support for healthy, glowing skin. As a general rule, Ayurveda only uses 100% organic and natural products on the skin. If you don’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!

To moisturize the skin, Ayurvedic skin care recommends using oils such as sesame, sunflower or coconut depending on the dosha qualities of the skin. Many Ayurvedic oils are “herbal” and contain the amazing properties of Ayurvedic herbs such as manjistha, sandalwood, neem and turmeric as well as others such as milk and pearl extract to promote skin healing and radiance.

To cleanse and exfoliate the skin, Ayurveda uses flours such as almond and chickpea as well as specialized herbal blends that are gentle on the skin while removing buildup and impurities.

To tone the face and tighten pores, Ayurveda uses herbal waters and hydrosols such as rose water or astringent jasmine.

In addition to these components of a daily Ayurvedic skin care routine, occasional masks and facial massages can be used to promote healthy blood circulation and maintain skin elasticity. Stimulating the marma point on the face can support the release of toxins and relax the facial muscles.