3 Steps to Beautiful Skin, According To Ayurveda

Derived from the Sanskrit words ‘ayur’ (life) and ‘veda’ (knowledge), Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that can be traced back to 2nd century BC.

The structure of all Ayurvedic knowledge is centered on three doshas or life forces. Understanding your dosha can be immensely valuable when developing your own personal routine—here’s what you need to know:  

Vata dosha: Space and air 

Governed by the elements of air and space, this skin type can be categorised as dry and flaky with a certain vulnerability towards exposure to dry wind. The regimen for this skin type needs to be centered on hydration and moisturisation.  

Kapha: Earth and water 

With earth as the primary element, the kapha dosha skin type tends to be heavy to the touch. While this skin type remains hydrated for longer, it is also prone to overproduction of sebum, leading to acne breakouts and clogged pores. Cleansing toxins with regular exfoliation and using non-comedogenic products are the top priority for this skin type.  

Pitta: Fire and water 

Fiery in nature, this skin type is warm to the touch and can feel inflamed easily. Redness, unexpected breakouts and irritation are frequent visitors but a consistent regimen of sun protection and calming ingredients, such as aloe vera and rose, can help soothe the skin.  

Once you have understood how to factor in your specific dosha for caring for your skin, it is time to take a closer look at how Ayurveda’s wisdom can help you attain the glowing, naturally radiant skin of your dreams. Here’s an easy three-step process to follow: 

Cleanse 

The core foundation of any routine is cleansing the face adequately to get rid of any toxins, dead skin cell build-up and other aggressors nesting on the skin. It is recommended to splash your face with water several times while cleansing to boost hydration.  

Effective cleansing assumes paramount importance in Ayurveda. Natural ingredients, such as chickpea flour mixed with honey and rose water, can strip away toxins and leave the skin feeling rejuvenated after every use.

Nourish 

Facial oils or ‘taila’ in Sanskrit serve as one of the core pillars of Ayurveda for nourishing the skin. The time-honoured tradition of abhyanga encourages massaging the face with warm oil in circular motions. This leads to improved circulation of blood while also reversing the effects of emotional stress on the skin.  

It helps to bear in mind that the oil should be chosen as per one’s dosha: The dryness of vata would require a heavy carrier oil like almond. The sensitivity of pitta would need a neutral agent like ghee and the oiliness of kapha can be balanced with a light oil, such as safflower or flaxseed oil.

Moisturise

The art of moisturising is not just an external process in Ayurveda, but also internal. Oil-based moisturisers made with natural ingredients can give skin the care that it deserves. A diet replete with foods rich in water content—watermelon, berries and oranges—can help counteract dryness from within.  

If you are looking to make moisturisation the primary focus of your skincare regimen, certain natural ingredients specified in Ayurveda can lend a helping hand. Aloe vera’s clarifying and anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect hydrating agent for dry skin or for balancing moisture in oily skin.

While the origins of Ayurveda date back by centuries, its wisdom only grows more potent with time. Ensuring that your skin receives the care and nourishment it needs, while keeping in mind your dosha, can serve as a handy blueprint for unlocking the skin of your dreams.  

Ready to get started on your Ayurvedic skincare journey? Here’s what you need to bookmark