Ayurvedic skin care has been in use in India and the neighboring countries since times immemorial. The use of ayurveda on skin care is known to cure pimples, acne, rosacea, and allergies, along with making the skin brighter and glowing in no time. So, if you are ready to give the natural goodness of Ayurveda a try, here are some of the remedies that can be of help to you. Read on to know more!
Ayurveda and skin: Understanding the major skin types
image source: Image by valuavitaly: Freepik
Before you get into ayurvedic skin care treatments, you need to understand the skin types as per Ayurveda. So, according to Ayurveda, the skin type of a person is based on three doshas. Doshas are the life forces or bioenergetic elements that constitute the mind and body. These doshas are:
- pitta (i.e., fire)
- vata (i.e., wind)
- kapha (i.e., earth and water)
Pitta dominant skin -
People who have pitta dominant on their skin tend to have an oily skin that is prone to rosacea, pimples, and acne break-outs. This is the skin type that needs cooling elements like sandalwood (to reduce redness and pimples), turmeric, and Aloe Vera (anti-inflammatory components). Thus, ayurvedic treatment for skin that is oily has to incorporate these components.
Vata dominant skin -
A vata dominant skin is rough and dry and is prone to developing wrinkles when not hydrated regularly. This skin type comes with few fat deposits and that makes it need more hydration – internally and externally. It is highly recommended to use oil-based moisturizers on your skin and consume warmer spices, such as ginger. You can also add a bit of ashwagandha, a popular Indian herb, to your face mask to soothe a vata dominant skin.
Kapha dominant skin -
Kapha dominant skin is oily and cold and is prone to pimples and whitehead breakouts. It is also known to retain water and is prone to bloating. Gentle exfoliation and cleansing can be helpful when you have this skin type. Also, avoid oil-based gels and creams and rely on natural face masks.
Beauty ayurveda skin care for different skin types
image source: Image by Racool_studio: Freepik
The best thing about skin ayurveda is that most of the ingredients it needs are readily available in your kitchen. For instance, the Bengal gram flour or chickpea that you need in a traditional Ayurvedic face mask is found in almost all kitchens. A small pinch of turmeric, rose water, or lemon is also present in most homes.
Regarding other ingredients, such as geranium oil, almond flour, rose water, or fuller’s earth, you can easily find it at a store near you. If you can’t find it there, go online and buy the ingredients you need for ayurveda and skin care.
Pitta dominant skin -
Ingredients
-
1/4 cup fresh Aloe Vera gel
-
one to three cotton balls
-
a couple of drops of rose water
Directions
-
Soak the cotton balls in rose water and gently dab on the skin to clean it.
-
Next, put Aloe Vera gel on skin and leave it on for fifteen minutes.
-
Wash off using lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer, such as geranium oil.
-
Use this face mask at least three times a week for best results
Vata dominant skin -
Ingredients
-
1 tablespoon chickpea flour
-
half a teaspoon of turmeric powder
-
1/4 cup cold milk, rose water, or yogurt
Directions
- Mix up all three ingredients together to create a paste
- Put the mixture on your face and keep it there for fifteen minutes or as long as it takes to dry out.
- Wash the facial using lukewarm water.
- Put on an oil-based moisturizer or a hydrating oil like sesame oil, kumkumadi oil.
Kapha dominant skin -
Mask number 1:
Ingredients
-
1 teaspoon honey
-
half a teaspoon of turmeric powder
Directions
-
Mix turmeric powder and honey.
-
Then, apply the mix to the skin and let it dry for ten to fifteen minutes.
-
Use lukewarm water to wash off the pack and pat dry using a soft towel.
Mask number 2:
image source: Image by wayhomestudio: Freepik
Ingredients
-
Water
-
Fuller’s earth, also called multani mitti
Directions
-
Mix fuller’s earth with water.
-
Put the mixture on your skin and keep it on for ten to fifteen minutes.
-
Wash off the facial with lukewarm water.
Ayurveda for good skin: All skin types
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon almond flour
- 2 tablespoon fine oat flour
- 2 to 5 drops any oil of choice
- a small pinch of organic turmeric powder
Directions
-
Mix together all your powdered ingredients
-
Add a couple of drops of your chosen oil
-
Put a thicker coat over the skin and keep that on for fifteen minutes.
-
Wash off the facial with lukewarm water.
-
You can use this paste for your entire body as well.
Treatment for rosacea and eczema
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 2 to 3 drops of camphor essential oils
Directions
-
Mix the camphor oil with the coconut oil
-
Apply it on your skin, while focusing more on the dry patches
-
Wash off the mixture after ten to fifteen minutes
-
Repeat this once a week for best results
Treatment for hives
image source: Image by Freepik: freepik
According to Ayurveda, hives also require cooling treatment to cure it. Thus, Aloe Vera gel can be helpful because of the anti-inflammatory properties. This gel is also soothing on burns and wounds. So, simply scoop out the gel from an Aloe Vera leaf and apply it directly over the affected area.
How to ensure skin brightening or whitening using Ayurveda
Terms like ‘rakta prasadana’ or ‘varnya’ refer to skin whitening and lightening in Ayurveda. It is about the procedure that can ensure tyrosinase inhibition, which is the process of reducing melanin production. As per Ayurveda, skin color is determined by the dominance of pitta. As such, certain herbs like manjistha and madhuyashti can be helpful in alleviating pitta.
The endnote
It is worth mentioning that these are general remedies. So, for instance, simply because turmeric works well on oily skin does not mean it will suit your skin. You might try other methods and skip turmeric in that case. Talk to your doctor to know more about this.
