The Ayurvedic approach to health and skincare embraces all aspects of a person’s lifestyle. From nutrition, emotional balance to exercise and sleeping patterns, Ayurveda takes into account not just the person individually, but also the environment that they live in. Let’s delve deeper into Ayurvedic Doshas and its relation to skincare.
What is Ayurveda Dosha?
When it comes to skincare, the resilience and glow of a person’s skin is considered a reflection of their health. Also, the quality of skin is determined by a person’s Dosha, or each of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity.
What are the three Dosha types?
The three Ayurvedic Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In order to maintain and restore healthy skin, the Doshas need to be balanced. Hence, in Ayurveda, it is key to choose a skincare regime that matches the kind of skin and Dosha a person has.
Now, let’s understand the different Ayurvedic body types and skincare routine for the three different Doshas:
Vata Dosha – Skin Concerns
Vata skin type is dry, uneven toned, prone to fine lines & wrinkles. It is likely to have a thin texture with fine pores. This skin type is likely to show early signs of ageing as their skin tends to get dry, dehydrated and flaky when their Dosha is imbalanced. It tends to lose plumpness prematurely, unless nourished on a regular basis.
Vata Dosha – Skincare Regime
As this skin type needs to be nourished and hydrated regularly, the skincare products used by them should be very nurturing – Cold Pressed Oils, pure Cow’s Ghee or Ayurvedic Herbs, which can nourish and rehydrate the skin. Here’s a complete skincare regime for dry skin:
- Begin by cleansing the skin with the prowess of rich, organic Honey and fresh Rose enriched cleanser – Forest Essentials Mashobra Honey, Lemon and Rose Water Face Wash.
- Follow with our hydrating face toner, the Forest Essentials Panchpushp Facial Tonic Mist.
- Then, deeply moisturize the skin with 24K real Gold enriched Soundarya Radiance Cream with SPF 25, which gives intense nourishment and an iridescent glow to the skin. Massage the cream gently with upwards stroke on the face and neck.
- For the perfect night skincare routine for dry skin, we suggest a nourishing facial massage with Ojas Glow Replenishing Night Beauty Balm. Gently press a very small amount of the Ojas Beauty Balm on to the skin. Then, massage the Date & Litchi Advanced Eternal Youth Formula to wake up with an unparalleled sheen.
- #EssentialTip: If the skin very dry, use the Advanced Sanjeevani Elixir before the Soundarya Radiance Cream, for an extra boost of hydration.
Pitta Dosha – Skin Concerns
Pitta skin type is extremely prone to getting tanned as it is sensitive, soft, warm and of medium thickness. Their body type is less tolerant to hot and spicy foods. When out of balance, this skin type can flare up with a sun burn, acne and sunspots.
Pitta Dosha – Skin Care
Pitta skin type needs sun protection to stay balanced. Cooling and healing herbs like Aloe Vera, Rose and Jasmine help soothe and nurture their skin. Here’s a complete skincare regime for combination skin, which is both healing and balancing in nature:
- Begin cleansing the skin with our hand pounded, organic Soundarya Ubtan. Take half a teaspoon of the Ubtan, and mix it with Rosewater. Leave the concoction for a minute to absorb; this will help activate the potent herbs and ingredients of the Ubtan. Once the concoction appears to be a little drier, re-add a few drops of the liquid to dampen it and then massage it on your face. Rinse well and pat dry the skin.
- Followed by spritzing the face with the Forest Essentials Bela Facial Tonic Mist.
- Then, apply a pea sized amount of the Soundarya Radiance Cream with real 24K Gold and SPF 25 for extra nourishment. Massage the cream gently with upwards stroke on the face and neck.
- You can also use the Madurai Jasmine and Mogra Light Day Lotion with SPF 25, for mild nourishment in summers and sun protection.
- For the night, we suggest a gentle face serum with Advanced Soundarya Serum with real 24K Gold mixed with 1-2 drops of Aloe Vera Juice.
- #EssentialTip: Use our alcohol-free toners frequently throughout the day, to rehydrate and soothe the skin.
Kapha Dosha – Skin Concerns
Kapha skin type is oily, dull, thick, has a tendency of enlarged pores and is proneness to cystic acne. Since their skin is oily, it attracts more impurities from the environment.
Kapha Dosha – Skin Care
People with this skin type should deeply cleanse their face, at least two times a day. Kapha skin needs both internal and external detoxification on a regular basis. Here’s a purifying yet nourishing skincare regime for oily skin type to control excess sebum production:
- Deeply cleanse the skin with the Forest Essentials Multani Mitti Ubtan. Take half a teaspoon of the Ubtan, and mix it with Aloe Vera Juice. Leave the concoction for a minute to absorb; this will help activate the potent herbs and ingredients of the Ubtan. Once the concoction appears to be a little drier, re-add a few drops of the liquid to dampen it and then massage it on your face. You can also leave as a mask for 2-3 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry the skin.
- Follow with the refreshing Pure Rose Water Toner.
- Then use a light moisturizer, like the Lavender and Neroli Light Day Lotion that has SPF 25 to nourish the skin and protect it from sun damage.
- At night, we suggest using the balancing Jasmine & Patchouli which is best Night Cream for replenished and rejuvenated skin.
- #EssentialTip: Use the Forest Essentials Pure Hydrating Aloe Vera Bel before applying any moisturizer to balance the skin.
An important tip for all skin types – Never forget the under eye area! Use the Forest Essentials Anise Intensive Eye Cream, every night before applying your best moisturizer. Take a small amount and lightly dab it under and around the area, with your ring finger.
Written by Dr. Taruna Yadav
Ayurveda Expert, For Forest Essentials