Keeping skin beautiful may be easier than you think. Learn how your dosha affects your skin and the basics behind the Indian practice of Ayurvedic skincare.
We talk a lot about solving skin issues like breakouts, dryness, and irritation. What if there was a way to stop these problems before they occur? Like prevention of disease, heading off skin trouble is a possibility too.
With Ayurveda, India’s holistic medicine system, the idea is to keep the body and mind healthy, preventing health issues before they are a real problem. The life science takes an individual’s dosha into account and prescribes a lifestyle around it. This is thought to maintain balance, warding off discomfort and potential disease.
What’s good for the body/mind has to work for skin too, right? Right! Ayurveda can be used in supporting skin health and beauty, as well. Identifying your predominant dosha is the first step to not only supporting your skin, but really getting to know your complexion.
The three doshas –vata, pitta, kapha—hold certain physical, mental, and emotional attributes. This, of course, includes aspects of the complexion. Let’s take a look.
The Dosha Skin Types and Ayurvedic Skincare Products
Vata dosha: This skin type tends toward dryness and is usually thin with smaller pores. Vata skin types experience less acne than the other two doshas, but when they do get a zit it is usually dry and small, occurring mostly on the forehead. Common imbalances are premature aging, excessive dryness, and wrinkles. To keep Vata skin balanced, be sure skin receives adequate moisture. Oil serums are good for maintaining hydration in Vata skin. Use cream cleansers for dry skin, to avoid disrupting pH balance, and exfoliate gently. Battling congestion? Be sure you are getting enough water to keep digestion flowing.
Products for Vata Skin: Cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten skin with Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser, made with healthy oils to clean without stripping. RMS Beauty Oil is the best at helping skin hold in moisture and even skin tone. A bit of turmeric lends a natural glow. To give the complexion instant softness, smoothness, and help clear pores use Wedderspoon 100% Raw Organic Manuka Honey Active 16+ as a facial mask.
Pitta dosha: Like the fiery personality of a true Pitta, this dosha skin type is usually sensitive or combination, with pale or pink tone. Congestion and acne show up in the T-zone and are of the red, inflamed variety. Common imbalances are acne, redness, inflammation, irritation, and rosacea. Calming ingredients are ideal for Pitta skin. When battling breakouts, steer clear of harsh or drying ingredients. Dried out skin will only rebel by producing even more pimples. Moisturizing treatments with aloe or other mild hydrators are perfect for balancing this skin type.
Products for Pitta Skin: Keep delicate skin calm and happy with Dr. Alkaitis Organic Herbal Toner, made with soothing chamomile. Rosehip oil is anti-inflammatory and lightly moisturizing, but gentle enough for sensitive skin. Try Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream. To gently exfoliate without causing irritation use Pai Kukui & Jojoba Skin Brightening Exfoliator.
Kapha dosha: Like their personality, Kapha skin is cool, smooth, and even. It is also more oily and has larger pores. Kapha skin is soft and usually sees fewer wrinkles than the other doshas. Cystic acne is Kapha and crops up mostly around the mouth. Common imbalances are excessive oiliness, blackheads, and cystic acne. Pore clearing, lightly hydrating ingredients are best for this skin type. Remember, even oily skin needs adequate moisture. Light plant oils are ideal.
Products for Kapha Skin: To cleanse skin and keep pores clear, try Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser. Apple juice and sugar cane provide exfoliation, while willow bark extract stops blemishes in their tracks. Follow up with Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer to keep skin clear and healthy. When zits crop up, blast ‘em with Juice Beauty Blemish Be Gone.
Still not clear on which dosha skin type you fall under? Take Dr. Pratima Raichur’s skin analysis quiz.
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Images: Top image of woman framing face with hands, vata skin type, pitta skin type, kapha skin type via Shutterstock.