Ayurveda is an ancient form of traditional medicine that originated in India around 3000-2500 BCE. It follows a holistic approach by considering the body, mind and spirit while treating health issues. Ayurveda is gaining importance in the beauty and skincare industry and is used in beautification and treatment of various skin ailments. You may come across a multitude of Ayurvedic skincare products and treatments in the market, however, it is important to understand your skin type and the ingredients used in them for getting the best results.
The first step in an Ayurvedic approach to skincare is knowing your skin type.
According to Ayurveda, there are three skin types based on a person’s mind-body principles known as Doshas, they are:
A Vata person tends to have dry, lined and flaky skin that causes wrinkles if not moisturized regularly. This skin type is characterized by smaller pores when compared to other skin types. A Vata skincare routine should include essential oils or herbs such as Ashwagandha which has great anti-inflammatory properties that nourishes the skin and keeps it hydrated.
People with Pitta skin type tend to have oily skin and are susceptible to acne, pimples, and Rosacea. Pitta skin requires natural formulations made of aloe vera, turmeric, sandalwood or peppermint with anti-inflammatory and emollient properties.
Due to its thickness and oiliness, Kapha skin is prone to accumulate toxins under the skin leading to whiteheads and cystic acne, leaving scars. Aloe vera and rose petals have excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that are suitable for Kapha type skin.
As time passes, your skin type can also change due to external factors such as climate, environmental pollution, diet and lifestyle patterns. These factors should also be taken into consideration before choosing a skin-care routine.
Ayurveda follows the principle of treating the disease at its root, not just symptomatic treatment. Panchakarma often referred to as the soul of Ayurveda is a treatment that eliminates toxins from the body, prevents and treats skin diseases at its root. This form of treatment consists of five actions:
To perform a Panchakarma treatment, you need to visit a professional Ayurvedic clinic for an overnight stay.
All the above listed formulations and treatments are effective for the treatment of a wide variety of skin ailments and problems. They are also backed by scientific research owing to the several beneficial ingredients and properties found in them. You can take advantage of these Ayurveda skincare routines and treatments to improve your skin health or treat existing conditions.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Ashwini Konnur