Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old ancient science of health and wellness, conserves the secrets of natural resources and herbs that can treat any disease and prevent an array of disorders. The basic principle of Ayurveda lies in the identification of the dominant Dosha of the person. Ayurveda recognises three Doshas: Pitta, Vata and Kapha. All these Doshas have different traits and characteristics. Ayurveda believes that an imbalance of these Doshas causes disorders and diseases in the body. By keeping these Doshas in balance, the harmony between the mind, body and spirit can be maintained.
Skin is the largest organ of the body and often the one suffering from many disorders. According to Ayurveda, the skin type of each person depends on the dominant Dosha. With a steady awareness about maintaining the health of the skin, people are getting more cautious in understanding their skin type. Each Dosha contributes to a different type of skin. Hence, the skin care regime based on Dosha imbalance generally tries to pacify the dominant Dosha.
Also learn about the three doshas
Vata Dosha Type
What is the Type of Skin in Vata Dosha?
According to Ayurveda, Vata Dosha is dominated by air and ether elements. Therefore, Vata-dominant skin is usually dry, rough and dehydrated. This skin is more prone to ageing and wrinkles.
What is the Ideal Skin Care Routine for Vata Dosha?
People with Vata-dominant energy should focus on having a nourishing and rehydrating skincare regime. Skin needs to be moisturised and hydrated regularly to keep it healthy.
What Are Some Skin Care Tips for Vata-dominant Skin Type?
Use oil-based moisturiser or ghee to keep your skin nourished every day.
Include ghee and warm spices such as ginger and cinnamon in your diet.
Explore how to do skin care with ghee
Drink more water to hydrate your skin.
Massage your body every day with oil to avoid dryness and alleviate anxiety as Vata dominant people are prone to getting stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, is extremely effective in removing dryness and can be used as a part of the skin care regime.
Pitta Dosha Type
What is the Type of Skin in Pitta Dosha?
Pitta energy is ruled by the elements of fire and water. Due to the heat generated in the body as a result of Pitta imbalance, the skin in Pitta-dominant people is generally oily and highly susceptible to acne, rosacea, rashes, sunburn and tanning.
What is the Ideal Skin Care Routine for Pitta Dosha?
People with Pitta imbalance need to follow a cooling and soothing skincare regime. Since Pitta -dominant skin is sensitive in nature, people with Pitta Dosha need to be cautious while selecting skin care products and treatments. The skincare routine must include sun protection.
What Are Some Skin Care Tips for Pitta-dominant Skin Type?
Include cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs in your skin care routine such as turmeric, sandalwood and aloe vera.
Also read this article on the benefits of aloe for skin
Pitta imbalance generates aggression. Therefore, massage your body every day with relaxing oils that include cooling elements such as peppermint, chamomile, etc.
Avoid eating hot and spicy food and include juicy fruits such as watermelon and cucumber in your diet.
Avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
Kapha Dosha Type
What is the Type of Skin in Kapha Dosha?
Kapha Dosha constitutes the elements of earth and water. People with Kapha imbalance generally have oily and cold skin, susceptible to large pores. Kapha energy has a tendency to accumulate more toxins, which results in pimples, water retention and pores.
What is the Ideal Skin Care Routine for Kapha Dosha?
Toxins accumulation is elevated in Kapha, therefore, the best skincare routines for Kapha imbalance include detoxification of the skin through extensive cleansing and deep exfoliation.
What Are Some Skin Care Tips for Pitta-dominant Skin Type?
Include Multani Mitti in your skin care regime. It is a great exfoliating agent for the skin.
Include warm and dry food in your diet. Include spices and warm drinks. Avoid eating sweet food.
Exercise regularly to keep Kapha Dosha in balance.
Detoxify your skin by cleansing it at least twice a day and exfoliating it once a week.
Takeaway:
The traits and characteristics of each Dosha vary and so do their skin care treatments and regimes. Understanding your dominant Dosha and following a skincare routine based on it is the key to healthy skin. Face masks and products based on recommended Ayurvedic herbs for each Dosha can help in maintaining skin health. Since Ayurveda focuses on diet and lifestyle, including diet and nutrition based on each Dosha can greatly help your skin.
This article is reviewed by Dr. Jyoti Lakhani
