Ayurvedic wisdom lays down a framework for understanding individual constitution and health through the 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
By learning your dominant dosha, you can tailor your skincare practices for radiant, glowing skin and balanced health.
Want some DIY Ayurvedic face masks and scrubs for naturally radiant skin? Click below for the recipes!
What is Your Dosha’s Skin Type?
- Vata, governed by air and ether elements, embodies dryness, roughness, and sensitivity.
Vata skin tends to be thin, delicate, and prone to flakiness and premature aging. To nurture your Vata skin, provide it with gentle and nourishing skincare rituals that involve a lot of hydration to protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Pitta, governed by fire and water elements, embodies heat, inflammation, and sensitivity.
Pitta skin tends to be fair, sensitive, and prone to redness, irritation, and acne. It is especially susceptible to sun damage, so it’s important to shield your skin from the sun’s rays. Cooling and calming skincare practices are key for Pitta skin types.
- Kapha, governed by water and earth elements, embodies heaviness, oiliness, and congestion.
Kapha skin tends to be thick, oily, and prone to dullness, blackheads, and enlarged pores. Purifying and stimulating skincare rituals are essential for keeping Kapha skin cleansed and balanced.
Ayurvedic Skincare Guide
1. Dry Brushing:
Dry brushing (garshana) is a centuries-old Ayurvedic practice that involves gently brushing the skin with a natural bristle brush in upward strokes before bathing. A copper bristle dry brush is one of the best detox tools for draining toxins and reducing inflammation.
This simple yet powerful technique offers a host of benefits for skin health:
- Exfoliation: Dry brushing helps slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother, brighter skin and preventing clogged pores and blemishes.
- Stimulated Circulation: The gentle friction of dry brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin's surface, enhancing nutrient delivery and toxin removal.
- Lymphatic Support: By encouraging lymphatic drainage, dry brushing can help reduce puffiness, cellulite, and sluggishness in the skin and underlying tissues.
Get your guide to dry brushing here!
Looking for the best dry brush on the market? We’ve got you covered!
2. Moisturization:
Moisturizing is essential in Ayurvedic skincare, especially for balancing Vata dosha, which tends to manifest as dry, rough, or flaky skin. Always remember to choose moisturizers and oils that align with your unique dosha and the current season.
Here are some ways you can moisturize:
- Carrier Oils: Carrier oils such as sesame, almond, coconut, or jojoba penetrate deeply into the skin, providing hydration and nourishment without clogging pores.
- Herbal Infusions: Infusing carrier oils with Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, licorice, or shatavari can enhance their moisturizing properties and address specific skin concerns such as inflammation, redness, or sensitivity.
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, is a traditional Ayurvedic practice that not only moisturizes the skin but also promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and naturally supports your health.
3. Purification:
Purification is another aspect of Ayurvedic skincare, particularly for balancing Kapha dosha, which tends to manifest as oily, congested, or acne-prone skin. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of detoxification both internally and externally to remove toxins and impurities that can contribute to skin issues.
Here are some purification practices:
- Herbal Steam Therapy: Steaming your face with herbal infusions or essential oils can help open pores, dislodge impurities, and promote detoxification.
- Clay Masks: Clay masks are excellent for drawing out toxins, excess oil, and impurities from the skin.
- Detoxifying Teas and Herbs: Drinking detoxifying teas or herbs such as triphala, ginger, or dandelion root can support healthy digestion, liver function, and toxin elimination, which in turn reflects in clearer, healthier skin.
4. Nourishment:
In Ayurveda, nourishing the skin involves not only external treatments but also dietary and lifestyle practices.
Here are some ways to nourish your skin from the inside out:
- Balanced Diet: Eat a diet that is balanced and appropriate for your dosha constitution. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins to provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support skin health.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins. Herbal teas, coconut water, and freshly squeezed juices can also contribute to hydration and nourishment.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact skin health by triggering inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and oxidative stress. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature to promote relaxation and balance.
5. Ayurvedic Face Masks and Scrubs:
Last but not least, Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of botanical ingredients and herbal formulations to nourish, purify, and rejuvenate the skin. From traditional face masks to specialized herbal preparations, these natural remedies harness the power of plants to give you glowing, healthy skin.
Visit our blog for DIY recipes to make your own face masks and scrubs that will enhance your beauty from the inside out.
DIY Ayurvedic Face Masks & Scrubs
Before applying any face mask, remove any makeup and gently cleanse your face with warm water. You can even cleanse your face with oil to draw out impurities and unclog pores.
Blueberry Face Mask
- 8–10 blueberries
- 1 tbsp cooked oatmeal
- Dash of raw milk or cream
Blend all the ingredients together to create a paste-like texture. You can use a blender, mortar and pestle, or even a fork. Apply a thin layer to your face with your fingers and leave on for 5–20 minutes. Wash with a warm washcloth, being careful not to get the mask in your eyes.
Milk & Oatmeal Face Mask
- 2 tbsp oatmeal powder
- 1 tbsp almond milk
Mix the ingredients well and apply on your face. Leave on for 20–25 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Turmeric Face Mask
- ½ tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp. finely ground rolled oats
- 1 tbsp. Manuka honey
Grind your rolled oats finely, or you can use oat flour. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and apply to clean skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash your face. Remember, turmeric can stain and you may need to wash your face several times to remove the yellow tint.
Ayurveda Face Scrub
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
Mix these ingredients up in a small bowl. Use as little or as much of each as you want and feels right for your skin. Gently scrub for 2-3 minutes.
