Have you ever practised yoga or had a Golden Milk Latte? Then, you’ve heard of the extensive holistic health system called Ayurveda. With a deep focus on natural ingredients and gentle care, these rituals are ideal for anyone looking to switch from conventional skincare. Using the power of spices, oils, botanical waters coupled with centuries-old knowledge, Ayurveda can transform your skin. Read on to discover more about these ancient Ayurvedic skincare rituals and how you can start practising them today.

The History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India which began around 5,000 years ago. This system touches on many topics including health, human behaviour, spirituality, and more. The Ayurveda system has had medical books, which included basic theories and principles, since the 8th century. While this system began long ago, it has evolved and continues to grow to this day. Today, the teachings of Ayurveda have been rediscovered by generations that seek something beyond material wealth.

Ayurvedic Skincare

Although most of us usually fall into normal, oily, or dry skin types, Ayurveda teaches that there’s more to the story. Each person is believed to have a unique constitution according to dosha. These constitutions are identified using both internal and external traits rather than just how your skin looks at the moment. Considering that anything from weather to pollution to your diet can affect the way your skin looks, ergo this view helps people balance their whole system from within.

The three common constitutions are:

• Vata – For skin that is delicate, thin, dry, wrinkle-prone, and has very fine pores.
• Pitta – This kind of skin may often experience breakouts, rashes, or rosacea if out of balance.
• Kapha – A constitution that is oily, has large pores, and will experience blackheads, pimples, and even eczema.

However, these classifications are more than skin-deep as they also include some common character traits. People with a Vata constitution tend to be tall, slender, lively, energetic, impulsive, and get cold easily. Whereas, someone with a Pitta constitution may have a medium build, a very focused mind, a big appetite, and is more likely to feel hot all the time. Finally, those with Kapha constitutions tend to have a heavier build, are very relaxed, have good memories, and enjoy warm, dry weather.

It’s important to remember that your dosha can change, especially as we move through the seasons. Also, having a ‘combination’ dosha is common and requires that you pay closer attention to what your skin needs. You can treat all three doshas—but focus on one—and if you have breakouts or flare-ups, adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Similarly to how you would adjust your conventional skincare to match the time of year, you should do the same with Ayurvedic skincare. Should you be interested in learning more about your Dosha, you can take this quiz designed by the Ayurvedic skincare brand Samaya.

Ayurvedic Skincare Tips

At this stage, we are only dipping our toes into the world of Ayurvedic skincare. Anyone who is looking to try these ancient healing rituals may want to start here:

• Start your day early – Good sleep hygiene won’t only help you feel more rested and refreshed, but your skin will thank you, too! After you wake up, drink a glass of lemon water to detox and spend a little time in the sun to get your Vitamin D.
• Massage frequently – Both your face and your body will benefit from the healing power of massage with natural oils. Massaging with oil will hydrate your skin, boost circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and help you feel better.
• Keep Ayurvedic remedies on hand – From turmeric to ghee to sesame oil, there plenty of natural ingredients you can use to treat and heal your skin. Powder ingredients like amla, shikake, reetha, kapoor kachli, and lotus also hold many benefits for your skin and hair. These items may already be in your kitchen, so be sure to use them when your skin acts up.
• Be willing to switch your products – As your dosha can dictate what will help or hurt your skin, it’s best to be flexible. Cleansers, toners, and oils should switch when you have breakouts or as the seasons change.
• Eat according to your dosha – Many times, skin issues we may experiencing have a lot to do with what we’re eating. Learn about your dosha and what foods will help or hurt your constitution.

The Takeaway

Incorporating ancient Ayurvedic skincare into your beauty routine can do a world of good. These time-honoured rituals are not only natural and super healing, but they also provide noticeable results. For anyone looking to create Ayurvedic skincare remedies at home, we recommend checking out WapoBeauty’s Shampoo Bar eBook. Those searching for guided learning should visit WapoBeauty’s Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. Join the ranks of students who found this class valuable and rewarding! 

About Our Blogger

Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni