Ayurvedic Approach to Skin Health

Ayurveda considers the skin to be the face of well-being. Healthy skin is a sign of good health. Taking care of our inner well-being reflects on the outside. So, let's take a holistic approach to skincare and improve its beauty and vitality with Ayurveda skincare. 

Understanding Ayurveda

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient healing sciences in the world. It is more than 5000 years old, with its roots in the Indian subcontinent. Practised throughout South Asia, as much as 80% of the population relies on its efficacy.

Balance of Energies

The governing principle of Ayurveda is harmony of vital energies. It includes our mind-body-spirit connection and the five elements (Panchamahabhuta). These energies circulate in our body in three different doshas. The tri doshas are Vata (air & ether), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (water & earth). 

Each person has a predominant dosha or two, which makes up their Prakriti or natural composition. When doshas are in balance, we achieve good health. When they are imbalanced (Vikriti), we face ailments. For healthy, glowing skin, a balanced state of energy is essential.

Ayurvedic Skin Types 

Ayurveda identifies three skin types based on the prominent dosha.

Vata skin type is dry, thin, cool to the touch and vulnerable to moisture loss & ageing. 

Pitta skin type is sensitive, soft, warm to the touch, and prone to inflammation, acne & sunburn. 

Kapha skin type is oily, thick and susceptible to congestion, blackheads & dull complexion.

Ayurveda skincare focuses on balancing individual doshas to restore skin health from within. It includes diet, natural remedies and skin treatments.

Diet and Nutrition for Skin Health

What we eat has a profound effect on our skin. Food can cultivate positive tendencies within the dosha and counteract its dominance.

Ayurvedic diet

• The emphasis is on fresh, whole and seasonal foods. 

• Eating for your dosha type restores skin to its natural state. 

Vata dosha diet - warm, cooked, grounding and nourishing food keeps Vata pacified. Sweet, sour and salty tastes are beneficial, while pungent, bitter and astringent tastes can aggravate Vata. Favour moist foods instead of dry. 

Pitta dosha diet – cooling, mild, grounding and soothing foods counteract Pitta. Choose dry rather than oily. Sweet, bitter and astringent tastes are Pitta-balancing. Sour, salty and pungent can fuel the fiery nature of Pitta. 

• Hydration through water, herbal liquids and teas is a ground rule for healthy skin. These not only replenish the skin's moisture barrier but also flush out toxins from the body. You can modulate the temperature of liquids based on your dosha. Warm for Vata and Kapha and cold for Pitta. 

• Detoxification through Panchakarma to rid the body of Ama (toxins) improves circulation, metabolism and hormonal activity. These include oil massages (Abhyanga), steam-sweat treatments, herbal enemas, nasal administrations and laxatives.

Ayurvedic Skincare Practices

Ayurveda treatments for the skin are vital to maintaining good skin health. 

Cleansing – it is important to use hydrating cleansing for Vata skin, soothing cleansing for Pitta and an oil-balancing cleanser for Kapha skin. 

Toning - natural toners like cucumber, witch hazel and rose water balance the skin’s pH. It keeps moisture in and bacteria out. 

Moisturising - dosha-based oils and creams go a long way to provide good hydration. Sesame oil, almond oil and shea butter for Vata skin. Coconut oil, aloe vera and sandalwood for Pitta skin. Lightweight moisturisers and stimulating massages for Kapha skin. Try Chaveda Kapha oil enriched with cedarwood and camphor. 

Powerhouse herbs - turmeric for inflammation, neem for antibacterial power, sandalwood for calming effect and aloe vera for hydration are staples in Ayurveda.

Abhyanga - it is an integral part of Ayurvedic well-being. Regular oil massages nourish the skin, enhance circulation, improve skin texture and boost radiance. These relieve stress and tension that hinder skin health.

Lifestyle and Skin Health

Stress management - stress is a prime skin aggressor. It causes and triggers conditions like acne, hair loss, dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis and eczema. Meditation, breathing exercises and yoga calm and align doshas. 

Sufficient sleep - sleep repairs cells, rebuilds collagen, increases blood flow and strengthens the immune system. 

Regular physical exercise - it nourishes cells and removes toxins through increased circulation. Exercise supports collagen production and lowers cortisol levels. Strengthened muscles improve skin elasticity. It delays ageing. 

Nurture Your Skin with Ayurveda

Ayurveda skincare is holistic, natural and individualistic. It takes into account all influencing factors of skin health. Identify your dosha through Ayurvedic consultation to soothe, nourish and revitalise your skin. 

Chaveda is rooted in thousands of years of Vedic knowledge. Our formulations use authentic herbs sourced with loving care. Incorporate Chaveda products into your daily skincare and experience their transformative powers.