What is Ayurveda and why is it relevant to skincare?
Some people want to go back to the basics when it comes to their skincare. If you’re one of them, read on…
As of late, holistic, natural beauty products are all the rage. That’s because consumers are growing tired of products chock-full of artificial fragrances and chemicals—whether its sulfates in shampoo or parabens in concealers—that damage your skin and hair after prolonged use.
Going back to basics is simple, effective, and natural. And that demand for clean ingredients is what’s leading to an uptick in interest in Ayurveda. Ok, now you’re probably thinking: what the heck is that?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating around 3,000 years ago in modern-day India. It’s not really comparable to medicine in the western sense, which seeks to isolate and treat symptoms instead of the underlying causes; Ayurveda is more of a holistic theory that looks at the body as one interconnected system and advises its followers on how to approach life to heal both physically and spiritually. The idea is that it’s an on-going, lifelong practice.
And that makes sense, because the word Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (knowledge), translating to “knowledge of life.”
Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that ailments are caused by an underlying balance between the body, mind, and spirit. So, Ayurveda seeks to restore the balance between different life forces in the body in a holistic way.
Ok, but what’s this got to do with your breakouts? Well, Ayurvedic skincare is curated for you based on everything else happening in your body; it’s an integrated approach to treatment that doesn’t just target one ‘problem’ area.
The best part: it involves no artificial chemicals and no harsh exfoliators, just ingredients from nature curated for your skin type.
What’s the deal with Doshas?
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, holistic balance is achieved by balancing the three doshas, or the biological energies inside every human-being that correspond to the natural elements. These are:
Vata: wind, the force that controls our movement
Kapha: water, the protective force that controls strength and stability
Pitta: fire, impacts our digestion and metaboism
In order to achieve and maintain healthy skin, the doshas need to be balanced. However, theoretically, everyone has a different optimal balance of doshas: so, you need to determine your ayurvedic type and then select a skincare routine suited just for you!
For instance, the vata skin type tends to be drier and more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles; that means it needs to be nourished regularly and with care. Vata-dominant skin types crave deeply hydrated products (think hyaluronic acid, which the body produces naturally) and a lot of moisturizer. Otherwise, the skin can quickly become dehydrated and flaky.
Conversely, the kapha dosha tends to have more oily skin that results in hormone-charged breakouts. That calls for a good cleanser and gentle but effective exfoliator. Don’t overdo it though—over-exfoliating is rife within the skincare community, and it can strip your skin’s natural barrier of protective oils. Remember, Ayurveda is all about balance.
Meanwhile, pitta dominant skin is soft and sensitive and really in need of SPF. Unprotected sun exposure can do some serious damage for anyone, but it’s particularly dangerous for pittas, who are also more likely to suffer from psoriasis. But, when in balance, pitta skin should give off a beautiful rosy glow! Channel that fire.
Choosing your skincare products
Ayurvedic skincare is all about the 100% natural approach, relying on organic and even homemade remedies to make you look and feel your best. These remedies can help in the treatment of a variety of skin issues, including acne, eczema, breakouts, and even rosacea.
The underlying skincare regime should involve lots of natural face masks (think seaweed or honey) and moisturizers like coconut and olive oils.
The idea is to clean, nourish, and moisturize your skin without introducing anything too harsh or artificial. You want to support your inner and outer beauty.
While this three-step approach may sound like the traditional western skincare regimen, Ayurveda differs by the overarching principle: it’s not about targeting ‘problem’ areas but getting to the root cause of an imbalance in your body, which may be manifesting as skin issues.
Ayurvedic philosophy also emphasizes getting to know yourself and what works for you, not the products touted by your favorite influencer. In that way, it’s deeply personal and about supporting yourself on your skincare journey. But it’s also about trial and error and patience—because we’ve got to experiment to get that knowledge of life.
That’s why you may wish to seek help from an Ayurvedic practitioner (who are often formally trained in disease pathology) in analyzing your doshas and creating a treatment plan specifically suited for you. They’ll take into account your unique physical and emotional being and suggest products that can help you achieve the right balance.
But it’s okay if this all sounds a bit too mystical for you because, at the end of the day, Ayurvedic skincare is simply about nourishing your inner and outer beauty without harsh chemical additives.
That means ayurvedic skincare is good for both you and the planet: what’s not to love?
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