Ayurveda is a sacred, ancient Indian method of healing that promotes overall health and beauty. Ayurveda concepts integrate nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to enhance vitality and promote longevity.
It is based on natural remedies and encompassing physical, physiological and emotional well-being, while restoring balance between the three Doshas that comprise the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Ayurveda beauty routines for glowing skin
While Ayurveda is associated with health, it is still less well known in the world of beauty. It effectively protects and relieves the symptoms of several diseases, while at the same time helping you achieve a perfect skin glow.
But how?
With these 5 simple tips:
1. Tailor your skincare routine to your Dosha
A daily skin care routine is essential. However, if it is not formulated according to your Dosha and skin type, it might cause more harm than good. Each Dosha is suitable for a specific skin type, so the best Ayurvedic rituals for one person may be useless or even harmful for another person with a different Dosha and skin type.
Vata Dosha also known as Wind Dosha is light and free flowing. A Vata dominanting individual has dry and rough skin that requires regular hydration. They are prone to dry eczema and premature aging (formation of wrinkles), so they are advised to choose cosmetics rich with vitamin E and antioxidants as well as anti-aging treatments.
Pitta or Fire Dosha individuals have sensitive skin that is prone to acne and responds aggressively to sun exposure. People with this Dosha are prone to rosacea – a common skin condition that causes redness and bumps on the face, mostly on the nose, cheeks and forehead. Pitta types should use products with soothing and healing properties such as aloe vera, jojoba oil or coconut oil.
Kapha, also known as Earth Dosha, tend to have thick, oily skin with large pores. They are prone to white pimples and blackheads and are advised to choose products with purifying properties to regulate excess sebum. Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric and basil and regular application of mud masks are especially beneficial for people with this skin type.
2. Ayurvedic massage
It is known that a good massage improves the circulation and elasticity of the skin. Ayurveda massage is one of the oldest massage techniques, based on Indian medicine. During a massage with pressure on certain acupressure points, the level of relaxation and the flow of energy through the body increases. Various warm oils are used to promote mental relaxation and relieve accumulated stress.
3. Ayurvdic detox
In Ayurveda, beauty and health are not only limited to the visual or physical aspect, it is a spiritual and emotional journey. Ayurvedic detoxification is a way of removing toxins from the environment, toxic chemicals, accumulated stress and negative emotions that accumulate within the system, which can impact our skin health and even psychological well-being in the long run.
The basic idea behind of Ayurvedic detox or cleansing is to give your body time to relax, recover and get rid of unwanted substances. While any time is a good time to do an Ayurvedic detox, practitioners often perform it when the seasons change to cleanse themselves of impurities accumulated during the previous season. The longer the detoxification period, the deeper the cleansing.
4. Ayurvedic diet
Food affects every part of your skin. And while an Ayurvedic diet isn’t what comes to mind when we think of beauty rituals, it plays a key role in ensuring healthy, glowing skin.
It is essential to first determine your dominant Dosha in order to achieve maximum results because Ayurvedic diet is also tailored to your Dosha.
Those with Vata Dosha should eat “warm”, “moist” and easily digestible foods such as:
- sweet fruits (e.g. berries, bananas, apples, figs, coconuts, grapefruit, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pineapples, etc.)
- soft, easily digestible vegetables (e.g. asparagus, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables)
- oats
- brown rice
- wheat
- most lean meats and eggs
- dairy products (buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, whole milk)
- nuts and seeds
- most spices
Kapha Dosha individuals should eat spicy and acidic foods such as:
- most fruits (eg apples, cherries, mangoes, peaches, raisins, pears)
- most vegetables (especially “bitter” vegetables)
- corn
- basmati rice
- low-fat dairy products
- eggs
- white meat
- legumes
- all spices
Pitta types shoul eat sweet, energizing, cold or bitter foods such as:
- sweet fruit
- vegetables without starch
- eggs
- oats
- basmati or white rice
- wheat
- legumes
- some spices (eg cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, mint).
Ayurvedic diet encourages natural foods that are fundamentally nourishing for your body, mind and soul. In addition to giving you healthy skin, Ayurvedic diets have been shown to lower cholesterol level, reduce the risk of cancer, protect against diabetes, promote weight loss, and have a relaxing impact on the mind, thereby reducing anxiety.
5. Ayurveda lifestyle
Whatever hardships your body endures are reflected on your outward appearance. As a result, adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle is essential for keeping healthy, glowing skin.
Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and inactivity are harmful to your health, and thus to your skin. Ayurveda`s holistic approach suggests stress management, simple physical activity, regular meditation, drinking plenty of water and have a quality sleep to complement and increase the benefits of other Ayurvedic beauty rituals you may follow. In addition, these practices balance hormone levels in the body, relax the mind and even boost immunity.
Beautiful, healthy and glowing skin. Everyone wants it. Few have it.
Fortunately, Ayurveda offers a path with simple, easy-to-implement practices and rituals that heal both skin, mind, and body.
And although Ayurvedic beauty rituals may hold the secret to healthy, glowing skin; it’s equally important to recognize that consistency, as well as choosing the right rituals for you, are two more key factors on your journey to healthier skin.
Visit our spa centers and consult with our experts about the best beauty rituals for you to get that ever elusive natural glow.