THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON BEAUTY : 3

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THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON BEAUTY:

Customizing your Skin Care Regimen

According to Skin Type and Imbalances!

 

All aspects of a person's appearance -- eyes, skin, hair, nails,

lips, teeth, overall physical build as well as mental and emotional

make-up are a unique combination of the underlying elements present

in what ayurveda calls the three doshas. These doshas are called

Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

 

Each of the three doshas is composed of at least two of the five

basic psycho-physiological elements of space, air, water, fire and

earth. These five elements (called mahabhutas) are considered to be

the basis of everything in creation. The mahabhutas combine in

different ways to produce the three main forces or doshas which

govern our bodies. Vata dosha results from the combination of air and

space; Pitta dosha from fire and water; and Kapha dosha from earth

and water.

 

Knowledge of the three doshas provides two key insights into

ayurvedic beauty types. First, because a balance among the three

doshas forms the basis of both perfect health and a radiant

appearance, ayurvedic beauty care includes methods that balance the

doshas from many different levels. An ayurvedic beauty regimen

includes specific skin and hair routines, but it must also include

guidelines for nourishing body, mind and spirit. Each dosha is

associated with certain strengths and predispositions to specific

skin problems. When you understand the strengths and weaknesses of

each dosha you will be better equipped to determine the best products

and procedures to take care of your skin.

 

The second important insight is that no one beauty treatment is

equally well suited to all individuals. For example, Kapha skin tends

to be oilier than the other ayurvedic skin types and needs more

frequent deep cleansing and detoxification. For Vata skin, the focus

should be more on lubrication of the skin than on detoxification.

 

In ayurveda, products classified as rasayanas for the skin are

ayurvedic formulas held to be good for all body and skin types. As

such they must support mind as well as body.

 

What is Your Ayurvedic Skin Type -- Vata, Pitta or Kapha?

 

In the following sections, we will outline the three main beauty

types as they vary according to the predominance of Vata, Pitta and

Kapha, and we will touch on the main features of their care. It is

important to keep in mind, however, that the knowledge of the doshas

is much more detailed and specialized than can be outlined in a brief

presentation.

 

And, although we are born with a specific skin type, external factors

such as stress, eating habits, age, climate, etc. can imbalance our

skin. These imbalances must be taken into consideration, before

treatment.

 

Vata Skin Type

 

Your skin reflects the elements of air and space, so it is thin, fine-

pored, delicate and cool to the touch, and because of the absence of

the water element, it tends towards dryness.

 

If Vata dosha is imbalanced, your skin will become prone to excessive

dryness and may even be rough and flaky. Your greatest beauty

challenge is your disposition to symptoms of early aging such as

wrinkles. In addition, your skin is prone to such skin disorders as

dry eczema and fungus infections, and if your digestion is not in

balance, your skin will begin to look dull and gray even early in

life.

 

Your key word for balance is "lubrication". Emphasis should be on

external and internal hydration. Your skin needs to be re-hydrated

both from internal and external sources. To hydrate the skin from

inside, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and eat

plenty of sweet, juicy fruits. This helps to rebalance the Vata dosha

and at the same time provides a source of nourishment and moisture

for the skin. Externally, use a high-quality moisturizing cream twice

a day. Since Vata skin is sensitive, try to use all-natural products

on your skin and avoid harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients.

 

Pitta Skin Type

 

Pitta dosha is composed mostly of fire, so the qualities of this

element such as red, heat and sharpness will be reflected in your

skin. Your skin is fair, soft, warm and medium thickness. Your

complexion tends towards the pink or reddish. You may have a copious

dose of freckles or moles. Your skin often mirrors your emotions. You

tend to blush easily when you are embarrassed or angry. Conversely,

when you are happy and balanced, your skin is glowing and radiant.

 

Your main beauty challenges include the tendency to develop rashes,

rosacea, acne, liver spots, breakouts or pigment disorders. Your skin

does not tolerate heat or the sun very well. Tanning treatments and

therapies that involve excessive use of facial or whole body steam

can be counterproductive for your type of skin.

 

Your key word for balance is "cooling". In caring for your skin, the

emphasis should be on therapies that have a calming influence on the

skin. Avoid synthetic chemicals. Be sure to wash off your makeup each

evening. Use a moisturizer with herbs such as Sensitive Plant that

nourish and rejuvenate the nerve endings. Flame of Forest is another

excellent herb for Pitta skin as it helps protect against photo-

sensitivity. Avoid hot spicy foods, vinegar and fried dishes as these

are too heating for you.

 

Kapha Skin Type

 

Kapha dosha is composed of earth and water so it's not surprising

that the main qualities of Kapha are heavy, cold, slow and oily. If

your skin is Kapha your complexion tends to be pale and your skin is

oily, soft and cool to the touch. Your skin has less of a tendency to

create wrinkles. If you follow the proper ayurvedic principles for

taking care of your skin, your skin can stay smooth and youthful

throughout most of your life.

 

When your skin is imbalanced, it can show up as enlarged pores,

excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads or pimples

and water retention.

 

Your key word for balance is "cleansing". Your skin tends to

accumulate toxins. So to preserve the smooth, pale Kapha complexion

over the years, your skin needs frequent in-depth cleansing. A proper

ayurvedic cleanser that exfoliates without removing the natural

moisture of the skin is best. Ayurveda recommends first loosening the

impurities by lubricating the skin with a nourishing substance such

as herbalized oil, milk, etc. and then applying a mask which has both

cleansing and nourishing effects. Excessive use of oils and a diet of

overly sweet foods is not recommended.

 

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Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended

to replace standard medical care or advice.

Copyright MAPI, 2002.

 

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