To understand what Ayurveda teaches about skin care completely, it is important to examine how Ayurveda approaches and defines beauty. In Ayurveda, a spiritually balanced mind, along with a balanced and fulfilled life, creates true beauty that will naturally become visible in the skin. Ayurveda teaches that skincare begins with following a specific diet and lifestyle pattern to treat skin care holistically. In doing this, the skin naturally reaches optimum health and radiance by creating balance in the body, mind and spirit.
The Doshas
The Sanskrit word "Ayurveda" is translated as "the science of the wisdom of life."
The 3,000-year-old system of Ayurveda teaches that every person has his own specific constitution or body type. In Ayurveda, a body type is known as a dosha. The three doshas are called pitta, vata and kapha. Each person has his own specific amount of each dosha in his natural constitution. To bring the skin back into balance, the dosha must be identified correctly. Through modifying food and behavior, the dosha is brought into balance. It is then that true healthy skin begins in Ayurveda.
Acne
When all three doshas (known as tridosha) become aggravated at the same time, inflammation occurs, which leads to acne on the skin. Ayurveda teaches that this condition is due to an excess of some element in the diet. Examples of this are too much tea, coffee, spices, oils and fried foods. Avoiding these foods in addition to reducing stress, pollution and chemicals is a good start in clearing up acne. One Ayurvedic remedy for treating acne is to create a paste with equal parts of turmeric and sandalwood powder, mixed with milk, and applied to the face.
Premature Aging
In Ayurveda, the cause of premature aging is due to an excess of vata dosha, which increases naturally with age. Dryness and wrinkling may be caused by excessive thinking, stress, overworking or irregular eating and sleeping habits. Ayurveda also teaches that cold or dry foods accelerate aging. According to the Ayurveda marketplace, regular consumption of milk, honey and yogurt prevents premature aging by nourishing the skin from within. Treatments to help prevent or reverse premature aging, include a daily facial massage with almond oil, coconut oil or ghee.
Skin Discoloration
When skin has gotten too hot or become discolored or pigmented, this may be due to an imbalance of pitta dosha. Too much heat or sunlight, along with irregular sleeping and eating habits, aggravate what is known as bhrajaka pitta, which becomes responsible for this type of skin concern. Establishing consistent habits and using caution in sunlight would be part of an Ayurvedic recommendation. One Ayurvedic treatment for skin discoloration involves making a paste of basil leaves and water, and applying it to the affected areas.
Considerations
With keeping the body in balance being the ultimate way to great skin, Ayurveda also encourages regular meditation and massage. Herbal remedies and Ayurvedic diet therapy are also useful in creating healthy skin. In creating a specialized Ayurveda skin care regimen, a professional who is versed in Ayurvedic principles and applications, such as an Ayurvedic physician, should be consulted.
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