An Authentic Way To Understand Ayurvedic Skin Type & Approach

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In a vast market where dropping insane dollar amounts on failed skincare products, the authentic Ayurvedic skin type approach offers a refreshing alternative to determine what’s best for the skin you are in.

Ancient holistic genius. 

We understand the plethora of products and routines out there can be astonishingly overwhelming. 

So - why not eliminate the guesswork and simplify the process of understanding your skin type and how to effectively treat it?

Ayurveda stands as one of the most ancient holistic medical systems globally, maintaining its relevance in modern times. The longevity suggests something is working, right? 

Embracing physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, Ayurveda practices comprehensive healing, attributing an individual's personality and health to their dosha. The Dosha, being the dynamic principle guiding their well-being, offers an approach to skincare based on the principles of balance and harmony. 

If it seems perplexing, breathe slowly, we’ll break it all down for you. 

In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Ayurvedic approach to skincare, exploring its dosha and how to authentically identify your unique skin type within the Ayurvedic approach. We’re excited. 

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How to begin to understand the Ayurvedic approach to skin

Ayurveda, which translates to the "science of life" in English, is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and continues to be widely practiced today.

Ayurveda is centered around the concept of balance, where optimal health is achieved through harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

In the realm of skincare, Ayurveda emphasizes that beauty is more than skin deep, reflecting the state of one's overall well-being. To really understand Ayurvedic skincare, it's essential to grasp the fundamental principles of this ancient practice.

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the concept that the earth is made up of five elements — Aakash (space, a.k.a ether), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), and lastly vayu (air). 

The pure combination of these five elements gives rise to three humors, or doshas, namely known as 1 - Vata, 2 - Pitta, and 3 - Kapha. These three doshas are thought to influence an individual's total physical (body), mental (mind), and emotional well-being (spirit). 

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Each dosha is associated with specific elements and qualities, influencing everything from metabolism, personality traits, and our current main focus - the skin.

All Ayurveda skin types are believed to have a distinct proportion of each dosha, typically with one predominating over the others. Take, for example, one person might exhibit predominantly Vata characteristics, while another may lean more towards Pitta. 

Your unique proportion of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is thought to map (or blueprint) your Ayurvedic constitution, serving as the best way to obtain authentic optimal health.

Consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner can assist in identifying your detailed specific dosha.

What are the Ayurveda Doshas?

1. Vata (air & space)

Compromised by the elements of air and space (ether), Vata dosha embodies cold and dry to the touch, delicate, light, and fine skin.

Individuals with a dominant Vata dosha are often depicted as having a slender build, creative and imaginative minds, and prone to mood variability in their emotions. 

They may experience anxiety, fear, and restlessness easily when imbalanced and highly sensitive to the cold. They may have irregular eating and sleeping habits and enjoy new experiences.

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2. Pitta (water & fire)

Rooted in the elements of fire and water, Pitta dosha embodies hot or warm to the touch, oily, soft, and medium skin. 

Pitta types often have a medium (or muscular) build, sharp features, and a warm complexion. They may have a strong metabolism and be prone to inflammation and overheating.

These individuals are ambitious, determined - let’s just say natural-born leaders -, and very goal-oriented. They may be also prone to anger, impatience, and criticism. 

Pitta types are organized and efficient, with a tendency towards perfectionism. They enjoy challenges and may become highly competitive when pursuing their goals.

3. Kapha (earth & water)

Grounded in the elements of earth and water, Kapha dosha embodies cool or damp to the touch, sturdy, nurturing, and thick skin. 

Kapha individuals typically have a sturdy thick build, caring, and a strong support system to others. They may tend towards weight gain, congestion, and sluggish digestion.

They have a calm demeanor but may struggle with attachment, possessiveness, and motivation. They enjoy leisurely activities and may resist change or procrastinate when faced with challenges.

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Understanding your primary dosha can provide valuable insights into your physical and emotional tendencies, even how they manifest in your skin to address specific imbalances. 

The individual skin types according to Dosha

Within Ayurveda, each dosha types manifests distinct skin characteristics, which can guide personalized skin care practices and skincare products. 

Of course, there is an ocean of self-care products readily available. However, this approach is essentially pointing you in the proper direction.

Determining your Ayurvedic skin type involves a holistic assessment of factors such as skin texture, moisture levels, and any existing imbalances or sensitivities. Additionally, reflect on your overall ‘constitution’ and how it aligns with the qualities of each dosha.

We’re delving quite deep here.

By taking a comprehensive approach, you can gain deeper insights into your skin's unique needs or different skin type and tailor your skincare regimen accordingly.

*Quick tip- It’s important to acknowledge that every dosha skin type appears healthy when it’s in a state of balance and optimal functioning.

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Identifying your skin type

Vata Skin Type

Vata Skin Profile - Cold to the touch, olive skin tone is described as thin and delicate, with a tendency towards dryness and fine lines, and tans easily.

Vata skin typically experiences minimal breakouts with tiny pores but may exhibit a darker complexion or under-eye circles, along with dehydrated/parched skin if imbalanced.

Vata Common Skin Concern -  Dehydration, flakiness, and premature aging are common challenges faced by those with Vata skin.

This skin tends to be particularly sensitive to mental stress, necessitating gentle and nurturing skincare routines.

Best Skincare Product for Vata Skin - Hydrating serums, rich moisturizers, and nourishing oils are essential. Oils such as almond, coconut, and sesame provide moisture and support for Vata skin, helping to combat dryness and promote restorative healing.

Always cleanse and tone carefully and be mindful of drying out or over-exfoliating skin during a skincare routine.  

Our top recommended Ayurvedic skin care products for Vata skin type - 

Cleanser - PAI Middlemist Seven Cream Cleanser, the ingredients list is everything with sweet almond oil, shea butter, and coconut oil. The gentle cream cleanser sweeps away impurities while helping maintain significant hydration and the skin's natural oil balance.

Serum - Supermood Moisture Kick Serum, instant hydration that leaves skin feeling soft and pliable. Enriched with natural oils and chaga mushrooms for a potent moisture surge. 

Moisturizer - First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, a swiftly absorbed, moisturizing cream that delivers both immediate and prolonged hydration for parched and troubled skin.

Pitta Skin Type

Pitta Skin Profile - Warm or hot to the touch, fair or rosy skin tone is described as medium thick skin, freckles, fewer lines, oily T-zone, prone to redness and inflammation, and burns easily.

Pitta skin requires cooling and soothing care to alleviate irritation and promote balance.

Pitta Common Skin Concerns - Acne, rosacea, larger pores, sunburn, sunspots, and sensitivity to heat are prevalent issues among Pitta skin types, calling for calming and anti-inflammatory skincare solutions.

The Pitta skin type always possesses a lustrous and glowy appeal. 

The Best Skincare Product for Pitta Skin - Cooling and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, lavender, and chamomile help to pacify Pitta-related inflammation and restore equilibrium to the skin, fostering a calm and even complexion.

Pitta skin often leans towards using a toner to balance uneven skin tones and a gentle exfoliant to address pores.

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Our top recommended Ayurvedic skin care products for Pitta skin type - 

Cleanser-  La Roche-Posay Cleanser, is a cool and refreshing gel cleanser that purifies and restores oily skin. This cleanser is ideal for concerns of acne, large pores, and oily sensitive skin. 

Serum -  Sunday Riley B3 Niacinamide Serum, this potent 10% Niacinamide serum reduces pore size, fades post-acne marks, and diminishes redness, promoting a radiant complexion.

This B3 derivative enhances moisture retention, minimizes pores, and evens skin tone. 

Fucking perfection in a bottle for the Pitta skin type.

Moisturizer - SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream, A smoothing cream that enhances skin texture, evens tone, and promotes smoothness.

With a transparent ingredient list, aloe vera, herbal extracts, and vitamin-rich formulation address concerns such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and inflammation with minimal worry.

Image by Elly Johnson

Kapha Skin Type

Kapha Skin Profile: Cool and damp to the touch, pale to white or olive to dark skin tone is described as thick skin, oily, can burn but tans easily, clogged large pores, even smooth color, and prone to congestion.

The Kapha skin primarily appears hydrated as a result of retaining excess water. Kapha also tends to have youthful-looking skin much longer and is slowest to show signs of aging. 

Kapha Common Skin Concerns: Excess oiliness, blackheads, larger pores, and dull complexion are common challenges faced by Kapha skin types, necessitating detoxifying and revitalizing skincare approaches.

The Best Skincare Product for Kapha Skin: Clarifying and balancing formulas containing ingredients like neem, turmeric, tea tree oil, and clay masks help to regulate oil production, unclog pores, and invigorate the skin, promoting a fresh and radiant appearance.

Our top recommended Ayurvedic skin care products for Kapha skin type - 

Cleanser - Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, a versatile soft exfoliant suitable for all skin types effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating for softer, smoother, glowing skin.

Top perks include reducing pores and unveiling a vibrant, healthy look and feel.

Serum - Good Genes Glycolic, deeply penetrates the skin with tiny glycolic acid molecules, effectively de-clogging pore debris and improving the appearance, congestion, wrinkles, and dullness. Instantly boosts radiance and skin clarity with just one use.

Yesssssss.

Moisturizer - SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, is a lightweight, pore-refining moisturizer that works for a combination of dull and oily skin types to revitalize the skin’s complexion.

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As time passes, our skin type can undergo changes influenced by factors such as aging, seasonal environments, climate conditions, diet, and lifestyle choices. For example, you may have predominantly Kapha characteristics but could later migrate towards a Vatta as you age. 

Individuals may also experience a dual dosha skin type, where the characteristics of two doshas are distinctly evident in their skin. For example, someone with exceptionally thick, smooth, and glowing skin, coupled with radiant, rosy cheeks, could be classified as a Pitta/Kapha skin type.

Once you are aware of your personal dosha, skincare becomes easy, enabling us to use our dosha knowledge to choose products and ingredients that nurture, harmonize, and fit our unique skin type. 

And that’s empowering.

*In addition to tailored care for specific doshas, there are universal Ayurvedic skincare practices that benefit all skin types-

Ayurvedic skin tips that benefit every skin type, every dosha

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• Practice daily self-massage (abhyanga) with warm oils to nourish and balance the skin and hair, enhance circulation, and promote relaxation.

  
  

• Always stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas to flush out toxins and maintain skin hydration from within.

  
  

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support internal harmony and provide essential nutrients for healthy skin. Heathline even breaks it down by Dosha.

  
  

• Practice stress-reducing techniques such as pilates, meditation, or deep breathing to calm the mind and body, reducing the impact of stress-related skin issues.

  
  

• Use Ayurvedic herbs and ingredients like turmeric, neem, and rose into your skincare routine or morning routine to promote wellness.

The Ayurvedic method of skincare offers a personalized and holistic way to nurture your skin's health and vitality.

It presents a fresh perspective (or a different way of looking at things) on skincare wellness, the importance of understanding your individual dosha, and integrating customized skincare routines and products that may actually work for you. 

Ayurveda serves to offer an alternative path to discerning what's best for you and the skin you are in. Make sure to shop the proper product mentioned above for your particular skin type. 

Thoughts? Comment below!