3 Skin care routine as per Ayurveda
I have been in boarding school since the age of 7. At such a young age, I didn’t have a proper understanding of what to eat, let alone how to take care of my skin. Frankly speaking, I don’t remember how my skin looked at that age, but I do recall having many wounds, especially on my legs. This made my legs look dull and dry.
When I moved to another boarding school at the age of 10, I started noticing that my skin would remain very dry even when I didn’t have any wounds. At that young age, I was intelligent enough to realize that this made me look bad.
I asked my parents for some body lotion, but they refused and instead recommended that I use oil, which was actually good advice. However, I was unsure whether to follow their advice or not. In such situations, your surroundings can help you form an opinion that overrides your parents’ suggestions, and that’s exactly what happened to me. My friends started advising me that oils could darken my skin and that they neither looked nor smelled good.
This time, I pushed my parents harder to convince them to buy me body lotion, and they finally agreed. I started applying lotion to all parts of my body, especially my legs, which used to be very dry. It would take multiple layers of lotion to make them look good. However, I have the habit of washing my feet multiple times throughout the day, which washes away the lotion and makes them look the same as before.
When I went to college, I started having conversations with girls. At this point, my physical appearance started to matter even more to me. When you are in college, you are at an age where these things matter a lot, and the same happened to me. Since I was still not aware of the root cause of this issue, body lotions were the only thing I could use to try to fix it.
I also started carrying a small box of Vaseline with me so that I could apply it to my feet even during college hours when they were not looking good. However, this is still just a temporary solution.
Things were like that until I was introduced to Ayurveda and got a chance to understand my body type. Although I learned a lot from following Ayurveda, the key lesson was understanding my body type. I discovered that my body type is pitta dominant, meaning I have a lot of internal heat.
After learning this, I understood what kind of food to eat to keep my body cool. I also learned that our body needs a daily oil massage, even if it is only for a few minutes. Additionally, I had the chance to learn which type of oil suits my body type in each season. This knowledge, combined with what I had learned earlier, helped me repair my body from the inside out. As a result, my skin no longer looks as dull and lifeless as it used to.
Oiling
Let’s delve deeper into the topic of oiling. First, let me explain why oiling is necessary, according to Ayurveda. Afterward, I will present a chart that lists different oils suitable for different body types in different seasons.
According to Ayurveda, daily oil massage is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It nourishes and hydrates the skin, improves circulation, and removes toxins. Oiling can also balance the doshas and prevent imbalances that can lead to skin issues.
Oiling for Different Body Types
According to Ayurveda, different body types require different types of oils to maintain healthy skin. Here is a chart that outlines the best oils for each body type in different seasons:
It is important to note that these oils should be used in moderation and according to your body type. Applying too much oil or using the wrong type of oil can lead to imbalances in the doshas and skin issues.
Personally, I prefer to apply oils in the morning before bathing. After applying the oil, I like to sit in the sun if it is a sunny day.
Food according to body type
I have already talked about the three body types according to Ayurveda in one of my previous articles. So let me directly jump to the food type that each body type should consume to have healthy skin.
Pitta Skin Type
The Pitta skin type is usually oily, sensitive, and prone to acne and inflammation. It can benefit from eating cooling and hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and coconut. Avoid spicy and fried foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate pitta skin.
Some foods to have:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Sweet fruits, such as ripe mangoes and pears,
- Whole grains, such as barley and quinoa,
- Cooling herbs, such as mint and cilantro
Some foods to avoid:
- Spicy foods, such as chili peppers and hot sauce
- Fried foods, such as French fries and fried chicken
- Alcohol and caffeine
Kapha Skin Type
The Kapha skin type is usually oily and thick, and can be prone to congestion and breakouts. Eating warm, light, and dry foods can help balance kapha skin. Additionally, it’s important to drink plenty of water and avoid heavy, oily, and sweet foods.
Some foods to have:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower,
- Light grains, such as quinoa and millet
- Spices, such as ginger and black pepper
- Herbal teas, such as ginger and cinnamon
Some foods to avoid:
- Heavy, oily foods, such as fried foods and creamy sauces
- Sweet foods, such as pastries and candies
- Dairy products
Vata Skin Type
Vata skin type is usually dry, thin, and delicate. It can be prone to fine wrinkles, flakiness, and dark under-eye circles. Additionally, vata skin types can benefit from eating warm, nourishing foods and staying hydrated throughout the day.
Foods to Have:
- Warm, nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and casseroles
- Sweet fruits like mangoes, bananas, and avocados
- Cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes
- Whole grains like rice, quinoa, and oats
- Healthy fats like ghee, olive oil, and coconut oil
- Nuts and seeds like almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds
Foods to Avoid:
- Cold, dry foods like crackers, chips, and popcorn
- Bitter or astringent foods like coffee, tea, and raw vegetables
- Carbonated drinks and alcohol
- Dry or light fruits like apples and pears
Ayurvedic Body Wash
In addition to oiling and eating the right foods, an Ayurvedic body wash can also help improve skin health. Here is a simple recipe for an Ayurvedic body wash:
- Mix 1 cup of chickpea flour with 1/4 cup of turmeric powder and 1/4 cup of sandalwood powder.
- Add enough water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to your body and gently scrub.
- Rinse off with warm water.
This body wash can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve circulation, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
If you have a shortage of time, you can actually use some body washes that are made of ayurvedic ingredients. I prefer using biotique body wash but you can use any other brand as well. Just make sure that all the ingredients are natural.
In conclusion, taking care of your skin is not just about using the right products but also about understanding your body type and making healthy choices. Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your skincare routine can help to balance your doshas and promote healthy, radiant skin. Remember to nourish your skin from the inside out by eating a healthy diet, moisturizing regularly with the right oils, and using gentle, natural body washes. By following these tips and taking care of your skin in a holistic way, you can achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that lasts a lifetime.
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