Know Your Skin Types According to Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine from India has been in prevalence since the mid-second millennium BCE. Ayurveda literally means The Knowledge (Veda) of Long Life (Ayur). Ayurveda stresses on achieving health and happiness through a perfect balance of Physical, Mental, Social, Moral and Spiritual Welfare.

The Ayurvedic Perspective of Human Body

According to Ayurveda, the whole universe as well as the human body is composed of five basic elements (Panchamahabhutas) –Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Vacuum (Ether). A complex and delicate balance of these elements is required for the nourishment and growth of the human body. There are also seven basic tissues (Saptadhatu) of human body namely Chyle or Plasma, Blood, Flesh, Fat, Bone, Marrow and Reproductive tissues.

The importance of Skin in Ayurveda

Skin is considered a sub-tissue of Blood as it derives nourishment from it and also Chyle or Plasma. That is why it is considered that the health of your skin mirrors the health of your blood and plasma. Clearly Beauty is never Skin Deep. According to Ayurveda, skin has seven layers and if there is any imbalance in each of these layers then it leads to various skin diseases like acne, eczema, abscess etc.

Know your Skin Type

Ayurveda believes that each person is governed by three elements or humors (Doshas) namely Vayu Vata (Air and Space-Wind), Pitta (Fire and Water-Bile) and Kapha (Water and Earth-Phlegm). The interplay and combination of these humors decide a persons’ temperament and characteristics. Thus, there are three skin types in Ayurveda:

Vata Skin

Characteristics: Dry, thin, flaky, delicate and cool to touch. Easily dehydrates and influenced by weather conditions.

Problems: Dry, Rough skin, early appearance of wrinkles

Care: Follow a routine of early to bed and early to rise, regular meals and give plenty of hydration to your skin. Use organic products which contain avocado and shea butter. A DIY Mask using yoghurt and honey will be nourishing for their skin.

Diet: Add plenty of lukewarm water, green leafy vegetables, sweet and juicy fruits, whole grains, and milk to your diet. Avoid dry fruits and raw vegetables.

Pitta Skin

Characteristics: Fair, sensitive to sun, warm and medium thickness. Less tolerant to spicy food and prone to freckles and moles
Problems: Rashes, rosacea, acne and sunspots

Care: Needs plenty of cooling and soothing treatments. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun and use skin care products which will contain soothing and cleansing ingredients like rose petals, fennel, licorice etc. Use a face mask containing sandalwood powder, milk and turmeric powder which will improve the vibrancy of Skin.

Diet: Eat plenty of sweet fruits but avoid sour fruits. Sweet and bitter vegetables like artichoke, bell pepper, broccoli, celery etc are balancing for a Pitta type skin. Avoid red meats, spicy food, salted butter and sour cream.

Kapha Skin

Characteristics: Oily, coarse, plump and tolerant of Sun. Tends to age slower but struggles with dull complexion.

Problems: Enlarged pores, excessive oil, blackheads and water retention are the major problem areas of Kapha Skin.

Care: Detoxification should be the mantra for Kapha Skin types because the thick and oily skin attracts a lot of impurities and toxins. Kapha Skin needs cleansing of outside and inside to flush the toxins from skin. For external exfoliation a clay or mud mask will be excellent.

Diet: Eat foods that are less oily and easy to digest. Avoid sweet fruits and vegetables. Raw and pungent vegetables like asparagus, beets, brussels sprouts etc should be included in the diet. Add spices like ginger, cumin and black pepper to strengthen the digestive process which will lead to fewer toxins in your system.

What do you think is your skin type? Do you think changing your diet and care regime according to Ayurvedic principles will make a difference to your skin? I would love to hear your comments.

Disclaimer: Information provided is intended for information only and must not be regarded as a replacement for professional health advice.

This post has been written by our staff writer Swapna.