
Ayurveda, which comes from the words āyus (longevity) and veda (knowledge), is the ancient Hindu medical practice. Its main precept teaches that plant-based, all-natural medicines should be used to treat any medical condition. But aside from medical concerns, ayurveda also applies to skin care. Ayurveda teaches that the condition of the skin can tell a lot about the health of an individual. A person who observes ayurveda principles is said to have healthy, smooth, and radiant skin.
In this age when going green is widely embraced, ayurveda is a good alternative to commercial skin care products. Ayurveda believes that a nutrient-filled product that can be taken internally can also be applied externally. In short, fresh, all-natural products can function as good ayurvedic skin treatments.
Ayurvedic skin types
According to the precepts of ayuverda, skin care treatments and techniques should be based on the skin type. Ayurvedic skin types fall under three main categories: pitta, vata, and kapha. Pitta, which has the element of fire, is characterized by a reddish tone with freckles and plenty of moles. It easily burns and is more prone to acne. Vata, on the other hand, resembles the wind element and is dry, thin, and cold. It is rough and wrinkly. Kapha has the elements of earth and water. It is oily and thick and usually has visible, large pores.
Skin care treatments
Ayuverdic skin products and therapies now attract many individuals. Available in different ayuverdic spas and beauty stores, these skin treatments are produced by combining several types of herbs. But because many of the ayuverda beauty ingredients are easily available, it proves to be more practical to make ayuverdic skin treatments at home. To treat acne, for example, mixing sandalwood powder, turmeric, and milk is recommended. For skin pigmentation, a facial paste made of almonds, fresh cream, and lemon drops is applied to the skin.
When making homemade ayurvedic skin treatments, however, the amount of ingredients and treatment formulation must be carefully considered. Wrong formulation and amount of ingredient can significantly diminish the effectiveness of the skin treatments.
Skin care techniques
Ayurveda believes that a lot of internal and external factors affect the condition of the skin. This is why it proposes several techniques to maintain the glow and beauty of the skin. Self-massage, for one, should be incorporated into the daily skin care routine. Depending on the skin type, certain ingredients should be applied to the skin during the massage.
According to ayurveda, a healthy and balanced diet, proper stress management, and exercise also contribute to a healthy, beautiful skin.