Ayurveda Approach to Beauty and Skin Care

Maharishi Ayurveda is a modern consciousness-based revival of the ancient Ayurvedic medicine tradition. It considers true beauty to be supported by three pillars, the inner beauty, the outer beauty, and the lasting beauty. A balanced state of these all let us attain the radiant health that makes us fulfilled and beautiful person.

Outer Beauty is explained as roopam in Ayurveda. Skin, hair, and nails are the components that reflect the outer signs of beauty. They are more than just the superficial measures of glory. They reflect the overall health of an individual as the process involved to build the outer beauty is proper digestion, better metabolism, and proper tissue development. The quality of your diet, the purity of your blood, proper digestion, and metabolism are the factors on which the outer beauty of the body relies. After this, the external cleansers and conditioners work as an add-on to the glory.

What is recommended in Ayurveda?

Many people are prone to skin allergies and there are suitable Ayurvedic remedies for skin allergy as well. But what about the person who is not allergic to any external substance and still incapable of maintaining an attractive look?

Ayurveda describes the key to the success of achieving a balance in youthfulness is matching your diet and skincare routine according to the specific skin type you have. Meanwhile, Ayurveda shares some valuable remedies for lustrous skin, hair, and nails.

Without a balanced diet collagen layer thins and skin shrivels up without good nourishment so eat fresh and whole organic foods. Avoid packaged, canned, frozen, processed foods. These foods are often poorly digested which creates impurities, resulting in building up toxins. These toxins cause irritation and blocks circulation in the body which reflects on the skin.

1.  Always prefer to have green leafy vegetables as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, iron, and calcium. They nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging.

2.  Grapes, melons, pears, plums, and stewed apples are excellent for almost any skin type.

3.  Mixed grain servings like amaranth, quinoa, couscous, millet, and barley at breakfast and lunch are perfect to do the job for you.

4.  Yellow split mung dal is light and easy to digest whereas whole milk, paneer, and lassi really soothe the skin.

5.  Extra virgin olive oil nourishes and creates luster in the skin whether you eat or apply directly to the skin.

6.  Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper are some Indian spices used for cleansing impurities and indirectly nourishing skin.

Besides these general suggestions, one should understand the diversity in skin types to gain the maximum advantage from your personalized skincare routine. Ayurveda characterizes the skin types based on three main metabolic principles called Doshas. These are present in everyone but in different degrees.

Vata (composed of the elements of air and space) imbalanced skin type is mainly dry, thin, fine pored, delicate and cool to the touch. It is mainly prone to early aging. When balanced the skin glows with a delicate lightness and refinement.

Caring Tips for Vata Skin Type:

·   Prevent skin from drying

·   Eat a warm, unctuous diet

·   Avoid drying foods

·   Eat plenty of sweet, juicy fruits

·   Go to bed early

·   Avoid products that dry the skin

Pitta (composed of the elements of fire and water) imbalanced skin type is more prone to freckles and moles than the other skin types and develops rashes, and acne. When balanced it is beautiful, slightly rosy with a golden glow.

Caring Tips for Pitta Skin Type:

·   Avoid excessive sunlight

·   Avoid hot, spicy foods

·   Sweet juicy fruits, cooked greens are good

·   Drinking plenty of water helps

·   Reduce use of synthetic chemicals

·   Control emotional stress

Kapha (composed of the elements of earth and water) imbalanced skin type show up as enlarged pores, excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads, acne, or pimples. When balanced, it is thick, oily, soft, and cool to the touch. People with Kapha skin type are fortunate to develop wrinkles much later in life.

Caring Tips for Kapha Skin Type:

·   You need more cleansing

·   Avoid greasy and clogging creams

·    Avoid heavy foods like fried foods, fatty meats, cheeses, and rich desserts

·   Eat light, easy to digest food

·   Use Olive oil as cooking oil

·   Take warm baths

·   Use gentle cleansers to open skin pores

·   Get some exercise every day