In Ayurvedic practice your dosha is the blueprint for the health of your mind and body. The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. If you have dry, thin skin, this is most likely due to an accumulation of vata. Vata skin often cracks and bruises easily. An Ayurvedic skin care regime for people with vata skin focuses on several strategies to prevent premature aging and provides a moisture balance to achieve supple skin. This approach includes nutrition, cosmeceuticals, and movement and rest.
Nutrition
The health of our skin is determined by both external influences and what we allow into our body. Therefore, a focus on nutritional elements is essential for improving vata skin. Room temperature water helps to flush unwanted toxins out of our system, while also retaining moisture for good hydration. Warming foods, rather than very cold or frozen foods, are most beneficial to vata skin. Ensure your diet is rich in warming milks, nourishing whole grains, and fresh green vegetables. Ginger is also important for its antioxidant properties which help improve the colour of the skin. Increase moisture levels by consuming coconut oil or coconut water, or use it on the surface of the skin. These all contribute to a more youthful and supple appearance for vata skin.
Cosmeceuticals
Avoiding preservative and alcohol-heavy cosmeceuticals is one of the best things you can do for vata skin. Instead, use cosmeceuticals which contain natural moisturising ingredients. For excellent sources of hydration, look for:
- papaya leaf extra
- saffron extract
- coconut oil
- almond oil
Combatting the effects of vata is a calming experience when using our rasadana and indiraa products, designed with hydration in mind. Rasadana is Sanskrit for the absorption of moisture and indiraa is Sanskrit for youth and beauty. For the moisturising benefits of papaya ferment extra, try our rasadana Hydrating Mask which works while you sleep. The indiraa Age Recharge Serum and Age Recharge Moisturiser help healthy cell growth to avoid the aging effects of excess vata.
Movement and rest
Gentle stretching from yoga asanas improves circulation. So the body is gently warmed and cold, and vata is reduced. Improved circulation also assists in improved digestion and wellbeing for a healthy glow. Ayurvedic belief says stress is a significant factor in hampering the skin’s vitality by draining its natural moisture. Breathing exercises or meditation help to reset stress levels and balance the doshas. For further results, ensure you sleep soundly for 8-10 hours each night. Sleep is the body’s natural healing and revitalising mechanism. Your skin’s youthful and rejuvenated appearance will be your reward for gentle care and treatment.
Do you have vata skin? Give our suggestions a try for healthier and happier skin, inside and out!