Skin care is very important in Ayurveda because it can show if you are getting proper nutrients and can be a beautiful way to start a self-care regimen. We suggest taking care of your skin with natural products and oils. Each skin type is different and prevention of acne or rashes is easier to handle. When you start to get a glow to your skin you will feel healthy, vivacious, and confident. If you want to learn your dosha (body constitution) take the quiz on our website to learn the best skin care for you.
10 Tips For Skin Care:
1. Be attuned to how much sun exposure you get. The sun can be great for your skin. However, too much unprotected exposure can lead to serious health issues. We suggest applying the appropriate doshic (body constitution) oil for your body and for that time of the season. The oils are: sesame oil for Vata constitutions, coconut or sunflower for Pitta, and corn or almond oil for Kapha individuals. If in summer, perhaps tend towards coconut oil, in winter sesame, and spring sweet almond oil. Lie in the sun before noon or late afternoon making sure to not in the heat of the day. Lie out for 10-15 minutes or at the most 30 minutes. This will improve the circulation in the skin and strengthen the skin tone. However, if you are prone to sunburn or are at a high altitude, limit your sun exposure.
2. Make sure to wear zinc oxide, a form of sunscreen (as natural as you can get with low chemicals), or a large hat and protective clothing if you have a job outside in the sun.
3. There is a misconception that oil is bad for your skin and gives you acne. In fact, a daily oil massage of you body and face keep your skin healthy and beautiful especially with oils such as, sesame and coconut oil that have natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Many oils are in fact rich in minerals like copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants that get absorbed into your skin. Gentle oil massages keep the skin soft and healthy.
4. Stay away from harsh chemicals in lotions, make-up, and sunscreens. Your skin absorbs the majority of what you put on it. A good rule is: if you wont eat it, don’t put it on your skin.
5. Try taking turmeric or incorporating it more into your diet. Turmeric, in Ayurveda, is one of the most used herbs and researched herbs. Turmeric can be cooked with, taken in tablets, and used topically as a facemask. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce oiliness, appearance of aging, dark spots, and is great for sensitive skin.
6. Make sure you’re getting enough iron. Anemia can make the skin look very pale and even green at times. To counteract this, try eating cooked beets or carrot juice. The natural iron in these vegetables will help reduce signs of anemia and give the skin a healthy glow.
7. Don’t use too much soap. Too much soap can wash off the sebaceous secretions that maintain softness, luster, and the oiliness of the skin. If in a tropical climate or a strenuous job use soap more. Soap with neem oil or sandalwood is recommended. Pitta types tend to need to use soap more often as they have a tendency to sweat more.
8. Massage your skin. A short daily self-massage with oil on your face and body massage is recommended. We suggest getting a professional massage (if possible) once a month. We have abhyanga massage at our office. Abhyanga is a relaxing warm oil massage given to increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, improve joint health, calm the nervous system, and improve skin tone. To make an appointment go to our website santacruzayurveda.com and click “appointments”.
9. Wash your skin with a temperature that will be best for you. Pitta types should wash with cold water, Kapha types in warm water, and Vata types in hot water to boost their circulation.
10. Lastly, don’t forget to smile!
If you have further questions or are dealing with acne, rashes, eczema contact us at info@santacruzayurveda.com to find out how to reduce and treat the root of the symptoms.
Lad, Vasant. “The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies.” Three Rivers Press, New York, New York; 1998. 251-253.