Quick Ayurveda and Your Skin Primer 101

According to the ancient principles of Ayurveda, each person is born with a unique dosha, or skin/body type. These doshas encompass the universal elements of air, earth, fire and water.

For our purposes herein, there are three doshas: 1). Vata (dry skin); 2). Pitta (sensitive skin); 3). Kapha (oily skin)

An internet search will yield numerous sites with more knowledge than I can provide here. I strongly suggest that you take the free questionnaires provided by many of these sites. These questionnaires can help you to determine your own personal dosha. 

Most people will discover that they embody characteristics of each dosha in varying proportions. Nevertheless, this knowledge can go a long way towards attaining health and comfort for your skin and body.

Seasonal changes naturally create imbalances (dosha aggravation) that call for a switch up in your personal skin and hygiene routines. 

For instance, if you are predominately Pitta (think sensitive + fiery), you will likely suffer a Pitta aggravation during hot weather. Spicy foods and heavy skin care products will only exacerbate the problem. This is the time to switch to cooling oils, such as sunflower and coconut, as well as essential oils like rose, vetiver and sandalwood in your daily personal care. A cooling massage with coconut oil, instead of your 'usual' does wonders in dialing down the irritability and heat.

VATA: dry, fragile skin that can be prone to wind burn, chapping, cracking. Vatas can be anxious worriers of a restless nature. (Think WIND/AIR elements) Vata needs heavier emollients and moisture plus extra water.

Vata Shea Ayurvedic Cleanser

PITTA: sensitive skin that can be prone to heat rash, rosacea, fragility, irritation and redness upon stimulation. Pittas are typically of quick intellect and can be agitated by lack of action. (Think FIRE element) Pitta needs calming essences and cooling, light moisture.

Pitta Rose Ayurvedic Cleanser

KAPHA: oily, thick skin that is blessed with very few, if any, wrinkles. Kapha is known for inner calmness, sweet nature and slow, languid movements. (Think WATER/EARTH elements) Kapha needs stimulating ingredients and very lightweight moisture. Kapha, like Vata, can benefit from extra water, as their body functions tend toward sluggishness.

Kapha Ayurvedic Herbal Cleanser

Happy Autumn, All!