By Dr. Puja Shah
Beauty comes from within.
It’s an often-heard mantra, but the first time I discovered its true origin – and its accuracy – was when I read Absolute Beauty, Dr. Pratima Raichur’s book on Ayurveda and beauty.
As a 5,000 year-old natural science, Ayurveda places great emphasis on balance, digestion, and honoring one’s unique body constitution.
This perspective also applies to beauty and skincare – and it’s both fascinating and remarkably effective, especially compared to so many modern beauty remedies that either don’t work, or are harmful in the long run.
Here are 9 of Ayurveda’s best skincare secrets:
1. Know your Dosha
Each Dosha comes with its own skin characteristics. People who are Vata have skin that is thin, dry, fine-pored, delicate and wrinkle prone, those who are Pitta have skin that is susceptible to rashes, breakouts, and rosacea if out of balance; and then there is Kapha individuals whose skin is thicker and oilier, prone to enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, and eczema. K
2. Adapt your skincare to the seasons
Once you know your Dosha, it’s important to know how your skin reacts to different seasons. This topic needs its own article, but in short: Vatas should take extra care in the fall and early winter, by countering dry and rough skin with skin hydration. Pittas should cool down and soothe the skin in the hot summer months. And Kaphas should focus on cleansing the skin in the late winter and the spring.
3. Use natural oils and flours on your face
This might sound unusual, but natural oils like coconut oil act as a highly effective, lightweight, and cooling moisturizer. Ghee is also a great choice, especially for dark circles under your eyes. If your skin is dry, try castor oil, and use a chickpea flour mask if your skin is oily.
4. Exfoliate with sugar
Instead of salt, Ayurveda recommends sugar as the perfect natural exfoliant. Sugar helps boost cell turnover and retains moisture, and it has a cooling effect. You can also mix it with rejuvenating herbs and botanicals such as rose petals for a facial scrub. Bonus tip: rose water as a toner after exfoliation is also wonderful, and it smells heavenly.
5. Take a milk bath
Full-fat milk or cream-based masks are wonderful for soothing and cooling irritated or inflamed skin. Adding milk or cream to your bath will also soothe and nourish your skin. And if you’re vegan or allergic, coconut milk has similar properties.
6. Treat trouble spots with neem
Got a nasty pimple or spot that’s messing with your looks and confidence? Ayurveda’s traditional answer is neem, valued for its drying and cooling feel. Patch-test it first, and see a doctor or dermatologist for acne that is painful or persistent.
7. Drink aloe vera
Dabbing aloe vera on your face makes your skin smooth, supple, and youthful – and drinking it daily is also an effective way to enjoy and maximize its benefits.
8. Apply oil… everywhere!
The Ayurvedic massage known as Abhyanga involves drenching yourself in warm massage oil. It not only feels amazing, but also deeply moisturizes your skin and hair, leaving you looking as great as you feel.
9. Connect with your bliss
Knowing what makes you happy, and going for it, is probably Ayurveda’s biggest secret to lifelong beauty. Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss — nothing is as rich, and nothing is more real.
This article shares Ayurvedic tradition for general education. It is not medical advice. If a skin problem is severe, painful or not settling, see a doctor or dermatologist.