Ayurvedic Skin Care Tips That Still Work Today

If you've ever looked into the science of yoga or Eastern medication, then you might have stumbled upon Ayurveda. If you haven't, the gist of this is simple: Ayurveda is about nourishing your mind, body, and soul and getting in tune with your self and your own body's demands. Ayurveda in Sanskrit translates into "life knowledge" and instructs nourishment following the rhythms of nature. "Ayurveda is the basis for health internally that helps you look better externally, encouraging all attempts to shape and tone your body and skin," says MaryAnna Nardone, paramedical aesthetician and certified Ayurvedic instructor.

So, while you can adapt its principles in regards to your diet (we had a writer test from the Ayurvedic diet because of its weight reduction advantages), you may even use the same principles when it comes to your own skin-care routine. Here's how to implement Ayurvedic skin-care tips for healthy, glowing skin.

Determine your Ayurveda constitution.
Ayurveda is rooted in the idea that each and every individual has a dosha, a term that describes the biological energies which govern a person's constitution, both physically and mentally. There are 3 main doshas, dependent on a combination of the components: Vata (air and wind), Kapha (water and earth), and Pitta (fire and water). Doshas are intrinsic and last through your lifetime, but each has qualities which may be impacted by the seasons or your age, says Kathryn Templeton, Ayurvedic practitioner and clinical psychotherapist. Nardone recommends first taking the Prakruti Dosha Mind Body Quiz on her website to ascertain yours. Generally speaking, when you have sensitive skin that is dry or harder in feel, you would fall into the Vata skin type category. A Kapha skin type means that the skin is naturally oily, and the Pitta skin type is characterized by things like freckles or being prone to sunburn or acne. Nardone notes that you might have a dominant dosha and also a less dominant one--aka you could be a mixture of doshas (a Pitta-Vata, by way of instance).

Become a morning person.
Since Ayurveda is a general wellness practice, eventually becoming a morning person may be the secret to great skin, according to experts. Since Ayurveda teaches that our body has a built-in detox, Nardone recommends likely to sleep with 10 p.m. and rising with the sun around 6 a.m. www.beksav.org Why this early wake period? Well, based on Ayurvedic practitioners, fitting our circadian rhythms with character gives the body time to repair on a cellular level.

When you wake up, Nardone suggests starting your day with a glass of lemon water to get rid of toxins and hydrate skin. According to Templeton, you also need to look at getting out in sunlight for 15 minutes for vitamin D and also to support circulation. If this looks like a great deal to take on at once (considering you, night owls), Nardone suggests adding only one ritual at one time.

Switch up your skin-care solutions.
Ayurvedic skincare takes a more minimalist approach in regards to products, clarifies Amy McKelvey, an integrative herbalist and CEO of Her Vital Way. In reality, a four-step morning pattern is all you need to acquire the epidermis effects you crave.

1. Cleanse with a nut powder.

Washing your face removes toxins and dirt from the skin. All skin types could benefit from a cleaner using almond powder because it's both moisturizing and exfoliating and leaves an perfect skin-care ingredient due to the fatty acids, also adds McKelvey. Attempt: Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream or Lush Angels on Bare Skin Face and Body Cleanser.

McKelvey also supplied recipes specific to each skin type to produce your own facial wash.

Apply a thin coating over your face and gently massage, being mindful not to scrub or rub at the epidermis. Wash off with warm water until the paste begins to dry.

Apply this paste to your face, and then wash off with cool water until it dries.

For Kapha skin: Mix together 1/2 tsp of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to the face and leave on for 2 minutes then wash off.

2. Nourish with a decorative oil.

The next step is to decide on a facial oil for nutrition. Oils are a hallmark of Ayurveda and can be used by all skin types to balance the body's own oil production--yes, even individuals with acne, an overproduction, may reap the benefits of a facial oil. Desesperada Esperanca (McKelvey is also a major fan of using olive oil, including jojoba, jojoba, avocado, sunflower, or coconut oil, in your own body for all-over moisturized and glowy skin.)

3. Give yourself a self-massage.

The third step in your routine is Abhyanda, a gentle neck and face massage. Self-massage for only a few minutes per day may enhance immune functions, improve sleep, and benefit skin circulation, says Nardone.

4. Spritz some rose water.

Finally, complete your routine with a spritz of rose water. Rose water provides a last mist into the outer layers of dry skin to create an instant plumping effect. Rose is also a curative aroma of love and compassion, says McKelvey, which you may take into the day.