Ayurveda Skin Care

Skin is the true mirror of the internal state of an individual, reflecting the condition of the internal organs as well as the emotions. Due to the pollution and faulty way of life, number of skin diseases is increasing day by day. Skin is a sensitive organ and is continuously exposed to various environmental stresses such as varying temperatures, dust, smoke, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc so it is important to take good care of the skin and maintain its healthy condition. People are becoming beauty conscious and herbal cosmetics are gaining popularity all over the world. Ayurveda advises proper diet according to one’s constitution for natural beauty.

Normal Skin in Vata type individuals - The skin is dry, rough, thin and flaky in patches in Vata type individuals. The skin is cold to touch and color of the skin is dark, grayish hue. There is very less sweating. Body hair is dry, sparse, harsh, curly, split and grey.

Normal Skin in Pitta type individuals - The skin is soft, smooth, and with many moles in Pitta type individual. The skin is warm to touch and fair, peachy, freckled, coppery blue color. There is profuse sweating and foul body odor due to excess sweating. Body hairs are smooth, oily and reddish brown.

Normal Skin in Kapha type individuals - Skin is oily, thick, and moist in Kapha type individuals. Skin is fair, pale with a glow, soft and cool to touch. Sweating is less. Body hairs are thick, black, unctuous and strong. Food items indicated and contra indicated in skin disorders.

Effect of diet on the skin

• Sweet taste in general increases luster of skin, hence it is beneficial for skin and hair. Sweet taste is good for Vata and Pitta constitution.
• Sour taste has no direct effect on skin but if taken in excess can increase process of pus formation in preventing injury or eruption on skin. Sour taste is beneficial for Vata constitution.
• Saline taste if taken in excess creates cuts in preexisting skin diseases. It also accelerates wrinkle formation on the skin and graying of hair as well as alopecia. Saline taste is beneficial for Vata constitution.
• Pungent taste reduces oiliness as well as itching on skin but can create patches over skin. Pungent taste is beneficial for Kapha constitution.
• Bitter in general is useful in all skin diseases. It pacifies almost all secretions in the body. Bitter taste is good for Pitta and Kapha constitution.
• Astringent taste if taken in excess can produce tanning over skin. Astringent taste is beneficial for Pitta and Kapha constitution.

Few medicinal herbs with action

Cleansing herbs – Aloe vera, Papaya, Orange peel, Lemon and Amalaki
Antiseptic action – Neem, Tulsi (Basil), bakuchi, Licorice, Orange peel and Mango ginger.
Nutritive - Licorice, Ashwagandha, Musta and Tulsi (Basil).
Anti inflammatory – Sandalwood, Ushira, Anantamool, Rose petals, Aloe vera and Lodhra.
Bleaching – Aloe vera, Anantamool, Rakta chandan, Kachur sugandhi and Mango ginger.
Anti wrinkle – Manjishta, Papaya, Aloe vera and Musta.
Moisturizer – Aloe vera, Rose petals, Ushira and Neem.
Astringent – Arjun, Haritaki, Triphala, Manjishta and Neem.
To increase circulation – Kachur sugandhi, Musta, Bakuchi, Anantamool and Mango ginger.

Herbs for Skin Care