Cleanse & Care for Your Face
The skin is our largest sensory organ and is responsible for a large part of our breathing. We are completely enveloped by it and our body would be unimaginable without it. A few extra caresses seem more than appropriate! Anyone who looks at the skin from an Ayurvedic perspective will find many ways to help you feel really comfortable in it.
Of course, the condition of the skin always has something to do with the condition of the entire organism. Especially in the case of more serious skin problems such as eczema, allergic rashes or acne, Ayurveda as a holistic science does not only treat the affected areas locally, but also looks for the deeper causes in order to be able to tailor the treatment accordingly. But it is not only interesting to turn to Ayurveda for skin diseases or allergies, it also provides helpful tips for general skin care.
According to Ayurvedic beliefs, the properties of the skin are linked to the dosha that predominates in each individual. Therefore, by balancing the doshas, you can also influence the properties of the skin. Since some typical skin problems, as will be shown later, are due to an excess of a certain dosha, they can therefore be reduced by creating a more harmonious balance of the doshas, which can be achieved through a corresponding lifestyle including a suitable diet. In addition, suitable skin care can contribute to healthy, supple skin and improve minor skin problems such as blemishes, redness or dry areas.
First of all, you should be aware that the skin covers our entire body - many people forget this fact and only take care of their facial skin. The massages recommended in Ayurveda for various reasons ensure, among other things, that the skin is nourished and cared for overall. Otherwise, the skin is also grateful for clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton, which, as the name suggests, allows it to breathe better than synthetic materials.
skin type and dosha type
However, the most sensitive skin for most people is actually on the face. Here are some characteristics depending on the dosha type (also apply to the skin in general, but are usually most pronounced on the face) and corresponding care tips:
If Vata dosha is dominant, there is a tendency towards dry, possibly flaky skin. Since it is very sensitive to cold, it suffers more in winter than the other types.
Vata types should pamper their skin intensively with rich products such as cocoa butter, evening primrose oil or camellia oil so that it becomes supple and smooth instead of cracked. They should also make sure to drink enough - this will benefit their skin and their overall well-being. Beauty tip: Every now and then apply a skin mask made of crushed avocado and honey (use about ½ an avocado and 2 tablespoons of honey), leave it on for about 15 minutes and then cleanse your face.
Pitta types often have very sensitive skin that is prone to redness and spots. Soothing, cooling care substances are particularly recommended in this case. Examples include aloe vera and rose water, as well as chamomile, lemon balm and fennel. Prefer facial toners and creams that contain these substances. Neem products disinfect and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Artificial additives such as synthetic fragrances or preservatives should be avoided by Pitta types in particular, as their skin is particularly sensitive. Many people with Pitta dominance have freckles and react strongly to heat. Beauty tip: occasionally mix a face mask with a cup of yogurt, half a cup of oatmeal and some aloe vera gel and/or rose water.
People with the Kapha dosha tend to have an oily complexion. Large pores and excessive sebum production are characteristic of Kapha, and this also means blackheads. There is also a tendency towards water retention. A very suitable care product for oily skin is tea tree oil. Witch hazel reduces pores, rosemary and lemongrass, for example, promote circulation, and horsetail stimulates the metabolism. Because of their sluggish digestion, people with the Kapha constitution have to be particularly careful to detoxify thoroughly again and again - e.g. by sweating, fasting, taking healing clay, herbal teas, etc. This also benefits their skin. Suitable face masks can be made from a mashed ripe banana, a tablespoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice.
Perhaps several descriptions apply to you - most people are not prototypes but rather mixed types in terms of their dosha composition, and so the dosha-related descriptions should never be understood as boxes into which a person can be categorized 100%. If you are therefore unsure, for example, when buying Ayurvedic care products that are indicated for a specific dosha, it is best to seek advice from an Ayurvedic therapist. Below are some general, useful recommendations.
Tips for facial cleansing and more useful information
In addition to (or before) applying cream, skin care also includes proper cleansing. It goes without saying, for example, that make-up residues should be removed before going to bed, and even if you don't use make-up, you should still wash regularly. For thorough facial cleansing, you can use mild betaine-based detergents or an Ayurvedic herbal soap. On the subject of make-up, it should also be mentioned that the majority of commercially available cosmetics contain petroleum. However, it is advisable to use products that do not contain such pore-clogging substances. To provide the facial skin with additional moisture, optimize the pH value and remove limescale residue from the water, you can apply a toner between cleansing and applying cream. Peelings - for the face and the whole body - remove dead skin cells and thus help to achieve softer and more radiant skin. However, you should be a little careful with this, because a peeling can sometimes be too aggressive - peeling products with coarse particles can irritate the skin. Peelings can also encourage the formation of spider veins and, if used too frequently, stimulate the production of oil. A gentle peeling is easy to make yourself: simply mix sea salt with a high-quality vegetable oil and a little lemon juice.
If you like long baths, you should add soap-free, moisturizing substances such as oils or whey powder. You shouldn't overdo it with bathing, as staying in the water for too long will damage the acid mantle and dry out the skin. All washing and care products should be alcohol-free.
Another important point is adequate sun protection whenever it is required. Don't forget your lips (make sure you use a lip balm with a sun protection factor, for example). In the harsh season, when lips quickly become chapped, you should regularly apply jojoba oil, shea butter, lanolin or beeswax to them, or use lip balms with such rich natural substances. The care substances can be gently massaged into the lips using a toothbrush.
Regular massages have already been mentioned, but it should be noted that the oil used is selected to suit the respective dosha type, ie for Vata a heavy, calming oil such as almond oil can be used, Pitta tolerates cooling coconut oil well, for example, and Kapha can be massaged with a stimulating oil such as mustard oil or light grape seed oil. The oils can also be medicated with appropriate herbs and thus tailored even more closely to the dosha type. Since massages promote blood circulation and ensure the removal of toxins, they can even have a positive effect on cellulite. The Garshan massage (massage with a silk glove) is said to be particularly beneficial for this.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals keeps the cells healthy and ensures elastic, vital skin, while an unhealthy diet promotes the proliferation of harmful free radicals and the formation of toxins (ama), makes the skin look flabby and pale, causes it to age faster and paves the way for the undesirable cellulite. Vitamin E is particularly important for the skin, as it not only acts as a radical scavenger, but also supports the stability of cell membranes and increases the skin's ability to bind water. Vitamin E is found in nuts, grain germs and whole grains, sunflower and soy oil, as well as in vegetables such as fennel, kale and avocados.
Last but not least, taking good care of yourself and your well-being can also have a positive effect on your skin, because as mentioned at the beginning, your skin reflects how you are doing overall. This also means that a fulfilling lifestyle will make you look better than any anti-wrinkle cream.
