Not Just Skin Deep
Clear Your Skin Naturally and Let Your Real Beauty Shine Through By Understanding Your Mind-Body’s Energy (DIY Recipes Included)
According to Ayurveda, a well-nurtured body, a balanced mind, and a calm spirit are the three basic elements of real beauty. As our appearance is a direct reflection of our inner health, Ayurveda believes in getting at the root cause rather than just treating symptoms of any problematic condition.
What is clear skin anyway?
Before proceeding ahead, let’s make sure we have a straightforward definition of what ‘clear skin’ is. Well, in simple words, it means a radiant and glowing complexion without any blemishes or pimples.
Increased exposure to pollution or dirt, the quality of cosmetic products used, and your lifestyle can play significant roles in determining the condition of your skin. It may seem quite challenging to figure out how to nourish your skin in order to help it truly become healthy. And with so many product promotions by cosmetic companies, we may seem lost on any clear solution.
Yet, our skin is merely the outward manifestation of what is going on inside our bodies. We must start from within.
What You Put In Counts
Ayurveda says, “you are what you digest“. So, adequate nutrition, good digestion, absorption of nutrients in our body, and consistent elimination are what we need to focus on for keeping our skin clean and clear.
Based on beliefs of Ayurveda, our bodies are comprised of doshas, which are three possible mind-body states or body type energies: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each of these body types are a combination of two universal elements: air, space, fire, earth, and water. Ayurveda believes we have a single dominant dosha, even though we all have distinctive, constantly shifting mixtures of all the elements inside us. Yet, there should still be a balance between all three, keeping us and our skin in optimal health. In order to be certain we are properly eating for our dosha and how it naturally manifests on our skin, we need to first determine our dominant dosha. To take a dosha quiz, go to https://kripalu.org/content/whats-your-dosha.
For example, if you are vatta dominant (air and space), you have dry skin and need to eat hydrating fats. If you are pitta dominant (fire and water), you are prone to acne and need to eat fruits and grains. If you are kapha dominate (earth and water), you have oily skin and need to vegetables and acidic fruit.
Your largest meal must be consumed during midday as digestion is at its best at that time. Never skip meals to if you want to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. While eating, stay away from distractions like TV or mobile phones.
As per The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians, “Eating foods grown with chemicals and prepared with synthetic preservatives and additives can create the more reactive toxin known as amavisha, and can result in breakouts, rashes, and other skin problems”.
Staying Hydrated
Keeping your body well-hydrated aids best functioning and excretes various ama(toxins) from your body. Water helps to give a clear complexion. Drink sufficient water(around 8-10 glasses) every day. You can literally see your complexion clear up day by day if you are consuming enough water.
Eating Fruits
To increase your inner and outer beauty, include lots of fresh, seasonal, and juicy fruits in your diet.
Cutting Sugar
Since there is a direct relationship between foods having a high glycemic index and your skin’s health, so control the consumption of sweets, white breads, sugary sodas, etc.
Using Ayurvedic Herbs
Several popular Ayurvedic herbs can be an excellent source to make your skin glow. They can let your body heal after a detox. Amla, neem leaf, and turmeric are well-known herbs for skin issues. You can also use neem oil for acne or psoriasis. Triphala and amla are beneficial for your digestion, which aids skin appearance. However, it is good to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using any herbs or supplements.
Ayurveda DIY Skincare
You can use a couple of natural face scrubs to nourish your skin and bring a natural glow to it. Check out these cleanings scrubs for dry (Vata), sensitive/acne prone (Pitta), and oily (Kapha) skin types.
Scrub for Vata Skin
Oats–2 teaspoons
Yogurt–2 tablespoons
Orange peel powder–1/4 teaspoon
Almond powder–1/4 teaspoon
Lavender flower powder–1/4 teaspoon
Scrub for Pitta Skin
Wheat bran(toasted)–1 teaspoon
Orange peel powder–1/4 teaspoon
Almond powder–1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice–1 teaspoon
Scrub for Kapha Skin
Organic sugar–1 teaspoon
Whole raw milk–2 tablespoons
Cardamom or Ginger powder-1/2 teaspoon
Rose petal powder–1/4 teaspoon
Honey–1 teaspoon
Steps to use
Stir various ingredients together and apply using your fingertips.
Exfoliate with gentle rubbing.
Once the scrub has been worked through on your face, remove it gently.
You can rinse with warm water if the scrub is very sticky.
Finish off by applying a good quality moisturizer after dabbing your face dry using a soft cloth or towel.
Tone with rose water. (Rose water is a popular Ayurvedic ingredient that gives a brilliant glow to our skin by eliminating various impurities from it.)