Skin Care Tips

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

Therefore, though you can adapt its principles when it comes to your diet (we had a writer try out the Ayurvedic diet because of its weight-loss benefits), you may also use the very same principles in regards to your own skin-care routine. Here's how to apply Ayurvedic skin-care strategies for healthier, glowing skin.

Determine your Ayurveda constitution.

Ayurveda is rooted in the thought that every person has a dosha, a term that describes the biological energies that govern an individual's constitution, both physically and emotionally. According to Ayurveda, doshas determine your best diet, disposition, lifestyle--and yes, skin-care routine. There are 3 main doshas, dependent on a combination of the components: Vata (wind and air), Kapha (water and earth), and Pitta (fire and water). Doshas are intrinsic and last throughout your life, but each has attributes which may be influenced from the seasons or your era, 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, if you've got sensitive skin that's dry or rougher in texture, you would fall into the Vata skin type category. A Kapha skin type means that the skin is naturally oily, and also the Pitta skin type is characterized by things such as freckles or being prone to acne or sunburn. Nardone notes that you might have a dominant dosha and also a less dominant one--aka you might be a mixture of doshas (a Pitta-Vata, by way of instance).

Become a morning person.

Since Ayurveda is a general wellness clinic, finally becoming a morning person might be the key to great skin, according to experts. Beksav.org Since Ayurveda teaches that our human body has a built-in detox, Nardone recommends likely to sleep by 10 p.m. and rising with the sun approximately 6 a.m. Why this early wake period? Well, based on Ayurvedic practitioners, fitting our circadian rhythms with nature gives the body time to repair to a cellular level.

When you awaken, Nardone suggests beginning your day with a glass of lemon water to get rid of toxins and moisturize skin. According to Templeton, you also need to look at getting out in the sun for 15 minutes for vitamin D and to support circulation. If this seems like a lot to take on at once (considering you, night owls), Nardone proposes adding only one ritual at one time.

Switch up your skin-care solutions.

Ayurvedic skin care takes a much more minimalist approach in regards to products, explains Amy McKelvey, an integrative herbalist and CEO of Her Vital Way. In fact, a four-step morning pattern is all you have to acquire the epidermis results you crave.

1. Cleanse using a nut powder.

Washing your face eliminates toxins and dirt from the skin. All skin types can benefit from a cleaner using almond powder since it is both moisturizing and exfoliating and makes an perfect skin-care ingredient because of the fatty acids, adds McKelvey.

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

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

To Pitta skin: Mix together 1 tsp of lentil flour, 1/2 teaspoon of neem powder or triphala powder, and 1 teaspoon of water. Apply this paste to your own face, and then wash off with cool water until it dries.

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

2. Nourish with a decorative oil.

The next step is to decide on a facial oil to get nourishment. Oils are a hallmark of Ayurveda and may be used by all skin types to balance the body's own oil production--yes, even individuals with eczema, an overproduction, could reap the benefits of a coconut oil. Desesperadaesperanca.com Templeton recommends sesame for Vata skin, coconut for Pitta skin, and sunflower for Kapha skin. (McKelvey is also a major fan of using olive oil, such as sesame, jojoba, avocado, sunflower, or coconut oil, on your body for all-over sterile and glowy skin.)

3. Give yourself a self-massage.

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

4. Spritz some rose water.

In the end, complete your routine using a spoonful of increased water. Rose water provides a last mist to the outer layers of dry skin to make an instant plumping effect. Rose is also a curative aroma of love and compassion, says McKelvey, which you may take in the day.