Ayurvedic Skincare for Youthful Complexion: Nurturing Your Skin from Inside Out

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to skincare that focuses on nurturing skin's health from the inside out. This ancient Indian practice emphasizes the balance of doshas, the use of natural ingredients, and holistic lifestyle habits.

By following Ayurvedic skincare tips, you can promote a youthful complexion and maintain healthy and radiant skin. Here are some Ayurvedic skincare basics to consider:

1. Determine Your Skin Type: According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique combination of the three basic functional entities Vata, Pitta, and Kapha called doshas. Understanding your predominant dosha can help you customize your skincare routine to suit your specific needs. Consult an Ayurvedic expert to determine your dosha and identify your skin type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominant). Generally Vata predominant skin maybe predominantly dry, prone to cracks and rough, where as pitta skin is prone to increased temperature,  reddishness, oilyness and acne and kapha skin maybe cold, clammy, oily and again prone to acne.

2. Cleanse with Herbal Powder scrubs: Ayurveda emphasizes gentle cleansing to remove impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils. Instead of harsh cleansers, opt for natural herbal powders like besan (chickpea flour), neem, or sandalwood powder. Mix them with water or rose water to form a paste and gently massage it onto your face to cleanse and exfoliate.

3. Practice Abhyanga (Oil-Massage): Abhyanga involves self-massage with warm herbal oils to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Choose oils suitable for your skin type, such as sesame oil for Vata, coconut or sunflower oil for Pitta, and almond or jojoba oil for Kapha. Massage your face and body in gentle circular motions before bathing, allowing the oils to penetrate deeply and promote youthful skin.

4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins. You can also infuse water with Ayurvedic herbs like coriander, tulsi (holy basil), or saffron for added benefits.

5. Internal cleaning by Balanced Diet: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet to maintain overall health, including skin health. The purification of blood is a very important step in treating various skin conditions and fresh fruits and vegetables have such an effect. Consume fresh, organic foods that are suitable for your dosha. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like ghee (clarified butter) and avocado. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, excessively spicy and fried foods, as they can contribute to vitiation of blood further leading to skin issues.

6. Practice Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Pranayama, a set of yogic breathing exercises, helps promote healthy skin by improving circulation and reducing stress. Practice deep breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Kapalabhati (skull shining breath) to enhance oxygen flow to the skin and promote a youthful complexion.

7. Herbal Face Pack: Incorporate Ayurvedic herbal face packs into your skincare routine. For Vata skin, try a moisturizing mask with ingredients like avocado, honey, and rose. For Pitta skin, use cooling and soothing ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, and mint. Kapha skin can benefit from a mask with exfoliating ingredients like turmeric, gram flour, and lemon.

8. Get Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for skin rejuvenation. Establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. Create a calming bedtime ritual, such as reading, practicing gentle yoga, or taking a warm bath, to promote deep relaxation and support healthy skin.

Remember, Ayurvedic skincare routines are meant to be personalized according to your specific dosha and skin type. It's always a good idea to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for guidance tailored to your unique needs.

—  Dr. Lakshmi Varma K, Ayurvedic practitioner, consultant and advisor at
LYEF Wellness