In Ayurveda, skincare isn't just about topical treatments, it's about understanding your unique constitution, or dosha, and harmonizing it for glowing skin from within. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, categorizes individuals into dominated with three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. “Kustha” refers to skin diseases or disorders that can manifest due to various imbalances within the body, particularly related to these doshas. Each dosha carries its own set of traits, and when it comes to skincare, these traits influence how our skin behaves and responds to various factors.
Causes and Symptoms of various Kustha
Kustha encompasses a wide range of skin disorders, each with its own specific dosha characteristics and causes -
- Vata-related Kustha - Manifests as dry, rough, scaly patches on the skin. It may cause itching and cracking due to the imbalance of Vata dosha, which governs dryness and instability.
- Pitta-related Kustha - Characterized by inflammation, redness, and sometimes pustules or blisters. Pitta imbalance leads to heat and intensity, aggravating conditions like eczema, psoriasis or acne.
- Kapha-related Kustha - Presents as oily, congested skin with cystic acne, blackheads, or excessive water retention. Kapha imbalance causes stagnation and excess oil production, leading to conditions like cystic acne or eczema.
Let’s understand Your Dosha Type
1. Vata Dosha
Traits - Vata is associated with qualities like dryness, coolness, and variability. Vata skin tends to be thin, delicate, and prone to dryness and fine lines. It can also be sensitive to cold weather and windy conditions.
Challenges - The main challenges for Vata skin are dryness, flakiness, and premature aging due to insufficient moisture retention.
Treatment Approach - Focuses on nourishing and hydrating the skin, as Vata imbalance often leads to dryness and irritation.
- Skincare Routine - Use moisturizing oils like sesame or almond oil to deeply hydrate the skin.
Cleansing - Use gentle, nourishing cleansers to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
The Kesar Cleansing Balm from The Oil Chemist is a moisturizing one-step cleanser for dry and dehydrated skin. It fights free radicals & grime and deeply cleanses without stripping the skin, which is ideal for people with Vata dosha.
Toning - Opt for alcohol-free toners with hydrating and soothing ingredients like rose water.
Moisturizing - Choose rich, nourishing moisturizers with ingredients like sesame oil, almond oil, or avocado oil.
Our Passion Fruit Body Oil is blended with grapeseed oil, avocado oil, hazelnut oil and so on, to lock moisture and make your skin feel plump and bouncy throughout the day.
Protecting - Use a nourishing facial oil or a rich balm to protect against environmental dryness.
Weekly Treatments - Incorporate hydrating face masks with ingredients like aloe vera, or oatmeal.
Herbal Remedies - Triphala powder or Ashwagandha can be used internally to balance Vata dosha and support skin health.
Lifestyle Tips - Maintain a regular routine, stay hydrated and protect skin from harsh weather conditions.
Recommended Ingredients -
Oils - Sesame oil, almond oil, avocado oil.
Herbs - Ashwagandha, licorice, calendula.
Essential Oils - Rose, geranium, chamomile.
2. Pitta Dosha -
Traits - Pitta is characterized by qualities like heat, intensity, and oiliness. Pitta skin tends to be sensitive, prone to inflammation, acne, and can have redness or rosacea.
Challenges - Pitta skin is prone to inflammation, acne, and sensitivity due to excess heat and oil production.
Treatment Approach - Aims to cool and soothe inflammation and reduce heat in the body.
- Skincare Routine - Use cooling ingredients like aloe vera gel or sandalwood paste to calm irritated skin.
Cleansing - Use gentle, cooling cleansers with soothing ingredients like cucumber or aloe vera.
Toning - Opt for calming, anti-inflammatory toners with ingredients like rose water or chamomile.
Moisturizing - Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like hazelnut oil or neem oil.
Like our Acai Berry Face Oil is lightweight, promotes collagen production and helps in curbing sebum production
Protecting - Use aloe vera gel or a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen for sun protection.
Weekly Treatments - Incorporate calming face masks with ingredients like sandalwood, mint, or cucumber.
Herbal Remedies - Neem or Brahmi can be used to purify blood and support detoxification.
Lifestyle Tips - Avoid spicy and acidic foods, manage stress and ensure adequate rest to prevent Pitta aggravation.
Recommended Ingredients -
Oils - Coconut oil, neem oil, sunflower oil.
Herbs - Neem, Brahmi, sandalwood.
Essential Oils - Lavender, mint, fennel.
3. Kapha Dosha -
Traits - Kapha is characterized by qualities like heaviness, oiliness, and stability. Kapha skin tends to be thick, oily, and prone to congestion, enlarged pores, and water retention.
Challenges - Kapha skin is prone to excess oiliness, congestion, and sluggish circulation, leading to dullness and blemishes.
Treatment Approach - Focuses on detoxification and reducing excess oiliness and congestion.
- Skincare Routine - Use clay masks or exfoliants with citrus extracts to cleanse and detoxify pores.
Cleansing - Use gentle, purifying cleansers with ingredients like clay or citrus extracts to balance oiliness. A double-cleansing routine using an oil-based cleanser to extract the impurities followed by any gentle water-based cleanser is most suitable for people with Kapha dosha.
Toning - Opt for astringent, stimulating toners with ingredients like witch hazel or lemon.
Moisturizing - Choose light, non-comedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.
Formulated with antioxidants, multivitamins, minerals, and numerous phyto-compounds, our Mandarin Face Oil is a perfect booster to combat skin imbalances. Our favourite emollient, the golden jojoba oil ensures nourishment while the sea buckthorn oil boosts skin cells regeneration.
Protecting - Use light, oil-free moisturizers or sunscreens to prevent clogging pores.
Weekly Treatments - Incorporate detoxifying face masks with ingredients like turmeric, clay, or citrus extracts.
Herbal Remedies - Turmeric or Tulsi (holy basil) can be used internally to purify blood and support Kapha balance.
Practicing oral detoxification with the Mint Rush Oil Pulling Mouthwash, can be a great way to cleanse your body and improve your oral health.
Lifestyle Tips - Maintain regular exercise to stimulate circulation, avoid heavy and oily foods, and ensure proper digestion.
Recommended Ingredients -
Oils - Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, mustard seed oil.
Herbs - Triphala, turmeric, tulsi (holy basil).
Essential Oils - Eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass.
By aligning your skincare routine with your unique dosha, you can address specific skin challenges effectively and enhance your skin's natural radiance. Ayurvedic ingredients not only nourish the skin but also balance the doshas, promoting overall well-being. Remember, consistency is key in Ayurvedic skincare—listen to your skin, embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda, and watch your skin glow with health and vitality!
Embrace your dosha, nourish your skin, and let Ayurvedic principles guide you on your journey to radiant, balanced skincare.