Build your own Ayurvedic skin care and hair care routine

Skincare has become increasingly popular of late. Everyone has started understanding that their skin requires time, effort, clean products, and love. Many have become aware of the repercussions of their lifestyle and habits on their skin and overall health. Thus, we see a new and rather large wave of conscious individuals, who are reshaping the realm of skincare. But this concept is not as new as it sounds. It has been around for 5000 years, as a part of the Ayurveda practice. Let us understand some basic concepts of Ayurveda before building your skincare and haircare routine. 

Ayurveda’s Three Dosha Theory

The Ayurvedic philosophy states that the body is made up of the basic elements of the universe that are expressed as doshas or biological energies.  They are responsible for the physical and mental processes in each individual. It is believed that an imbalance in the doshas is the cause of skin problems. Three doshas that affect your skin and hair are:

1.  VATA

This dosha’s main element is air which is dry and drying in nature.

Skin - Vata type of skin is usually dry skin with fine pores. When there is an imbalance, this skin type is susceptible to excess dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and blackheads. An ideal Vata skin care routine will include products that provide moisture, strength, and nourishment to the skin.

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Ohria Ayurveda Rose & Pomegranate Cream	Rose, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil	Renewed & replenished plump skin.
Ras Luxury Oils: Radiance Beauty Oil with Vitamin C	Rosehip Oil, Jojoba Oil, Squalene	Rosehip has antioxidant properties. Squalene combats fine lines.
Ohria Ayurveda Night Repair Serum	Sesame Oil, Cow’s Ghee & Rosewood Oil	Penetrates the deepest layer of facial tissue, making it soft and healthy. Regenerates nourishes and tones your skin.

Hair - Vata type of hair is naturally wavy. It looks dry and lusterless. This hair is thin and coarse in texture and gets tangled easily. An imbalance will lead to extreme dryness, dandruff, split ends, and breakage. A hair care routine that provides hydration and nourishment should be adopted.

 

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Myra Veda Moroccan Argan Oil & Blackseed Restorative Shampoo	Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Blackseed Oil, Castor Oil, Neem Oil	Replenish dry, dull & damaged hair. Leaves hair smoother & shinier.
Sova Draksh Hair Oil	Grapes Oil, Macadamia Oil	Deeply nourishes. Moisturisers dry hair with shine.
Sova Anti Frizz Hair Serum	Walnut oil, Kukui Oil & Argan Oil	Infuses life into frizzy hair to give smooth & silky finish.

 

2. PITTA

This dosha is created from the elements of Fire and Water, with Fire being more dominant. 

Skin - Pitta type of skin is described as sensitive and a combination type, where T zone areas are oily and are prone to acne and blemishes. In case of an imbalance, the skin becomes oilier. The skin becomes susceptible to inflammation, excess heat, redness, acne, and blemishes. A good Pitta skin care routine should incorporate cooling and calming herbs to counterbalance the heat.

 

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Daughter Earth Serum	Manjistha, Sea Buckthorn, Tamanu & Frankincense.	Increases oxygenation, skin microcirculation and clears the complexion.
Natural Vibes Face Wash	Tea Tree, Aloe Vera & Neem	Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Reduces acne & blemishes
Natural Vibes Face mask	Orange (Vit C), Sandalwood, Lavender	Unclog pores & deep cleansing Calms & cools off the inflamed skin.
Shankara Hydrating Cleanser	Chamomile, Sandalwood & Aloe Vera	Gently and efficiently removes makeup. Leaves the skin feeling moist and silky.
Ras Luxury Oil: Luminous Skin Clearing Skin Elixir	Neem, Calendula & Turmeric	Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions Balances & hydrate the skin

Hair - Pitta type of hair is characterised by a silky and fine texture that is often oily. During an imbalance, this hair type is prone to excessive oiliness and premature balding and greying. Pitta hair requires a lot of maintenance and care. Its hair care routine must include products that have cooling effects in order to diminish the heat. 

 

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Roots & Herbs 49 oil	Bhringraj, Hibiscus flower, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Triphala	Prevents hair breakage & Hair fall.
Roots & Herbs Volumising Shampoo	Jatamansi, Methi, Reetha, Ashwagandha & Neem Oil	Cleanses & rejuvenates the scalp
Roots & Herbs Volumising Conditioner	Jatamansi, Aloe Vera, Mulethi, Kokum Butter	Adds volume without making the hair frizzy & dry.

 

3. KAPHA

This dosha includes elements of the Earth and Water. The qualities that accompany this dosha are dense, heavy, static, and dull.

Skin - Kapha type of skin is usually oily. An imbalance causes excess oiliness, cystic acne, blackheads, and congested pores. An excellent Kapha skin care routine will include herbs and other ingredients that have an astringent, warming, and detoxifying effect on the skin. 

 

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Shankara Brightening Serum	Turmeric & Licorice, Amla & Lavender	Reduces discoloration. Brightens skin. Supports an even skin tone.
Ras Luxury Revival Rejuvenating Night Oil	Argan Oil, Evening Primrose oil, Moringa, Sage	Cleanses pores and Reduces discoloration to even out skin tone. Nourishes & heals the skin.
Roots & Herbs Acne Clarifying Activator	Mulethi, Aloe Vera, Calamus	Subsides acne, pimples, rashes & blemishes.
Shankara Balance Moisture	Witch Hazel, Gotu Kola, Green Tea, Bitter Orange, Rosemary, Basil.	Controls oil production. Renews,  restores and maintains balance in the skin. Purifies and soothes the skin.

 

Hair - Kapha hair type turns everyone into green-eyed goblins because it is strong, lustrous, and thick. An imbalance will make the scalp and hair roots oily whereas the ends will turn dry and brittle. On the whole, your hair will feel heavy and coarse. You must include frequent hair washes in your hair care routine to overcome oiliness. 

Recommended Products	Main Ingredient(s)	What it does
Myra Veda Matcha Tea & Camellia Shampoo	Matcha Tea, Camellia, Coriander, Aloe Vera, Jasmine	Leaves the hair soft, glossy & hydrating.
Roots & Herbs 49 Oil	Bhringraj, Hibiscus flower, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Triphala	Prevents hair breakage & hair fall.

 

Summary

The Ayurvedic philosophy believes in the existence of three Doshas that influence an individual’s physical and mental processes. If the Doshas are out of balance, the skin and hair of an individual are negatively impacted. You can always customise your skin and hair care routine according to the Dosha you belong to.

- By Tanvi Savani