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How to balance Ayurvedic doshas for healthy and radiant skin

Understanding your Ayurvedic doshas will help you take better care of your skin.
A guide to Ayurvedic skincare through the understanding of doshas. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:13 pm IST
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Ayurveda is the science of life, comprising a vast body of information about healthy living and treatment of ailments. In fact, when it comes to skincare, a lot of people swear by Ayurvedic treatment and remedies. These treatments are based on doshas and offer a holistic approach to manage skin problems. 

What are doshas?

Dosha is a combination of three elements, which are known as:

  • Vata (air and space)
  • Kapha (water and earth)
  • Pitta (fire and earth)

These elements are present in your body and are considered to be responsible for a person’s physiological, mental and emotional health. According to Ayurveda, in order to maintain and restore healthy skin, the doshas need to be balanced. Each individual is said to have a unique ratio of each dosha and they define their Ayurvedic constitution.

Linkage between Ayurvedic dosha and skincare
1. Vata dosha

Vata is made up of two elements: air and space. These elements are described as having a light, dry and rough impact on skin colouration and may cause light-brown pigmentation. Vata skin type is prone to fine lines and wrinkles, meaning that early signs of ageing and skin dehydration may manifest due to an imbalance of vata dosha.

Dry and cold weather, raw food and stress tend to aggravate and increase vata dosha so Ayurveda suggests the practice of steaming and applying the right moisturiser to maintain skin health.

Lack of maintenance in any of the three Doshas can cause skin disorders. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
2. Kapha dosha

Normally people with Kapha constitution, comprising the qualities of earth and water, are prone to disorders such as psoriasis, a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy dry patches. This skin type is dull, oily and has enlarged pores, thereby attracting impurities from the environment.

As per Ayurveda, with correct moisturiser, adjustment to lifestyle, diet and deep cleansing can help manage this skin disorder. 

3. Pitta dosha

Pitta is dominated by the fire element, symbolising strength, intensity and irritability. An imbalance of pitta dosha can cause redness, burning pain and sometimes can lead to fever. This skin type is prone to a type of eczema which is inflammatory, dermatitis and other types of inflammatory skin disorders. 

Since this skin type is sensitive, it needs sun protection to stay balanced. Cooling and healing herbs like aloe vera, rose and Jasmin help soothe and nurture this skin type and balances the dosha.

Takeaway

Maintaining the balance of each dosha allows the body to function efficiently and helps improve overall health and wellbeing. So ladies, by understanding these doshas you can balance them for achieving healthier skin. 

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Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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