Proper ayurvedic skincare is based on the principles of ayurvedic medicine. In ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to health and wellness is achieved through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle. According to ayurvedic medicine, there are five different types of skin, and each type is associated with an element. Along with each element comes a detailed ayurvedic skincare routine. According to ayurvedic medicine, if one follows a strict ayurvedic skincare regimen, he or she will be in balance and experience healthy skin.
The five elements associated with ayurvedic skincare types are space, air, fire, water, and earth. Each element is associated with its own ayurvedic skincare routine and includes guidelines for proper diet, protection, and lifestyle choices. In ayurvedic medicine, it's believed that maintaining a proper balance is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, when the skin becomes unbalanced, different problems can arise, such as breakouts, blemishes, excess oil, and dryness.
Skin that falls under the element of space tends to be delicate, thin, and easily damaged. Because of the sensitive nature of this type, abrasive facial scrubs and products with harsh chemical ingredients should be avoided. The favored dietary requirements for this type are foods that are heavy and sweet, such as whole grains and fresh fruits. It's also said that people of this type are prone to more mental stress, so alleviating this stress as much as possible is recommended.
If the skin has large pores and is often dry and taught, it most likely falls under the element of air. People that fall under this type should avoid eating dry foods and should instead favor more fatty and oily foods. The key to keeping this type of skin healthy is to always make sure it's moisturized, to prevent damage caused by excessive dryness. This skin type is also prone to mental stress, so it's important to stay rested and positive and avoid becoming agitated.
The element of fire encompasses skin that has medium pores and a luminescent glow. People with this type of skin should eat sweet and cooling foods and avoid hot and spicy ones. To protect the skin, it's important to be aware that it's sensitive to the sun; it's best to avoid direct sunlight in the prime hours of the day. People with this type of skin are also prone to having negative emotions, so it's important to calm the mind and body through soothing music and cooling massages.
Water is the fourth element, and skin that falls under this category tends to be pale, thick, and overly hydrated. Foods recommended for this type tend to be classified as light, warm, and sharp. This skin type is prone to collecting excess toxins, so it's vital to detoxify the skin on a regular basis to maintain optimal health. These toxins build up even faster when a person lives a sedentary lifestyle, so it's best to try and keep active as much as possible.
Earth is the final element, and this skin type is known for having large pores that accumulate oils and toxins easily. The dietary recommendations for this skin type are warm and light, and foods that have little to no oil. A strict cleansing routine must be maintained to keep the excess oils from building up in the skin. People that fall under the element of earth must also remember to remain active in order to more efficiently eliminate toxins from their systema.
