Ayurveda & Skincare
Ayurveda is an ancient medical system rooted deep in Indian culture that dates back thousands of years. This system is based on the universal elements: air, ether (space), earth, water and fire. It is the philosophy that each element lives within us and is ever-changing and dynamic. As we go through life, the seasons, lifestyle, and other factors will push our bodies out of balance. Ayurveda is always aiming to bring these elements within our body back to our own constitutional balance.
We are each born with a constitution that is set for life. Although our body’s and minds can be influenced by the outside world, such as culture, society and environment, the genetics we are born with will ultimately define our constitution for life. In Ayurveda, there are 3 Doshas, or constitutions - Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Each Dosha is made up of a combination of the elements.
- Vata - Air + Ether (Space)
- Pitta - Fire + Water
- Kapha - Water + Earth
See below for a list of attributes (or characteristics) that are associated with each dosha.
While we all have attributes of all the elements and Doshas within us, constitutionally we all lean more in one direction or another. Most people are a combination of two of the Doshas, while some are Tridosha, meaning they are an equal amount of all 3, and even more rarely, some people are only one Dosha.
Attributes of each Dosha is a core piece of Ayurveda. When we can understand what makes up each individual, we understand how to treat and prevent illness. We do this by using medicine in the form of food, herbs, and lifestyle that have the opposite qualities of the individual's attributes. For example, Vata types are dryer, and often present with dry, flakey skin. To remedy this, a thicker or more nourishing moisturizer is recommended to combat the dryness on a topical level, while also using foods and herbs that are deeply hydrating and rich in healthy oils.
The Doshas
Vata - Air + Ether (Space)
Attributes: Dry, light, cold, rough, mobile, clear.
An example of a Vata person would be someone who loves travel, loves warmth, light on their feet and very mobile in their body and life. In balance they thrive as teachers, counselors, and deep thinkers (as the air-like qualities are associated with the nervous system). But out of balance these folks may experience constipation, anxiety, dry skin, insomnia, fear-based living and so on. Because the Fall season is one that is already very windy and "airy" grounding lifestyle practices like eating root crops and a solid self-care routine can be helpful for rooting down the "airy" Vata folks.
- Dry
○ Dry skin, dry hair, dry eyes
○ Dry stool - prone to constipation
- Light
○ Light on their feet, often tall and slender
○ Alert + Attentive
○ Light hair
- Cold
○ Feels cold often, always wearing layers
○ prefers warmth + sun
- Rough
○ Prone to rough skin
- Mobile
○ Mobile joints - hyperflexible
○ Mobile in life - loves to be on the move and doesn’t like to feel “stuck” in one place ● Clear
○ Clear intentions in life
Physical Characteristics of Vata
- Often tall, long limbs, thin hair
Loves
- The sun + warmth
- To counsel + teach
- Travel, explore, move often and have fresh starts
Dislikes
- The cold
- Sensitivity to loud sounds, bright lights
Prone to
- Small appetite
- Insomnia, anxiety/nervousness/fear
- ungrounded/restlessness
- Dryness - skin, hair, nails, dry stools/constipation
Skin care
- Prone to dry + rough skin; eczema, psoriasis, fine lines
- Requires more gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, oil cleansing
- Product Recommendations: Nourish Face Cream, Nourish Face Oil, Konjac Sponge Lifestyle
- Quality bed time routine for ample rest
- Gentle exercise: walks, yoga, swimming, tai chi, qi gong
- Foods: gently cooked, nourishing foods; sweet potatoes, squash, greens, proteins ● More nourishing and building activities, not over cleansing the body
- Slightly warming carminative herbs: cumin, coriander, cardamon to help gently warm and move digestion
Pitta - Fire + Water
Attributes: Hot, sharp, light, liquid, oily
A Pitta person may fit into the stereotype of an "A" type personality. They might present as muscular, strong, active and well... fiery. They might enjoy spicy food, sweat easily, and have a fast digestive system. In balance they thrive as leaders, athletes, and seek success and personal growth. Out of balance these folks might struggle with acne, rosacea, acid reflux, and excess anger and frustration. Summer is a naturally "fiery" season, so finding balance in this season or when experiencing skin or emotional regulatory issues could be through cooling foods (leafy greens, fruits, salads), and calming skincare.
- Hot
○ Runs hot, often feels warm
○ Loves spicy food
○ Sweats easily
- Sharp
○ Great at concentrating, loves to learn
- Light
○ Alert + attentive
- Oily
○ Oily skin type
○ Fast digestion
Physical Attributes
- Medium build
- Often very muscular
- Fair skin, freckles, light or red hair
Loves
- Hot, spicy food or cold, raw food - but nothing in between
- Personal growth and challenges
- Success driven: loves leadership
- Athletic accomplishments
- Big appetite
Dislikes
- Heat is irritating
Prone to
- Acid reflux + ulcers
- Loose stools
- Red blisters
- Pushing their limits when they are stressed
- Irritability
Skin care
- Prone to flushed face with redness
- Prone to sunburns and rashes
- Sensitive acne prone skin
- Product Recommendations: Clarity Face Oil, Refresh Face Oil, Protective Sun Cream, Clarity Toner, Clarity Face Wash
Lifestyle
- Waking up early to start the day
- Moderate exercise: jogging, yoga, hiking, sports, lifting weights
- Foods: dark leafy greens, ample protein and carbohydrates, gently cooked or some raw ● Avoid: hot, spicy foods
- Cooling herbs like mint + lemon balm to help ease hot digestion
Kapha - Earth + Water
Attributes: Heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, soft, static, sticky, cloudy
A "kapha" person is often that maternal figure in your life. The person who you want to cuddle up too when you are feeling sick. They often present as full-bodied, thick hair, soft-spoken, and calming persona. In balance they are healers, often incredible cooks, and incredible listeners and friends. Out of balance they may become depressed and lack energy to leave the house. They may forget to take care of themselves. Winter can be a challenging time for these folks as it is already a "Wet" "damp" season, so focusing on digestion, liver health, with smaller frequent meals and warming teas is helpful. Cystic acne is common for these folks as well, so focusing on hormonal balance and regular skincare is therapeutic.
- Heavy
○ Nourished + grounded
○ Slow digestion
- Slow
○ Quiet, calm and not quick to move
- Oily
○ Very well moisturized and nourished throughout the body
- Smooth
○ Body is flexible
○ Skin is smooth and even
- Dense
○ Stable mind + body
○ Dependable, hard working
○ Healthy muscle tissue + strength
- Soft
○ Tender heart
○ Soft skin, soft voice
○ Nurturing energy
- Static
○ Creates stability and support
- Cloudy
○ Can become too attached to things
○ Lack of judgment and clarity
Physical attributes
- Thick hair
- Even toned skin
- Full bodied
- Glowing
- Soft spoken, melodic voice
- Slow and methodical in their actions
Loves
- To rest rather than be active
- To nurture those around them and help others
- Sweet foods
Dislikes
- To move fast or on a whim
Prone to
- Becoming stubborn or attached
- Stagnation
- Slow digestion
Skin care
- Balanced or oily skin type
- Can be prone to cystic acne
- Product Recommendations: Renew Face Wash, Renew Toner, Renew Face Oil or Clarity Face Oil, Clarity Toner, Clarity Face Wash
Lifestyle
- Early to bed and early to rise is best
- Gardening, walks along the water and gentle hikes in nature
- Mental health check ins to ensure self is being taken care of and not overly nurturing others ● Food: Smaller more frequent meals during the day. Lots of warming teas throughout. Ample dark leafy greens, protein and colorful veggies. Pungent foods like garlic, onions, leeks are helpful. ● Herbs: Ashwagandha to help revitalize and bring energy
Ayurveda is not just a medical system, but a way of life. This system of medicine is overall a preventative system. When you know your Dosha, you understand the lifestyle that you can thrive in and what can be challenging. It is a beautiful way to understand yourself - body, mind and spirit, and others around you.