Ayurvedic approach
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the characteristics of Vata and Pitta skin sensitivities and the underlying imbalances that can contribute to skin irritation. We'll also explore Ayurvedic remedies and practices that can help to soothe and heal sensitive skin, from dietary changes to herbal remedies to daily self-care routines.
Whether you're dealing with chronic skin sensitivities or simply looking for natural, holistic ways to care for your skin, this guide will offer valuable insights and practical tips for promoting healthy, radiant skin from the inside out.
Pitta: Oily skin
Skin sensitivity, inflammation, and excess heat can be related to Pitta dosha imbalance. This is because Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation in the body, and when it becomes imbalanced, it can cause inflammation and heat in the skin.
Pitta-related skin sensitivities are often associated with skin allergies and reactions, as well as conditions like rosacea and eczema. Pitta-sensitive skin may also be prone to acne and oily skin, as the excess heat and inflammation in the skin can lead to clogged pores and bacterial growth.
Factors that can aggravate Pitta and lead to skin sensitivity include spicy or acidic foods, exposure to hot weather or sun, and emotional stress. All of these factors can contribute to excess heat and inflammation in the body, which can then manifest as skin irritation and sensitivity.
Cooling & calming practices
To balance Pitta dosha and support healthy, clear skin, Ayurveda recommends incorporating cooling and calming practices into your daily routine:
- Drink cooling herbal teas
- Eat fresh & hydrating foods
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods
- Regular exercise
- Meditation
- Essential oil diffusion
By working with the principles of Ayurveda, you can help to identify the root causes of your skin sensitivities and develop a customized treatment plan to promote healthy, radiant skin from the inside out.
Body lotion to promote Pitta balance
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond oil
- 10 drops of Tea Tree & Patchouli
- 5 drops of Valerian
Instructions:
Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together. Remove from heat and let it cool off a bit and stir in the almond oil, Tea Trea, Patchouli, and Valerian before it becomes solid. Let it cool off until it becomes solid.
Benefits:
Shea butter and coconut oil provide nourishment and moisture for the skin, while almond oil helps to balance the skin's natural oils.
Tea Tree: Clearing, Toning, Healing
Patchouli: Regenerating, Anti-Aging, Balancing
Valerian: Soothing, Anti-Inflammatory, Protective
Multicolumn with images
Vata: Dry skin
Dryness, roughness, and sensitivity in the skin can be related to Vata dosha imbalance. This is because Vata is associated with the movement of fluids in the body, and when it becomes imbalanced, it can lead to dehydration and dryness in the skin.
Other aspects include stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to cold and windy weather that can imbalance Vata. All these factors can further dry the skin and cause it to become more sensitive.
Warming & calming practices
To balance Vata dosha and support healthy, nourished skin, Ayurveda recommends incorporating grounding and moisturizing practices into your daily routine:
- Warm and nourishing oils for natural cosmetics
- Eating warm
- Hydrating foods
- Avoiding cold, dry foods that can aggravate Vata imbalance
- Gentle Yoga and Meditation
- Warm baths with essential oils
- Regular rest and relaxation
By addressing the root causes of Vata imbalance and nurturing your skin with supportive practices, you can promote healthy, radiant skin that feels soft, smooth, and nourished.
Body lotion to promote Vata balance
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup each of sweet almond oil, shea butter and aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
5 drops Lavender, Geranium, Marjoram
Instructions:
Melt the shea butter until it becomes liquid. Add the sesame oil and almond oil to the melted shea butter. Let it cool for a few minutes. After it colled down, you can add the ashwagandha powder, aloe vera gel and essential oils and mix it well. Pour it into a glass container and let it cool down.
Benefits:
Shea butter moisturizes and softensyour skin, while Aloe vera hydrates. Sesame oil has anti-inflammatory properties, while almond oil also nourishes your skin.
Geranium: Balancing, Soothing, Regenerating
Lavender: Calming, Healing, Restorative
Marjoram: Soothing, Antioxidant, Moisturizing
Ayurvedic Forehead Pouring
Ayurvedic forehead pouring, also known as Shirodhara, is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring a steady stream of warm oil or herbal-infused liquid onto the forehead. This therapy is believed to calm the mind, balance the doshas, and promote overall wellbeing.
Here is a simple recipe for an Ayurvedic forehead pouring that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup dried Brahmi leaves (Bacopa monnieri)
- 1/4 cup dried Shankhpushpi flowers
(Convolvulus pluricaulis) - 1/4 cup dried Ashwagandha root
(Withania somnifera) - 1 teaspoon dried Jatamansi root
(Nardostachys jatamansi) - 1/2 teaspoon dried Tagara root
(Valeriana wallichii)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the sesame oil and dried herbs. Heat the mixture over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the herbs.
Let the oil cool to a comfortable temperature. Lie down on your back with a towel or pillow under your head. Close your eyes and have someone slowly pour the warm oil onto your forehead, starting at the hairline and moving in a slow, steady stream towards the center of the forehead.
Let the oil flow over your forehead for 20-30 minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable. After the treatment, rest for a few minutes before getting up.
Vendor
Example Product Title
Vendor