Skin care
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and its condition speaks not only to the health of the body, but also to the health of the mind.
According to the Ayurvedic understanding, the skin helps to maintain a balance between the external natural world and the internal environment of the human body..
Through it, the three main types of energy can be balanced: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
The connection between the skin and the balance of energies
The structure of the skin is influenced by the energy Kapha, and its functional part can be affected by affecting the Pitta and Vata.
This means that the treatment performed through the skin is able to balance all three types of energy.
Understanding this relationship is important as it allows skin care to become a priority.
Skin care in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, this is achieved through three main types of procedures:
Washing or bathing
Special skin treatment before and after bath
Abhyangam – oil massage
Below we will describe some of the most effective skin care procedures practiced in Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurveda bath: warm water with special herbs
The most useful for the skin condition are:
- Triphala
- Musta
- Nalpamaradi
- White sandalwood
- Rose oil
- Nimba
- Haridra
- Rakta Chandana
- Khadira
- Ushira
Washing with such water is not only balancing, but also very useful for the treatment of various types of fungal infections.
Milk bath: bathing with milk
In order to be used for bathing and to be as useful as possible for the skin, the milk is prepared in a special way.
Various herbs are added to it, such as sandalwood, rose petals or bale.
People suffering from diseases related to unbalanced Pitta – hypersensitive skin, pimples, acne – can use this milk bath to protect the skin from damage after excessive exposure to sunlight or radiation.
Ayurvedic soap
Soap made from milk fat mixed with turmeric powder is considered the best for cleansing the skin.
Body washing can also be done with different types of powders that are used instead of soap.
These are, for example:
- Mung bean powder
- Powders of halo, turmeric or triphala
- Special soil extract enriched with minerals
The most famous is the powder of triphala and Varnya Gana.
Another type of dry powder is prepared with Kottamchukkadi Churnam, which is used in the procedure known as Udvartanam.
Applying this powder stimulates the skin, helps remove toxins, has an exfoliating effect and improves complexion.
Products for body care before bath
There are different types of vegetable oils that can be used before the so-called “application bath“.
This action is known as Abhyangam and has many benefits for restoring health and balancing vital functions.
Skin care products after bath
Ayurveda uses various products to protect the skin from the cold during the harsh winter months and from the heat in the summer.
They have a strengthening effect and protect the skin in extreme conditions, which can cause a disease process in the body.
Below you will see a complete list of Ayurvedic skin care products, along with their application and benefits.