The Ultimate Guide to Ayurvedic Skincare
- Anand Makan
- Nov 27, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Did you know that your skincare routine could benefit from ancient wisdom dating back over 5,000 years? Shankara - South Africa directly addresses your concerns of hydration, anti-ageing, sensitivity, pigmentation and radiance.
This guide will empower you to achieve healthy, glowing skin naturally by using ingredients and rituals rooted in Ayurvedic tradition.
Your will learn how to transform your skincare routine into a nourishing, mindful practice that benefits not just your skin but your overall well being.
Have you ever wondered why your skincare routine is not giving you the glow you deserve?
Ayurveda takes a revolutionary approach by addressing the root causes of skin issues.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, radiant skin is a reflection of internal harmony. Unlike conventional skincare, which often targets symptoms, Ayurveda looks at the root causes of skin problems, such as imbalances in lifestyle, diet, and mental health.
This means that, in addition to using external 100% natural skincare products, addressing internal factors such as digestion, hydration, and emotional well-being are just as important.
In this blog:
Why Ayurvedic Skincare?
Ayurveda teaches us that true beauty begins from within and manifests on the skin’s surface.
Ayurveda’s natural solutions are particularly effective for addressing challenges of modern life, such as pollution, stress and ageing making it as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
Holistic Approach: Ayurveda views the skin as a reflection of inner health.
Natural Ingredients: Harnesses the power of plant-based, chemical-free remedies.
Long-Lasting Results: Promotes sustainable beauty through balance and nourishment.
If there’s an imbalance in the body, whether from stress, poor digestion, or diet, it will show up in the skin. As a result, achieving healthy, glowing skin requires a holistic approach. By focusing on overall well-being and making mindful choices that support both the mind and body, you can enjoy beautiful skin naturally and most importantly, easily.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda meaning "the science of life", is a holistic healing system originating in India 5000 years ago and offers a unique approach to skincare that focuses on balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit.
Understanding Ayurveda: The Doshas and Their Impact on Skin Health
Ayurveda revolves around the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which correspond to specific elements and qualities that influence physical and skin health. Understanding your dosha is key to creating a skincare routine that works for you.
Characteristics of Each Dosha & Tips for Ayurvedic Skincare Based on Dosha:
Explore 100% Natural Ayurvedic Skincare at Shankara South Africa.
Ayurvedic Principles for Healthy Skin
Ayurveda emphasises balance in life—diet, lifestyle, and skincare—to achieve healthy skin. Radiant skin reflects internal harmony, and addressing digestion, hydration, and emotional well-being is just as important as topical care.
Key Ayurvedic Practices for Healthy Skin:
Meditation and Yoga: Reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and improve overall skin health.
Mindful Eating: Incorporate natural, whole foods appropriate for your dosha to nurture skin from within.
Seasonal Adjustments: Align skincare routines with weather changes to maintain balance.
For instance, Vata skin may need extra moisture during winter, while Pitta skin requires cooling formulations in summer.
Explore natural moisturisers designed to meet your seasonal skincare needs, like the Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser, exclusively available at Shankara South Africa
Ayurvedic Herbs and Ingredients for Radiant Skin
Ayurvedic skincare harnesses the power of time-tested herbs and ingredients:
Ghee: A key ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare, is known for its deeply moisturising and nourishing properties. Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, ghee helps to hydrate and soften the skin, improving its elasticity, promoting collagen production naturally and preventing dryness. Its natural antioxidants help combat signs of aging, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Regular use of ghee can promote a healthy, glowing complexion, enhance skin barrier function, and support overall skin health, making it an ideal choice for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
The Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser from Shankara South Africa—our handcrafted, 100-times churned ghee-based moisturiser. Proudly the first of its kind in South Africa, it offers your skin the natural nourishment it deserves.
Check out the video below to see how it's meticulously handcrafted.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and brightening. Perfect for masks to reduce redness and enhance skin tone. Turmeric is one of the most celebrated ingredients in Ayurvedic skincare. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps reduce redness, calm irritated skin, and brighten dull complexions. Turmeric is often used in face masks, as it helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and improves skin tone. It is also ideal for calming inflammatory conditions such as acne or rosacea.
Experience the timeless beauty of our Timeless Kumkumadi Face Oil, crafted with turmeric and 31 other potent Ayurvedic herbs. This luxurious formula is carefully handcrafted over a 2-week period to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness.
Liquorice extract: A powerful natural ingredient for skin care, known for its soothing and brightening properties. Rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone, and lighten dark spots. Liquorice extract also has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it effective in calming irritated or sensitive skin, and it can help fight acne by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, its ability to promote collagen production makes it a great choice for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Turmeric & Honey Face Mask:
Here is a quick home face mask.
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (preferably organic)
1 tablespoon honey (preferably raw)
Optional: 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt or milk (for added hydration)
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the turmeric powder and honey. If using yoghurt or milk, add it to the mixture to create a smooth paste.
Apply the mask: Using clean fingers or a brush, apply an even layer to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Let it sit: Lie down, take some time for yourself - leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off: Use lukewarm water to gently rinse off the mask, using circular motions to remove any residue.
Moisturise: Pat your skin dry and follow up with a Timeless Hydrating Moisturiser or Timeless Kumkumadi Face Oil.
Benefits:
Brightening: Turmeric is renowned for its ability to brighten the skin and even out skin tone, helping to reduce dark spots and pigmentation.
Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe redness and calm acne-prone skin.
Hydration: Honey deeply moisturises the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Glow-enhancing: The combination of turmeric and honey promotes a radiant, natural glow.
Tip: Use this mask once a week for best results. Be careful as turmeric can temporarily stain skin or fabrics—apply a thin layer and rinse thoroughly!
Rice Powder Face Scrub:
An easy, effective & gentle face scrub.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons rice powder (finely ground rice)
1 tablespoon honey (preferably raw)
1-2 teaspoons rose water (or plain water)
Instructions:
Prepare the scrub: In a small bowl, mix the rice powder and honey.
Adjust consistency: Add rose water (or plain water) gradually until you achieve a thick, paste-like consistency.
Apply the scrub: Gently massage the mixture onto your damp face and neck in circular motions for about 2-3 minutes. Make this time your mindfulness skin practice.
Rinse off: Use lukewarm water to wash off the scrub, and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Moisturise: Follow up with a Timeless Hydrating Moisturiser or Timeless Kumkumadi Face Oil.
Benefits:
Exfoliation: Rice powder acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin smooth and radiant.
Brightening: Rice powder is known to help reduce dullness and improve skin tone, giving your skin a natural glow.
Hydration: Honey helps retain moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.
Soothing: Rose water calms the skin, reducing redness and irritation, making the scrub suitable even for sensitive skin.
Use this scrub 1-2 times a week for the best results. It's an all-natural way to rejuvenate your skin and reveal a healthy glow!
Ayurvedic Skincare Routine: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating an Ayurvedic skincare routine involves cleansing, nourishing, and protecting the skin based on your dosha. Ayurvedic skincare products also have Tri-Dosha products which means they are suitable for all skin types and address all concerns.
Routine Overview:
Cleanser:
Use a non-comedogenic cleanser that thoroughly cleanses your pores without clogging them, helping your skin absorb products more effectively.
Shankara cleansers will be arriving in South Africa soon! To find out which cleanser you can use, reach out to us at sales@shankara.co.za
Exfoliate:
Gentle exfoliation with a 100% natural no chemical exfoliator, once or twice a week is enough. See our easy simple Rice Powder Facial Scrub recipe below. After exfoliation you may want to apply a mask. see above for our Turmeric and Honey Face Mask.
Toner:
Toning, as a distinct step, is not traditionally part of Ayurvedic skincare and may not be necessary if your cleanser is well-suited to your skin. However, a rosewater mist can be used to hydrate and refresh the skin, aligning with Ayurvedic principles of balance and natural care.
Serum:
Smooth out wrinkles, reduce redness, and fade pigmentation with Shankara Skin Brightening Serum. Apply in the morning or evening for an added boost of confidence before heading out. Just a few drops is enough to see a difference.
Moisturiser:
For day time:
Shankara Timeless Hydrating Moisturiser: For a powerful antioxidant protection & deep hydration that lasts all day.
For night time:
Shankara Timeless Kumkumadi Face Oil - Wake up to glowing skin with this 100% pure face oil. Your must have for luminous, nourished, and hydrated skin or alternate with
Shankara Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser - Address all skin concerns. A deeply nourishing, collagen-boosting emulsion, designed to penetrate beyond the surface to the 7th layer of skin (as per ayurvedic texts) to heal and rejuvenate your skin from within.
Transform your routine with Shankara’s range of Ayurvedic Tri Dosha (suitable for all skin types) skin care products—visit Shankara South Africa.
Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Beautiful Skin
How Stress Affects Skin
Ayurveda teaches that stress and imbalances in the mind manifest physically. Practices like meditation, yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises) can restore harmony, improving not just your emotional wellbeing but also your skin.
Lifestyle Tips
Eat seasonally and mindfully to nourish your skin from within.
Stay hydrated to maintain elasticity and suppleness.
Prioritise restful sleep, as it is essential for cellular repair.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips to achieve radiant skin:
Hydration is Key:
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking warm water or herbal teas. Start your day with warm water to support digestion and detoxification. Avoid dehydrating drinks that contain caffeine. Choose chamomile/cinnamon (Vata), rose/ peppermint (Pitta) and Tulsi/lemon-ginger (Kapha) tea instead.
Eat for Your Skin Type:
Vata skin (dry, prone to wrinkles): Favor warm, moist, and nourishing foods like soups and stews. Avoid cold or raw foods.
Pitta skin (sensitive, prone to redness): Include cooling foods like cucumber, coconut water and sweet fruits like pomegranate. Limit spicy and fried foods.
Kapha skin (oily, prone to acne): Opt for light, warm, and mildly spiced foods. Avoid excessive dairy and sweets.
Follow a Daily Skincare Ritual
Pair your Ayurvedic diet with premium skincare that aligns with Ayurvedic principles. Shankara’s 100% natural skincare products are crafted with natural, high-quality ingredients to bring a harmonious balance to your skin using time-tested traditional formulations.
Manage Stress for Healthy Skin
Stress can manifest as dullness or breakouts. Embrace calming practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to promote inner peace and overall skin health. While calming the mind , the gentle movement through yoga also increases blood circulation, giving your skin a natural glow.
Get Good Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential for skin repair and rejuvenation. Ideally, sleep by 10pm and rise just before the sun.
Get Skin That Glows from Within
By incorporating Shankara’s Ayurvedic skincare products and Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle tips from The Prana Plate you will create a holistic routine that nurtures not only your skin but your entire being.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Common Skin Concerns
Shankara provides remedies for various skin issues, from acne to signs of ageing:
Acne: Turmeric is highly effective in reducing acne due to their antibacterial properties.
Ageing: Ayurvedic anti-ageing treatments like Timeless Kumkumadi Oil and Gheesutrā Face Emulsion Moisturiser help reduce wrinkles, pigmentation and fine lines by boosting collagen production.
3. Pigmentation: Saffron and licorice root are natural brightening agents that diminish dark spots and even out skin tone. Use Brightening Skin Serum
Dryness: Oils like almond or sesame provide intense nourishment for dry, flaky skin. Use Timeless Kumkumadi Oil.
Oily Skin: Sandalwood balances excess sebum production. Use Timeless Kumkumadi Oil
Eczema and Psoriasis: Herbal formulations with turmeric, and manjistha soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Use Timeless Kumkumadi Oil.
Integrate these natural solutions into your routine with Shankara’s handcrafted Ayurvedic products—visit Shankara South Africa.
Embracing Ayurvedic Principles for Long-Lasting Skin Health
Ayurveda offers a holistic path to skin health by addressing balance within the body and mind. By understanding your dosha, incorporating natural remedies, and adopting mindful practices, you can achieve radiant and healthy skin.
Ready to transform your skincare journey? Visit Shankara South Africa to explore 100% natural handcrafted Ayurvedic skincare.
Comments