Before coming to all the effective ayurveda skin care that all the skincare buffs can swear by, let’s follow the journey of people for flawless skin. For years, we all got swayed by trending chemicals like Niacinamide, Glycolic acid, and Hyaluronic acid that promised glass skin through a bottle.
Among these active ingredients, suddenly the internet buzzed with something ayurvedic yet simple, which was “100 times washed ghee.” All of a sudden, Dermatologists started mentioning in podcasts and reels, which claimed to be a skin elixir.
However, what’s more surprising is that “Ayurveda skin care” is not new at all. It’s been a part of our Indian culture for generations now. Our grannies and their mothers used ingredients like haldi, chandan, and besan way before these expensive glass bottles mushroomed. And, honestly they did wonders on their skin.
How Ayurveda Views “Skin”
As per ayurveda, skin is a reflection of your inner physical and emotional health, specifically “the gut.” Although, for instant and quick solutions applying herbal pastes on the skin works, it is still not a permanent solution.
Before getting to effective ayurveda skin care, let’s know the dosha imbalance in the body and type of skin. They are as follows –
- Vata Skin – If you have thin, dry, fragile, and prone to early wrinkled skin then your skin needs nourishment and hydration from oils and warm foods.
- Pitta Skin – Health seekers suffering from Pitta dosha have sensitive, reddish, and acne-prone skin. Hence, the body needs cooling herbs and a calming dinacharya to avoid inflammation.
- Kapha Skin – A kapha skin is thick, oily, and smooth, which tends to attract clogged pores and requires frequent deep cleansing and detoxification.
If you are like me and love taking care of your skin then you are at the right place. Let’s dive into 10 best ayurveda skin care tips that will help you maintain flawless skin naturally. Also these ayurveda skin care remedies will not burn a hole in your pocket, as you can collect them from your kitchen.
10 Ayurveda Skin Care Recipes
All of the ayurvedic skin care remedies are personally tried and tested by me that will make you fall in love with your skin.
1) Morning Besan and Turmeric Face Wash
Every alternate morning, I mix 1 tablespoon of besan (gram flour) with a pinch of haldi (tumeric), a half tablespoon of curd, and drops of rose water to make a thick paste. How do I use it every morning? I gently scrub my face in circular motions and rinse it off after 5 to 7 minutes.
It not only keeps my skin fresh and oil-free but also extracts all the gunk from the skin. It can also be used as a face pack, where the curd, haldi, and rose water moisturize the skin and acts as an effective de-tan.
2) Cooling Cucumber and Sandalwood Face Mask
On hot summer days, this ayurveda skin care is my favourite because it includes cucumbers. This pitta-pacifying mask is excellent to calm down the hot acne flare ups and inflammatory redness.
To make this home face mask, all you need to do is blend half a cucumber and mix it with 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder to make a paste. Following, apply the face mask all over the face after cleaning it and leave it for 15 minutes. It cools, calms, and brightens the skin. You can use it whenever your skin feels irritated or flushed.
3. Ghee and Saffron Night Moisturizer
Trust me on this one. It is pure skin gold. I take a small amount of 100 times washed cow ghee (or at least a well-whipped version), infuse a few strands of saffron, and massage it into my skin at night. It’s nourishing, healing, and wakes you up with soft baby-like skin. Use it before bedtime during winters or when your skin feels dry.
4. Neem and Tulsi Anti-Acne Paste
If you have suffered from acne all your life and feel your self-esteem to be shaken up, this skin care ayurvedic remedy can help you a bit. Although, acne needs to be treated from within. The moment you see a pimple peeking out, apply the grinded paste of fresh neem and tulsi leaves on it directly. I use it twice a week or during breakouts as a spot treatment.
5. Rose Water and Aloe Face Toner
After daily washing of the face, I prefer to tone my skin as it acts like a barrier. I mix equal parts of fresh aloe vera gel and pure rose water which is stored in a spray bottle and kept it chilled. In case your skin feels dry and dull, spritz it for hydration.
6. Manjistha and Honey Glow Mask
During festival season, I go for something extra and elaborate. For the glow, I mix 1 teaspoon manjistha powder with 1 teaspoon raw honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Additionally, I apply this mask and let it stay on my skin for 20 minutes. Be consistent with this mask and it will clear the blemishes from the skin and add brightness.
7. Ubtan for Weekly Exfoliation
As for this ayurveda skin care, this is my ancestral skincare treasure, where my grandmother used to mix chickpea flour, turmeric, sandalwood, and a bit of milk or curd. After applying the ubtan, leave it for 10 minutes as a pack and upon drying gently exfoliate it using a little water. I use it every Sunday just like my grandmother did.
8. Banana and Yogurt Moisturizing Mask
If you have too dry skin then your skin definitely needs a thick moisturising mask. Whenever my skin feels tired or stretchy, I mash half a ripe banana and mix it with 2 tablespoons of curd. This mask is rich in natural fats and probiotics that hydrate deeply. Hence, i recommend you to use it twice a week in dry seasons.
9. Licorice and Milk Tan Removal Pack as an Ayurveda Skin care
If I’ve been in the sun too long, I mix 1 teaspoon of mulethi (licorice) powder with raw milk and apply it on tanned areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse. It gently lightens pigmentation. Use it after sun exposure, about 2 to 3 times a week.
10. Coconut Oil and Camphor Spot Balm
This one is my go-to for small scars or spots. I mix a tiny pinch of edible camphor in a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and dab it on dark spots at night. It works slowly but surely. Use it consistently for a couple of weeks and you’ll see changes.
Herbs Effective as Ayurveda Skin Care
Following are the herbs that are known to cure everything from acne to pigmentation, dryness to dullness in a natural way.
- Neem – Known as an antibacterial and antifungal, Neem is ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Turmeric (Haldi) – It lightens the scars, pigmentation, and brings out the natural glow as it is full of antioxidants.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe cools pitta and soothes inflamed or sensitive skin as it hydrates the skin without clogging pores.
- Tulsi – Tulsi is anti-microbial as it clears skin infections and prevents acne by boosting skin immunity.
- Gotu Kola – This herb improves collagen production and skin elasticity as it is great for wrinkles and skin renewal.
- Kumkumadi (Saffron Blend) – This ayurveda skin care composition is a blend of herbs inclusive of saffron, manjistha, sandalwood, and more is used as a facial oil for even tone and instant glow.
- Lodhra – Known to firm up the sagging skin, reduce excess oil, and improve skin tone, which is good for Kapha skin types.
- Bakuchli – Bakuchi is a strong and powerful herb that treats pigmentation and vitiligo.
Vaidyaratnam Products For Glowing Skin
To support your ayurvedic skincare journey and opt for quick solutions, there are some ayurvedic herbal products from Vaidyaratnam that are effective ayurvedic skincare products.
Flora Fair Face Cream
Purpose: A daily-use Ayurvedic cream designed to nourish, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin, addressing concerns like acne, dryness, and dark circles.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits:
- Udumbara (Ficus racemosa): Known for its antibacterial properties, it aids in reducing skin inflammation and acne.
- Plaksha (Ficus microcarpa): Supports skin regeneration, promoting a smoother texture.
- Nyagroda (Ficus benghalensis): Helps diminish dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
- Pippala (Ficus religiosa): Enhances skin complexion and imparts a natural glow.
- Haridra (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding in reducing redness and blemishes.
- Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): A potent blood purifier that helps in achieving an even skin tone.
- Lodra (Symplocos cochinchinensis): Known to tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles.
- Kumkumadi Thailam: An Ayurvedic oil blend that promotes glowing skin and reduces signs of aging.
Benefits:
- Reduces acne scars and active pimples
- Deep moisturizes and softens dry skin
- Minimizes dark circles
- Helps treat atopic dermatitis
- Promotes an even skin tone
Usage: Cleanse the face thoroughly and apply the cream uniformly, massaging gently. Use as directed by a physician.
Kumkumadi Thailam
Kumkumadi Thailam is a traditionally-used Ayurvedic oil formulation aimed at enhancing skin complexion, reducing pigmentation, and providing deep nourishment.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits:
- Kumkuma (Crocus sativus): Saffron brightens the skin and reduces pigmentation
- Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Detoxifies the skin and promotes an even complexion
- Chandana (Santalum album): Sandalwood soothes the skin and reduces blemishes
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice lightens dark spots and evens skin tone
- Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides): Enhances skin texture and imparts a natural glow
- Laksha (Laccifer lacca): Aids in healing and rejuvenating the skin
- Sesame Oil: Acts as a nourishing base, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
- Ajaksheera (Goat’s Milk): Provides deep hydration and smoothens the skin.
Benefits of using Kumkumadi Thailam
- Brightens complexion and imparts a natural glow.
- Reduces pigmentation and dark spots
- Delays signs of aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin
Usage: It is advisable to apply a few drops to the face and massage gently in upward circular motions after washing your face. For best results, use at night and leave it on overnight.
Incorporating these Ayurvedic formulations into your Ayurveda skin care routine can lead to healthier, more radiant skin by leveraging the natural benefits of time-tested herbs.
