Some Ayurvedic skin care recommendations

Nina Marin, Ayurveda lecturer, Cluj-Napoca

Fascinating beauty

Women in India are distinguished by aa fascinating beauty, given by a special glow of a healthy, flawless complexion and thick, long, silky hair.

Their methods of care, passed down from generation to generation, are inspired by the Ayurvedic tradition, so much appreciated in those areas and recently discovered in the rest of the world.

Ayurveda provides us with a number of essential principles that we can use successfully to maintain an optimal state of health of the body, but also of the whole being, a central role being played byl Ayurvedic constitutional type.

Ayurvedic typologies

We will determine this constitutional type after a detailed analysis of the manifestation in our being of the three subtle vital forces called in Ayurveda vata dosha, pitta dosha and kapha dosha.

If we have a predominant constitutional type vata doshaThe complexion has dark or transparent white tones, through which blood vessels are easily seen. The skin is thinner, drier and tends to crack easily. It is skin that needs constant moisturising and nourishment.

If we have a predominant constitutional type pitta dosha, the complexion is shiny and spontaneously flushed. The skin is soft, moist, oily and warm. It is easily inflamed, so it is necessary toand ensure a state of purity.

If we have a predominant constitutional type kapha dosha, the complexion is clean and has a matte glow. The skin is thick, moist, well lubricated, cool, smooth and soft. It is a skin that easily maintains its health without much effort.

The methods used by Indience to-and keep skin flawless and glowing are based on natural products.

Clay

Clay masks are widely used in Indian beauty rituals and are effective for all skin types. Clay moisturises and nourishes the skin, has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect, regulates sebum secretion, removes impurities, oxygenates and tones the skin.

Make a paste of clay and water and apply it thinly to the face. Leave to dry, then wash off with lukewarm water. If it is too astringent, cucumber juice can be added to the clay paste.

Aloe vera

Indians also make extensive use of the Aloe vera plant. The properties of this plant are miraculous, both in health and beauty. Aloe vera gel contains a blend of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids and is one of the best remedies for treating skin, gastrointestinal and immune problems. Aloe vera has fast and beneficial effects in treating skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, sunburn. Aloe vera diminishes scarring and slows down the cellular ageing process, making it an ally in the fight against wrinkles.

Indians often mix Aloe vera gel with cucumber juice to remove dark circles, lemon juice to even out skin colour and honey to nourish and moisturise the skin. Together with tomato juice it gives glowing skin.

Neem

The neem tree is a sacred plant for Indians. It has exceptional therapeutic properties. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and immunostimulating effects are very strong.

Women in India use neem oil to prevent or treat everything from dry skin and acne to dermatitis and eczema. Like the Aloe vera plant, neem oil has an antiageing and skin tissue regeneration.

Lemon

Lamia is used particularly to care for oily skin with enlarged pores. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of sweet cheese and apply as a mask to the entire surface of the skin.

Almonds and aloe vera

For the peeling effect, a mask made from aa mixture of ground almonds, oatmeal and honey or aloe vera gel.

Rose water

Rose water is used to get rid of dark circles, unsightly skin blemishes and eczema.

Rose and marigold flowers

Lotions based on rose flower petals and marigold deeply cleanse dry skin, moisturising and hydrating the skin.o at the same time.

Leave rose petals and marigold flowers to macerate overnight. Strain and add a little milk. Wipe the complexion with this mixture, then rinse with warm water.

Melon and other fruit

Skin wraps with fresh vegetables and fruits are very popular in India. You can use tomato, cucumber or melon masks, leavingthem for a few minutes, then wash them off. You can also use a mask made by crushing plums or other fruits and vegetables.

Sesame or olive oil

If the complexion is dry or lacklustre, massage the face in quick strokes with sesame or olive oil.

Avocado

In case of sensitive or irritated skin, for a soothing effect, Indian women use avocado fruit, known for its rich content of natural oils. To do this, mash an avocado fruit and mix with a teaspoon of lemon juice and an egg white.

Cucumbers

If the eyes are tired and swollen, they squint ina cloth with an ice cube and a slice of fresh cucumber and apply to closed eyelids.

Chickpea flour

Chickpea flour is also among the beauty secrets that Indian women turn to. Chickpea flour is also mixed with other ingredients: honey, milk or lemon juice, makingit is thus a paste that is applied to the skin.

Santal

Sandalwood powder is very effective in case of acne. It reduces skin inflammations, dries pimples, soothes itching and reduces blackheads.

Face mask with egg and almond oil

Eggs are a very good source of astringent properties and almond oil is high in vitamin E. Both ingredients stimulate collagen production and help the skin toand regain its natural glow.

Mix 2 teaspoons of almond oil with one egg and spread the resulting paste all over the face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Mascface cream with turmeric, honey and milk

The antioxidants in turmeric play a vital role in improving skin health. By using turmeric-based masks, the skin becomes glowing, free of blemishes and wrinkles. Turmeric brightens the complexion and gets rid of dark circles.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and bleaching effects. It rejuvenates the skin, brightens it and gets rid of tan lines when the sun isit caught unevenly and I was left with unsightly streaks.

Dintr-a spoonful of turmeric powder, a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of milk is made into a mixture, which is applied thinly to the face. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.