Vata Skin, Ayurveda and Essential Oils

In Ayurveda, dry skin is recognised as having characteristics and imbalances of Vata Dosha. Vata skin is in general dry, thin, cool to the touch, easily gets dehydrated, and is very vulnerable to the influence of dry, windy weather.

A person can be born with a certain skin type: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, but over time, that type may change because of external factors such as climate, diet and lifestyle habits or environmental pollution.

HEALTHY SKIN: RIGHT PRODUCTS – RIGHT DIET – RIGHT REGIMEN

Caring for Vata Skin

For Vata skin to stay youthful, skin care products used should be very nurturing. They must include some essential oils or herbs in combination which can nourish the skin and rehydrate it; otherwise, it may be susceptible to wrinkles, dryness, sagging, itchiness, tightness, and premature aging.

Ayurvedic formulations are often complex combinations of different types of essential oils and herbs that offer the benefits of both synergy and balance, so that the final product is potent and highly effective without damaging side effects.

Essentials oils that can be used include:

Here are some suggestions for caring for Vata skin:

• Provide added nourishment to your skin by including organic milk, whole grains and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
• Drink lots of lukewarm water every day for internal hydration.
• Eat plenty of sweet juicy fruits; they help cleanse the body from within and provide hydration as well.
• Include a little healthy fat such as ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil in your diet for added lubrication.
• A warm oil self-massage (abhyanga) with a rich massage oil such as Sesame, Evening Primroseand Macademia are excellent for keeping skin lubricated. Add grounding & warming essential oils such as Ginger, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Rosemary, Juniper berry to your blend. Your body & mind will especially appreciate it in the morning and evening time when Vata is most active.
• Use a gentle, all-natural moisturiser to keep facial skin hydrated.
• Provide added deep lipid support with face serum. You can choose any of 2-3 oils mentioned above to formulate a well balanced, synergistic blend.
• Get plenty of rest so your mind as well as your body have the opportunity to recharge.
• Practice meditation, yoga, exercise gently, appreciate daily walks.
• Use a gentle, moisture-balancing toner such as Rose, Lavender, Chamomile Hydrosol.

Vata-balancing blends generally include sweet warming oils that soothe the mind and emotions and enhance serenity. Find out more about essential oils and aromatherapy that are beneficial for dry skin here.

A Vata-pacifying lifestyle — like going to bed on time, eating three regular meals, and following a regular daily routine — are essential components of a holistic approach to Vata skin care, as are eating foods that help balance Vata and nourish the Vata skin.

Below are several online tests you can take that will help you find which of the three types best describes you:

• The Ayurvedic Experience
• Nature’s Formulary
• Deepak Chopra Website
• Holistic Online
• Yoga International

If you live in Wellington, NZ and are looking for facial treatment or massage: Aromatherapy and Ayurveda – contact me on (+64) 0210778203 or hello@shamamatherapy.com