There are four dominant factors that determine your Skin Type. These factors are: oily vs. dry, sensitive vs. resistant, pigmented vs. non-pigmented, and wrinkled vs. tight. The key factors interact to determine the skin’s appearance, problems, needs, and vulnerabilities, and therefore dictate the kinds of products, ingredients, and treatments useful to address them. To get started, let me introduce you to some basics about the skin.
Ayurvedic skin care is derived from medicinal practices that began over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda practices the belief that there are three basic principles (or humors) born out of five basic elements that exist in nature. These principles are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These principles are believed to work together in harmony to make up the entire body. For each dosha (or physical type), symptoms tend to appear in groups, because the body-mind responds to imbalance as a whole:
What you must know first about skincare…skin care is the first step towards achieving a healthy body. Skin care is an essential part of most people’s daily routine. Skin care specialists say any imbalance in the protective barrier that envelops the human body provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in many types of skin irritations and accelerating the aging process.
APPLE SKIN TONER
Intended for slightly oily skins, we’re told by our skincare team that Apple Toner is an excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol (a real no-no, as it actually stimulates the oil glands to produce more oil).
Combine 2/3 cup witch hazel,
1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar,
and several drops of Lavender Essential Oil (or essential oil of your choice).
In summary it’s not enough to get a facial to keep your skin clear and beautiful. You need to have a great home skin-care routine.
1. Get a professional facial to deep cleanse your skin at least four times a year, as the seasons change. Every 4-6 weeks is ideal.
2. Throw away the soap and use quality skin care products that are right for your skin type.
3. Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days and in the winter. Use a good quality, high-SPF sunscreen. Sun damage is the single most important cause of premature aging.
4. Cut out skin-damaging habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and tanning booths.
Most cleansers, makeup, and other beauty products are full of harsh synthetic chemicals that may be harmful to skin. Natural skin care solutions for healthy skin are much better for you, support a cleaner environment and natural techniques work at least as well.
Essential oils are some of nature’s best helpers in almost every aspect of health. Many times more potent
than dried herbs, essential oils contain all the healing properties of a plant in a very concentrated form. For this reason, they are best used in tiny amounts and are often diluted for skin care.
Sea salt is the world’s most mineral-rich exfoliant. The minerals in sea water are known to nourish and
heal skin. The same minerals can be found in unprocessed, mineral-rich sea salt, and the coarseness of
salt makes it a perfect exfoliant. Try the following whole-body sea salt scrub.
Combine 1 Cup sea salt with 2 tablespoons Apricot or Almond Oil, add 5-6 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil.
1. Put salt in a bowl and add the oils.
2. Mix well.
3. Store in covered container until ready to use.
This recipe is best used in the shower after washing. Rub a small handful of the salt scrub over your body in brisk circular motions. Afterward, use a moisturizing anti aging skin care product. Fatty oils restore skin’s moisture and flexibility. Part of the benefit of the salt scrub recipe is the apricot or almond oil it contains, which leaves a nice glow and moisture in the skin. Using an oil cleansing method, surprisingly, is a simple and effective way to clean your face. Using olive oil, castor oil, and hot water leaves a lasting glow. Fatty vegetable oils can be used as moisturizers, makeup remover, cleansers if you want to keep your beauty products as pure as possible.
For a glowing complexion, a weekly facial mask is a great way to boost your skins radiance and normalize oily or dry conditions. No matter what your skin type, there is a facial mask suited for you. Facial masks, when used once a week or twice a month for sensitive skin, can deep clean your face, tighten your pores, or brighten and exfoliate. Exercise caution though when shopping for a mask. Not every facial mask will suit your particular skin type. Several varieties are clay masks, moisturizing masks, fruit extract masks, yogurt masks, and gel masks, just to name a few. Before you buy a facial mask, you must recognize your skin type and buy accordingly.
Gather the following ingredients:Juniper berries (Juniperus communus)
Used for: Detoxifying.
Chamomile Flowers (Matricaria recutita)
Used for: Soothing and calming.
Calendula Flowers (Calendula officinalis)
Used for: Softening the skin.
