Skin care in Ayurveda based on doshas, season

2. AAPNA
76th Academic Teleconference Call
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
6:00 pm (PST) 9:00 pm (EST)
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3. SKIN CARE IN
AYURVEDA
PRESENTER : DR. (VAIDYA) PRAGATHI HEGDE
BAMS, YOGA INSTRUCTOR, REIKI HEALER
PHOENIX, AZ
EMAIL : dr.pragathi.hegde@gmail.com

4. CONTENTS
 Introduction.
 Functions of Skin
 Twak According to Ayurveda
 Anatomy of Skin
 Nidana – Causative factors
 Samprapthi – Patho-Physiology
 Skin type and Care based on Doshas
 Skin Care and Treatment
 Skincare Tips

5. INTRODUCTION
• The skin not only protects the body but
also performs many excretory and
metabolic functions.
• It is also the seat of complexion, which
maintains beauty and personality.
• The incidence of Skin diseases is on
increasing as latest survey displays that a
very large proportion of population
suffers from skin diseases

6. FUNCTIONS OF SKIN
• Skin is the seat of sense organ. The senses
of
touch, pain, temperature pressure are felt by
it.
• Skin is the essentially largest organ in the
body. It covers & protects the underlying
muscles & organs. It acts as an Insulation.
It plays a major role in synthesis of
Vitamin D.
• The physical toughness of the skin prevents
the easy entry of harmful chemicals and
invading organisms such as bacteria and
viruses into the body.

7. TWAK ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

According to Ayurveda, SKIN is a mirror
to an individual's health.

Twak (SKIN) is a Matruja Avyava
i.e. derived from mother or having
maternal origin.

Twak (Skin) gives clue to one's Ayurvedic constitution
(DOSHA). This is usually understood by the type of skin
one has.

Twak is known as an Upadhatu (secondary tissue
product ) of the rakta dhatu (Blood). Hence it reflects the
qualities of rakta and rasa dhatu (body's plasma tissue).

8.
TWAK
In Ayurveda according to sushrutha Acharya the twak has
seven layers namely :
AVABHASINI
LOHITA
SHWETHA
TAMRA
VEDINI
ROHINI
MAMSADHARA
These layers when get affected by imbalanced doshas ( vital
energetic forces of the body ) give rise to different twak rogas
( skin diseases )

9. DHATUS AND SKIN
RASA – PLASMA (Lymph, Avabhasini – Stratum Circulates nutrients,
blood plasma ) Corneum – external horny, makes skin smooth and
keratin layer soft.
RAKTA – BLOOD (Red Lohita – Stratum lucidum Oxygenation, maintains
blood cells ) – contains blood colour of skin and lips.
capillaries
MAMSA – MUSCLE Sweta – Stratum Skin covers the muscle and
(Skeletal muscle ) Granulosum provides protection and
movement.
MEDA – ADIPOSE (Fat in Tamra – Stratum Sebaceous secretion.
limbs) spinosum ( Pigmentation
layer )
ASTHI - BONE Vedini – Stratum Teeth, gives support ,
germinosum firmness.
MAJJA – NERVES Rohini – Dermis Papillary Provides sensation of
touch, heat, cold, pain and
love.
SHUKRA – Mamsadhara – Reticular Provide ojas, immunity,
REPRODUCTIVE (BOTH Contains ''OJAS'' stamina....
MALE AND FEMALE)

10. SKIN
EPITHELIAL TISSUES
• Skin is made up of multiple layers
of epithelial tissues.
• The microscopic section of the
skin shows 3 distinct parts namely:

EPIDERMIS

DERMIS

SUB-CUTANEOUS TISSUE.

11. ANATOMY OF SKIN
EPIDERMIS : is the top most
and thin layer.
Melanocytes : melanin
DERMIS : It is the middle layer
of
the skin and is thicker then the
Epidermis.
SUB-CUTANEOUS TISSUE : It
is the lowest layer. It regulates the
body temperature.

12. WHAT SPOILS THE BEAUTY OF
SKIN? (NIDANA)
Healthy internal radiance is the true definition of ''BEAUTY''.
( According to AYURVEDA )
Several internal and external causes spoil the beauty of skin.
AHARAJA (DIET )
• Junk
• spicy
• oily

13. NIDANA- CAUSATIVE FACTORS
ADDICTION :
•
Alcohol
•
Tobacco
•
Drugs
VIHARAJA :
•
lack of exercise - leads to dull looking skin
•
sun - Tan
•
Seasonal Changes - Dry , oily skin
•
Air Pollution - air pollutants like Dust, smoke, smog, dirt
can clog pores & cause acne & pimples.

14. NIDANA
MANASIKA :
• STRESS MENTAL : causes dark
circles, loss of complexion and
appearance of permanent lines on
facial skin.
• EMOTIONAL : Anger
• PHYSICAL : exercising too much,
working too much or straining the
body over a period of time - causes
dryness, rough & aged skin.
ANYA :
Lifestyles : SLEEP - Lack of sleep
causes dark circles and diminishes the
glow of skin.

15. SAMPRAPTHI
THESE ACCUMULATED
NIDANA TOXINS AFFECT THE
HEALTH OF SKIN
DUE TO
FOOD ENTERS INDIGESTION TOXINS
AMASHAYA ACNE GETS ACCUMULATED ALL
OVER THE BODY
PIMPLE
DIMINISHED AGNI LOWERS THE BODY
RESISTANCE
FORMATION OF
APAKWA ANNA RASA (IN- FAILS TO NOURISH
DIGESTED FOOD) THE DHATUS

16. KNOW YOUR AYURVEDIC SKIN TYPE AND GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS
VATA SKIN PITTA SKIN
• • FAIR, SENSITIVE, SOFT
DRY, THIN , DELICATE &
COOL TO TOUCH WARM & OF MEDIUM
THICKNESS.
• EASILT GETS DEHYDRATED
• LESS TOLERANCE TO HEAT,
• VULNERABLE TO DRY TEMP
WINDY WEATHER
• • MORE PRONE TO
AGE FASTER, TENDS TO
DRY, ROUGH & FLAKY . FRECKLES, MOLES
• WHEN OUT OF BALANCE,
CAN FLARE UP IN RASHES,
ACNE OR SUNSPOTS.

17. KNOW YOUR AYURVEDIC SKIN TYPE AND GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS
CHARACTERISTICS
KAPHA SKIN TRIDOSHA SKIN
• OILY, THICK, PALE, SOFT, • VATA- PITTA THAT IS DRY &
COOL SENSITIVE
• MORE TOLERANT TO SUN • KAPHA- PITTA SKIN IS OILY
& SENSITIVE
• KAPHA SKIN TENDS TO AGE
SLOWER & FORM LESS • VATA- KAPHA SKIN IS DRY &
WRINKLES OILY.
• STRUGGLE WITH DULL
COMPLEXION, ENLARGED
PORES, EXCESSIVE OIL,
BLACKHEADS, PIMPLES,
MOIST TYPE OF ECZEMA &
WATER RETENTION

18. SKIN CARE BASED ON DOSHAS
VATA TYPE SKIN CARE
INTERNALLY :
DIET : WARM, UNCTUOUS FOODS &
FAVOUR THE SWEET, SOUR & SALTY TASTES
• ORGANIC MILK, WHOLE GRAINS & GREEN LEAFY VEG
• DRINK LOTS OF LUKEWARM WATER EVERYDAY FOR INTERNAL
HYDRATION
• EAT PLENTY OF SWEET JUICY FRUITS
• INCLUDE A HEALTHY FAT GHEE / OLIVE OIL
EXTERNALLY :
EXTERNALLY
• WARM OIL SELF MASSAGE WITH ORGANIC SESAME OIL
• GOING TO BED ON TIME & PRANAYAMA PRACTICE.

19. VATA TYPE SKIN CARE
CLEANSING : Rose water and Milk
EXFOLIATING : Rice/ almond powder
STEAMING : Plain water with fresh mint leaves.
MASSAGING : Malai (milk cream) Aloevera Gel (For all skin types)
Avocado Mask
Avocado is great for vata skin because
it’s creamy, smooth, and will hydrate
your skin in no time. Mash up an avocado
until there are no lumps and apply to your
face. You can wash it off in 20 minutes.
Your skin will feel soft, smooth,
and hydrated.
MOISTURIZING : Almond Oil

20. PITTA TYPE SKIN CARE
INTERNALLY :
DIET :
• FOOD HAVING THE TASTES OF SWEET,
BITTER & ASTRINGENT - SWEET, JUICY FRUITS,
COOKED GREENS, WATER
• EAT SOME ROSE PETALS JAM IN COOL MILK EVERYDAY.
• COOK WITH COOLING SPICES SUCH AS FENNEL & LICORICE.
EXTERNALLY :
• MASSAGE WITH COCONUT OIL / OLIVE OIL / SANDALWOOD
OIL.PROTECT YOUR SKIN BEING EXPOSED TO SUNYOGA,
PRANAYAMA, BRISK WALK, SWIMMING

21. PITTA TYPE SKIN CARE
CLEANSING : Rose water
CLEANSING
EXFOLIATION : Milk + sugar candy
EXFOLIATION
STEAMING : Neem leaves
STEAMING
MASSAGING : Sandalwood / coconut oil
MASSAGING
MASK : Crushed rose petals+ milk+
MASK
sandalwood powder.
Certain herbs that are good for pitta skin care Bhringaraj, Aloe
vera, Amla, Red sandalwood and white sandalwood. These help
in drawing out excess heat from the skin and provide
nourishment to the tissues of the skin to withstand the changes in
temperature and helps in keeping skin clear and healthy.

22. PITTA TYPE SKIN CARE
• Also Triphala, Neem and Manjishta are helpful
for Pitta skin types as they purify the skin while
retaining the moisture and youthfulness of the
skin. Ayurvedic formulations for pitta skin types
include combining these herbs with soothing oils
that balance the pitta dosha.
• A particular herb called Flame of Forest helps in
protecting the Pitta skin types from the harmful
effects of sun rays. Should be used in combination
with other drugs.

23. PITTA TYPE SKIN CARE
I have extremely freckly, red, hot pitta skin and I
came up with this to cool off.
Lime evens out dry skin spots, discoloration, and
helps with pimples and excess oil; the rind will be
a mild exfoliant.
Squeeze the juice of 3-4 organic limes. Grate up
the rind with a small grate and add to the juice.
Pour your mixture into an ice cube tray –
distributing the rind evenly.. After the lime is fully
frozen you can rub it on your face – and take extra
time under your eyelids if they’re puffy.

24. KAPHA TYPE SKIN CARE
INTERNALLY :
DIET : Warmer, lighter, less oily & free of heavy,
hard to digest foods, bitter, astringent & pungent
tastes.
Eat plenty of organic fruits & vegetables.
Cook with warming spices - ginger & black pepper.
EXTERNALLY :
A warm oil massage and regular physical exercise will
improve blood circulation to the skin. Also using a mud-
mask at-least once a week and scrubbing the skin with a
gentle clay for exfoliation will help in external cleansing of
the skin.

25. KAPHA TYPE SKIN CARE
CLEANSING : That contains a citrus
FULLER'S EARTH
such as lemon, orange.
EXFOLIATION: Sea salt + honey
EXFOLIATION
STEAMING : Mint leaves
MASSAGING : Aloe-vera + turmeric
FACE MASK : Multani mitti + honey + rose
water.
TULASI
Certain herbs like Manjishtha (Indian
Madder), Neem, Tulasi, Triphala and
turmeric help in balancing the kapha dosha in
the skin. Apart from nourishing the skin, they
TURMERIC
also help in detoxification. They also adds up
to [tag]skin brightness[/tag] and clarity and
balances the oiliness of the skin.

26. KAPHA TYPE SKIN CARE
Bananas ( ripe) and almonds are both
heating foods – heating is good for Kapha.
Because kapha tends to accumulate
ama (toxin) build-up easily, you’ll want
to make sure and wash this off thoroughly after you’re done.
For this scrub you’ll need 1/4 cup sea salt, a handful of
almonds, and 1/4 of a ripe banana. With a pestle and mortar
or food processor, grind almonds until coarse and set aside.
In a bowl mash the banana until smooth, and add almonds
and salt & stir. The trick to this mask is that it is exfoliating
so when you apply it to your face, scrub with vigor for 3-5
minutes. Wash thoroughly and apply an astringent.

27. FOR COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
You’ll need 2 medium carrots, 1/4 cup of
organic unbleached sugar (for pitta) or sea salt
(for vata/kapha), and 1 TBSP of honey. Carrots
are a wonderful source of anti-oxidants and
Retinol; honey is a sacred substance in
Ayurveda, called “Madhu” in Sanskrit and
according to the ancient texts it is scraping, dry, and astringent
– all great for scrubbing the skin. You can use sugar if you’ve
got pitta skin (because sugar is cooling), and if you’ve got vata
or kapha skin use sea salt (because salt is heating). In a bowl
mix the sugar and honey together and set aside. Blend your two
carrots into a pulp using a food processor. Mix the carrots in
with the honey and sugar. Apply to your face, wait a few
minutes, and wash off.

28. FOR COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
Aloe-Vera has the ability to provide
essential nutrients, kill bacteria, viruses,
fungi, yeasts and reduce inflammation.
Aloe Vera is a natural anti-inflammatory
that is much more delicate on the human
body.
Aloe Vera is comprised of approximately 99% water
Li-gin – This cellulose substance is found in the gel has no
known medical properties except it posses the property of
penetrating the human skin.

29. FOR COMBINATION SKIN TYPE
HONEY is having the properties
antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hygroscopic
which means when exposed to air, it naturally
absorbs moisture in from the air. it helps keep
skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying.
It contains an enzyme that produces
hydrogen peroxide which is believed to be the
main reason for the antimicrobial activity of
honey

30. SKIN CARE ACCORDING TO SEASON

When climate is hot and humid the skin
feels sticky due to sweat. Microbial activity
increases on wet skin.

Bathe daily to keep the skin clean and
lower the microbial activity.

Use a mixture of soap nut powder, besan
(gram flour) and sandal wood powder to
scrub the skin.

Drink plenty of water to compensate the
loss of fluid through sweat.

31. SKIN CARE ACCORDING TO SEASON
• When climate is cold and dry the moisture level
of skin lowers and skin becomes dry and it tends
to crack.
• Smearing fresh aloevera juice improves moisture
levels of skin.
• Massage your body with gingelly oil (til oil) once
in a week.
• Always wear warm cotton clothes & socks.
• Regular foot massage with warm gingelly oil or
castor oil prevents fissuring of heels and foot.
• Drink plenty of warm water to keep the skin well
hydrated and to prevent dryness.

32. Treatment for skin disease:
The holistic management of health problems
in ayurveda comprises the three fold scientific
approach towards diseases through diet,
lifestyle and medicine.
Ayurveda has stated that skin diseases occur
primarily due to sluggish liver function,
which leads Pitta and Kapha Dosha dysfunction when toxins build up
and the liver is overwhelmed, then the impurities show up in break-
outs and other skin problems.
Another vital factor that contributes to healthy appearance is the clean
bowel: hence the need for regular and complete bowel evacuation. In
order to achieve this, a mild laxative like Trifala and a light diet are
advisable if one suffers from constipation.
Also, be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to help flush out
the impurities. In spring you can sip hot water to help melt the ama
(digestive impurities) that have accumulated.

33. Treatment for skin disease:
Scientifically treatments have been
classified as shodhana & shamana.
Sodhan Chikitsa:
When doshas are vitated in large guantity & disease is chronic
then shodhan chikitsa should apply first.
Acharyas have classified shodhana as Basti, Vaman,
Virechana, Raktamokshana (Blood letting) & nasya.

34. Treatment for skin disease:
Shaman Chikitsa:
When doshas are minimally imbalanced & the ACACIA
body is weak. Shaman Treatment is more CATECHU
important.Shaman treatment can be classified
as external & internal.
Administration of proper food, medicines by
mouth is internal treatment & the application
of medicated oil, lepa (ointment), etc is external
CASSIA
treatment. FISTULA
Ayurveda has said that for all skin diseases
'Khadira' is best as oral medicine and
'Aragwad' is best for local application.
Shirish, Lamajjak, Nagkesara and Lodhra are
used for Hyperhydrosis and as an anti
sweating agent.

35. Treatment for skin disease:
Shaman Chikitsa:
Tejpatra, Ambu, Lodhra, Abhay {Khas}
and Chandan are used as Daurghandya-
har {to prevent body odour} Charaka
has mentioned a group of 10
drugs, which are promoters of
complexion.
They are known as the 'Varnya Dravya':
Chandan (Sandalwood), Lal Nagkesar
(Fragrant Poon), Padmaka(Himalayan
Cherry),Ushir (Cuscus Grass),
Madhuka(Liquorice),
Manjishtha(Madder) ,Payasa(White
Yam, shita ( white scutch grass), lata
( black scutch grass).

36. AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS
Shata Dhout Ghruta (100 times washed ghruta)
Traditional Ayurvedic Skin Cream -
It's completely natural and chemical free.
Very useful for achiving radient and glowing skin.
Shatadhout Ghruta is preapred from organic ghee
(made from cow milk) by washing it repeatedly 100
times using specific method prescribed in
This process transforms the ghee into a soft ,cooling, nourishing,
Ayurveda.
silky cream.
use: It is an excellent Astringent, Moisturiser, Anti-wrinkle &
Cleansing cream. Can be used as a daily moisturizer on the face (or
whole body) or for facial massage. Also, has calming effect on
reddish or burned skin, and on eczema and rosacea.

37. AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS
Lodhradi Lepa Lodhra
Specially prepared mixture of quality Ayurvedic
herbs - 'Varnya Dravyas' mentioned by 'Charaka'.
Specially useful for acne vulgaris. It also improves
skin complexion.
use: Acne vulgaris, Black heads, Pimples , Skin
Sandle
blemishes.
Sandal Herbal Facial pack
This Sandal Facial Pack, cleans off the dirt, dead
cells
and infections of the facial skin & helps to maintain Red Sandle
it live, soft , healthy and Glowing.

38. DAILY/WEEKLY REGIMEN FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN
Drink 7-9 glasses of pure lukewarm water
everyday, it helps to eliminate body wastes &
toxins. it keeps constipation at bay.
Let fresh organic fruits & vegetables occupy
major portion of your diet. Dark green, orange
vegetables & fruits have antioxidants & also
pocess cancer fighting properties.
Avoid junk, deep fried, choclates....
Have good 8hrs of sleep.
Take bath everyday with lukewarm water.
wash your face with herbal natural scrubs like besan, methi powder,
green gram flour, masoor dal flour etc. splash clean water on face as
soon as you wash
Doing pranayama & yoga daily for 15min keep the skin healthy &
radiant.

39. DAILY/WEEKLY REGIMEN FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN
Do facial with natural fresh herbs, fruits,
vegetables once in a week. Cucumber, carrot,
watermelon, pomegranate, grapes, sandalwood
paste, turmeric can be used according to skin
types & season.
Drink a glass of lukewarm water with a spoon
full of honey in empty stomach, this should be
one of your daily routine.
Allow skin to breathe.
Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can affect your
skin. So when you go out cover your face or carry
an umbrella to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

40. MY PERSONAL SKIN CARE TIPS
• Take organic Aloe Vera every morning on an
empty stomach. It is known as ‘kumari’ in
Sanskrit which means ‘princess’ or ‘young
maiden’ as Aloe Vera is known to keep you
looking healthy and young. It helps to clear
excess pitta, to nourish plasma tissue and to
clean the liver.
• Take organic rose water as a most delicious drink to rejuvenate the
skin. Put one teaspoon of organic rose water in a glass of pure mineral
water- pure heaven
• Another good idea is to wash your face in organic rose water; its mild
astringency tones, cleans and strengthens the skin and you smell
fantastic afterwards.

41. MY PERSONAL SKIN CARE TIPS
• Ayurveda recommends a daily oil massage
using sesame, coconut or almond oils.
This leaves your skin feeling soft, supple
and nourished. The skin actually absorbs
the oil and nourishes the tissues.
• Don’t wash with soap too much,
its just too drying.
• If you suffer from dry skin and have a tendency to feeling nervous
use organic sesame oil as it contains calcium and it is warming, heavy
and calming.
• If you suffer from a light skin prone to sunburn and rashes use
organic coconut oil. This can help to clear some of the heat toxins that
are building up under the skin.
• If you suffer from acne try taking 2 organic Neem capsules 3x/day.
Use the leaf of the Neem tree that is very bitter and cleansing for the
skin. It flushes heat and inflammatory toxins from the body.

42. A QUICK GLANCE
INTRODUCTION
FUNCTIONS
TWAK VS SKIN
SKIN CARE BASED ON DOSHIC TYPE
BASED ON SEASON
SKIN DISEASES TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA
SKIN CARE TIPS

43. CONCLUSION
Just as with one’s diet and daily routine,
knowledge of the doshas is the answer to your skin
questions. Naturally, the health and radiance of
our skin depends as much on our general health as
what materials we use to wash and moisturize.
• Your skin is your protective barrier between
your world and the outer world. The quality of your skin reflects
inner
your inner vitality and health.. Look after your skin so that you are
protecting yourself as well protecting your world.
No amount of bleaching, chemical creams or application of make-
up through dexterity of a skilled beautician can hide the shallow
look if the skin is unhealthy.
Ayurveda says ''WHAT YOU EAT YOU APPLY OVER FACE''

44. ANY
QUERIES