7 Ayurvedic Beauty Tips For Glowing Skin and Lustrous Hair

Ayurveda—a holistic system of healing with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent—is of the belief that by establishing a balance between the life energies within us, one can attain beauty, inside out. 

By indulging in simple acts of self love and practicing self care—such as optimizing energy levels and consuming a well-balanced, nutritious diet—one finds themselves a step closer to attaining the true form of beauty. Besides, Ayurvedic concoctions and healing procedures offer a multitude of inner-outer beauty benefits, ones that chemical-laden formulas and potions can not promise. 

From antioxidant cellular protection to stronger nails and healthy, voluminous hair, Ms Aarthi Raguram, Founder of Deyga Organics, urges you to incorporate some basic Ayurveda practices in your lifestyle, for vitality, grace, and luminosity!

Follow the Sun Cycle

If you desire to be the best version of yourself, carry out your daily routine in accordance with the sun cycle. Following a proper dinacharya can help balance your doshas, improve digestion, and promote peace, happiness, and longevity. In Ayurveda, the focus is levied on the early hours of the morning to set the tone for the day that lies ahead. Waking up one hour before sunrise, practicing breathing exercises, performing meditation, and cleansing your body are some of the basic steps that can give way to true change," advocates Aarthi.

Commence Your Day With Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling is an essential step to maintain your overall health and well-being, as it works to remove the accumulated toxins in your mouth. "The toxins present in your mouth can reach the bloodstream, propelling skin concerns such as acne, dullness, and rashes," informs Aarthi. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in different areas of the mouth, on an empty stomach, for a few minutes in the morning. Make sure to spit the oil afterwards, followed by brushing your teeth and gargling thoroughly. Coconut and olive oil are ideal for practicing this Ayurvedic procedure. 

Balancing Your Doshas

According to Aarthi, the primary route to all-round beauty lies in balancing your doshas, or each of the three energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological activity in your body. The Vata skin type tends to get dry, dehydrated, and flaky due to the Dosha imbalance, which can result in beauty woes such as an uneven complexion, dryness, and premature ageing. Those with the Vata skin type should opt for hydrating skincare products including cow’s ghee, honey, and rose water to maintain the right pH balance of the skin.

The Pitta skin type, on the other hand, is sensitive, soft, warm, and predisposed to pigmentation. When out of balance, this skin type becomes more prone to inflammation, sunspots, and sunburn. Those with the Pitta skin type must use sunscreen, along with cooling and healing herbs that soothe and nurture the skin. Also, try to refrain from consuming hot and spicy foods!

Lastly, the Kapha skin type is oily, thick, and prone to cystic acne as it tends to attract impurities from the environment. Those who possess such a skin type must cleanse their face at least twice a day, along with using a hydrating Aloe Vera gel before applying a lightweight moisturiser.

The Power of Balayam For Hair and Nail Strength

Balayam is a simple Ayurvedic practice to promote hair growth and improve nail strength. The technique involves rubbing the fingernails against each other with force, for a few minutes, to stimulate blood flow to the scalp. This, in turn, helps combat hair problems such as dandruff and hair loss, and prevents premature greying. For best results, practice Balayam on an empty stomach, early in the morning or in the evening.

Add Neem to Your Skincare Routine

Neem extracts have been a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medication for centuries, owing to their antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, pollutants, and other external stressors. "Loaded with fatty acids and minerals, neem improves the elasticity of your skin and delays signs of premature ageing,"adds Aarthi. You can chew neem leaves, add it to your beverages, ingest capsules, or pick beauty products that have a high concentration of the ingredient.

The Goodness of Rosewater

Rosewater is a celebrated ingredient in the world of beauty, due to its superior skin benefits. "Its rejuvenating, soothing, and calming properties help keep your skin fresh and glowing. And, by including it in your beauty routine, it can help regulate sebum production, clear pores, maintain the right pH balance of the skin, and prevent skin ageing," she adds. Rosewater is ideal for all skin types, and can be used in the form of a toner, face mist, or setting spray.

Perform Abhyanga Once a Week

A technique that is known to aid full body polishing, Abhyanga refers to the art of massaging your skin with healing oils to clean pores and detoxify the body, since traditional Ayurvedic oils contain healing herbs that provide unlimited benefits to your skin. "Before applying an oil, exfoliate your skin with a dry brush to remove dead skin, dirt, and debris from the surface. Next, gently massage oil over your body, starting at the neck and working your way down to the feet. Let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes for it to penetrate to the deepest layers of your skin. Afterwards, do not forget to rinse the oil in a cold or warm shower, since excess oil can clog your pores," explains Aarthi.