Ayurveda

Skin Guide
Know Your Ayurvedic Skin Types

According to the five element theory of Ayurveda, there are three main types of skin. This categorisation is based on the predominance of the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Often, people have different skin-type in different phases of there life. You may be born with a certain skin-type, but that type may change with factors such as climate, diet, lifestyle and your environmental conditions.

Each skin type is susceptible to a different set of problems. Here is how to know your skin type, identify the problems and their causes, and find their solutions:

Vata Skin

This skin type has dominance of air and space elements. Vata skin type is dry, thin, fine pored, delicate and cool to the touch. When balanced, it glows with a delicate lightness and refinement that is elegant and attractive. When imbalanced, it is prone to excessive dryness and can even be rough and flaky.

Potential problems: The greatest beauty challenge for this skin type is its tendency to show symptoms of early aging. Being dry and thin, Vata skin tends to develop wrinkles earlier than other types. Bad digestion can make this type of skin look dull and greyish, even in 20’s and 30’s. Also, it is more susceptible to disorders such as dry eczema and skin fungus. Mental stress such as worry, fear and lack of sleep, has a powerful debilitating effect on Vata skin and can make it look tired and lifeless.

Pitta Skin

This skin type has dominance of fire and water elements. Pitta skin type is fair, soft, warm and of medium thickness. When balanced, it looks beautiful, slightly rosy or golden glow, as if illuminated from within. The complexion can be pinkish or reddish, and often there is a copious amount of freckles or moles.

Potential problems: Among the many beauty challenges of Pitta skin type is its tendency to develop rashes, rosacea, acne, liver spots or pigment disorders. Because of the large proportion of the fire element, this skin type does not tolerate heat or sun very well. Of all the three skin types, Pitta skin has the least tolerance for the sun, is photosensitive, and most likely to accumulate sun damage over the years. It is aggravated by emotional stress, especially suppressed anger, frustration, or resentment.

Kapha Skin

This skin type has dominance of earth and water elements. Kapha skin type is thick, oily, soft and cool to the touch. It has a glowing porcelain whitish colour complexion like the moon. Kapha skin type, with its more generous collagen and connective tissue, is fortunate to develop wrinkles much later in life than the other two types.

Potential problems: If imbalanced, it can have enlarged pores, excessively oily skin, moist types of eczema, blackheads, acne or pimples, and water retention. Kapha skin is also more prone to fungal infections.