7 Ayurvedic Beauty Tips That'll Make You Feel Beautiful Inside Out

The wisdom of Ayurveda proposes that 'true beauty' emerges from indulging in small, simple acts of self care—such as consuming a well-balanced, nutritious diet, optimizing energy levels, and boosting overall wellness—all of which bring one a step closer to attaining the real form of beauty. 

Unlike chemical-laden formulas and potions that solely work on ones external appearance, Ayurvedic concoctions and procedures offer a multitude of inner-outer beauty benefits including antioxidant cellular protection, healthy, lustrous hair, and glowing skin. 

Founder of Deyga Organics, Ms Aarthi Raguram recommends that you incorporate these seven cardinal Ayurveda practices in your beauty regimen, for vitality, grace, and luminosity—both from within and outside!

 

Balance 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 prone 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 sun protection, along with cooling and healing herbs that soothe and nurture your skin. Also, try to refrain from consuming hot and spicy foods.

The Kapha skin type is oily, thick, and prone to cystic acne as it tends to attract impurities from the environment. Those people 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 light moisturiser.

 

Perform Abhyanga Once a Week

 

Abhyanga refers to the skin secret that is known to aid full body polishing. "It 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, beginning with 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. Do not forget to rinse the oil in a cold or warm shower, since excess oil can clog your pores," explains Aarthi. 

 

Kickstart Your Day With Oil Pulling

 

Oil Pulling is an essential step to maintain your overall health, since it works to remove the accumulated toxins in your mouth. "The toxins present in your mouth can reach the bloodstream, leading to 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. 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. 

 

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 the skin from harmful UV radiation, pollutants, and other external environmental stressors. "Loaded with fatty acids and minerals, neem improves the elasticity of your skin and delays signs of premature ageing," she adds. You can chew neem leaves, add it to your beverages, ingest capsules, or pick beauty products that have a high neem concentration.

 

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 of Balayam 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 the evening.

 

The Goodness of Rosewater

 

Rosewater has been a well-touted ingredient in the world of beauty, due to its superior skin benefits. Aarthi says, "Its rejuvenating, soothing, and calming properties help keep your skin fresh and glowing. Including it in your beauty routine can also help regulate sebum production, clear pores, maintain the right pH balance of the skin, and prevent skin ageing." Rosewater is ideal for all skin types, and can be used in the form of a toner, face mist, or setting spray.

 

Follow the Sun Cycle

 

Make sure to follow your routine as per the sun cycle, to be the best version of yourself—inside-out. "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.