Skin Types and Elements According To Ayurveda

Each individual is unique and therefore has unique skin properties. If you want to truly care and nourish for your skin, then you need learn about the Ayurveda classification of basic skin types, as well as the different elements that are dominant for each skin type.

Five Ayurveda Skin Elements

The concept behind Ayurveda skin care and analysis is deeply rooted in human physiology and the anatomy of the human skin. Regardless of the skin type, there are five basic elements that make up your skin, as is represented by the major constituents of the larger universe:

• Space or Akash.
• Air or Vayu.
• Fire or Tejas.
• Water or Apu.
• Earth or Prithvi.

Each individual is born with a skin that constitute a unique combination of either of these five elements, thus making you unique. Hence, unless you learn about the various elements present in your own skin composition, then you lack the means at which to properly care for it.

The Ayurvedic skin type for each individual is determine by analyzing which element is predominant in your skin make up. Although there are natural elements present on your skin, external factors could influence or disturb that natural composition. Some of these factors include pollution, food, allergies, energy vibrations, mental or emotional stress, among others. Learn more about the three basic skin types in Ayurveda and how you can properly care for it.

Vata Skin Type

This skin type has both air and space as its predominant elements. Thus, the skin is cool to the touch yet very fine and delicate. A balanced Vata skin type is characterized by an appearance of fineness on your skin with a light glow, thus delivering an elegant and attractive look. On the other hand, when your Vata skin is unbalanced, it can be flaky, rough, and is prone to dryness.

Those who belong to the Vata skin type can develop early signs of aging on their skin. Thus, you need to properly nourish it to maintain that youthful glow on your skin. It is also highly at risk of developing various skin conditions such as skin fungus and eczema. To prevent such skin problems, make sure to get enough sleep during the night and eliminate any sources of mental worry and stress.

Pitta Skin Type

In this type of skin, both fire and water are the dominant elements. Individuals with a Pitta skin are mostly fair with a soft, warm glow. A balanced Pitta skin type is characterized by a rosy, often golden glow. This type of skin complexion could also have freckles and moles on the surface.

The need to take care of your Pitta skin is evidenced by the fact that it could put you at risk of developing various skin diseases such as rosacea, liver spots, pigmentation, rashes, and acne. Due to the fire element, it does not tolerate excessive sunlight exposure quite well.

Kapha Skin Type

This particular skin type is characterized by predominant water and earth elements. Thus, it is cool, oily, and soft and the complexion is reminiscent of the moon. Unlike the Vata skin types, individuals with Kapha skin naturally develop wrinkles at a later stage of life.

However, individuals with Kapha skin are at risk for developing oily skin due to its enlarged pores, acne, pimples, blackheads, and water retention problems. Ayurveda experts also believe that you need to keep your skin thoroughly cleansed to avoid fungal infections.