Vata
Vata types feel the cold, have fine, delicate skin, tiny pores, tan easily & are cool to touch. Imbalanced, Vata skin becomes dry, flaky or rough & prone to fine lines, especially on the forehead & around the eyes. The skin is often thin and although these individuals are more susceptible to signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines, they’re also blessed with less acne and often that fine porcelain look coveted by many. Usually prone to exczema and other skin irritations common to sensitive skin and are drawn to warmth and light. Hydration is essential for this skin type as is consistent application of antioxidants, creams and specific oils that soothe and protect. A vata dominant person has skin that tends to wrinkle if not moisturized regularly, because it has fewer fat deposits.
Season: Autumn | Early Winter and normally is Dry, Thin, Cold, Fine pores, Bluish undertones
Aggravation: Junction between Autumn & Winter and tends to have:
- A problem in the forehead region
- Dry, flaky or scaly patches
- Discolored spots appearing as dark pigmentation in the cheeks
- Premature wrinkles, fine lines
- Dark circles
Balance Vata skin with warming, softening & moisture rich ingredients. Ayurveda recommends using oil-based moisturizers on the skin and consuming warm spices like ginger. Also suggests that Ashwagandha, an ancient Indian herb, may reduce skin dryness when added to a face mask.
Pitta
Pitta types feel the heat and can burn easily. Pitta craves coolness and is actually aggravated by heat. As a result, those with Pitta skin are easily sunburned and have problems with inflammation, irritation, redness, etc. Imbalanced pitta skin is prone to conditions such as redness, acne, rosacea, an oily t-zone, frequent breakouts in the T-zone & broken capillaries on the cheeks. Those with a dominant Pitta dosha are quite opposite of those with Vatta. Pitta skin is fair, often with freckles and/or moles, and is known to emit a warm glow. Pitta skin requires great care and is quite sensitive overall.
Season: Summer and normally is Sensitive, Slightly oily, Hot, Larger pores in the T-zone, Pink undertone
Aggravation: Junction between Summer & Autumn and tends to have:
- A problem around the nose or cheeks
- Inflammation or a rash
- A burning sensation or sunburn
- Discolored appearance, as reddish pigmentation all over
- Rosacea
Balance the Pitta skin type with skin care products that help reduce inflammation, sooth, and help prevent redness and rosacea. This type of skin needs more cooling elements like Aloe vera, Turmeric (which is anti-inflammatory), and Sandalwood (which reduces pimples and redness). Balance pitta skin with the application of cooling, calming & natural, organic ingredients.
Kapha
Kapha skin types have classically pale or rich olive skin, that is smooth, soft & lustrous. Imbalanced kapha skin becomes sluggish, may feel damp or a little oily & be prone to blackheads or congestion, including breakouts around the cheeks & cheekbone, up into the hair line above the ears. Kapha skin is characterized by oiliness, large pores, and is often cool to the touch. As a result those with Kapha skin are often prone to acne and blackheads, and water retention. But, also have the benefit of thicker skin which helps delay signs of aging along with skin that feels very soft to the touch. These individuals also often experience water retention too and, must cleanse very regularly to prevent breakouts as well as fungal infections.
Season: Late Winter | Early Spring and normally is Oily, Moist, Cold, Large pores, Yellowish undertones
Aggravation: Junction between Spring & Summer and tends to have:
- A problem around the mouth, chin and neck
- Excessive oiliness, blackheads
- Puffiness
- Cystic acne
- Fluid retention
Balance Kapha skin with stimulating, warming & detoxifying ingredients. Ayurveda recommends dry brushing to remove obstructions, stimulate the lymphatic system, and exfoliate. Also suggests applying face masks regularly such as Neem, Neem Tulsi, Neem Turmeric and etc.