How to balance Ayurvedic and western practices for a wholesome skincare routine

Amid this ever-changing beauty landscape where our skincare routines become increasingly complex, what with the advent of new trends and fads popping up left and right, there is one ancient science that has stood the test of time: Ayurveda. With its origins dating back over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic way of looking after your skin, while also recognising that our skin is a reflection of our overall health and well-being. On the other hand, western skincare practices are often rooted in scientific advancements emphasising the use of research-based ingredients and evidence-based approaches that can provide immediate and targeted results. 

But the question remains, can one find the balance between these two seemingly different worlds of skincare? The answer is, yes. Even though both of these practices have entirely different roots and approaches toward skincare, they can complement each other to create a balanced skincare routine. Here’s how:

Natural ingredients: Both Ayurveda and western skincare promote the use of natural ingredients. Steeped in ancient wisdom, Ayurveda has a profound history of using herbs and natural substances like turmeric, neem, and aloe vera for skin treatments. These ingredients and natural substances are renowned for their moistuirising and healing qualities. With that in mind, western skincare has also embraced the advantages of natural ingredients by incorporating botanical extracts and essential oils like rosehip and lavender into their products. 

Avoiding harmful chemicals: Both systems advice against using harmful chemicals and irritants on the skin. Ayurveda emphasises the use of pure, natural and non-toxic ingredients, while western skincare is gradually leaning towards clean and eco-friendly formulations with many products being formulated without parabens and sulphates. 

Personalised care: Ayurveda categorises individuals into doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and recognises that different skin types have unique characteristics and needs that need to be balanced. On the other hand, western skincare also identifies various skin types such as oily, dry, sensitive, and combination, and tailors recommendations accordingly. By combining the principles of Ayurveda and western skincare, one can create a personalised routine that addresses their specific concerns while also promoting overall well-being. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you can choose gentle Western products that align with Ayurvedic principles. 

Balancing between Ayurveda and Western skincare 

Here are some ways you can strike the perfect balance between Ayurveda and western activities in skincare. 

Understand your skin type 

Start by getting to know your skin. Identify your skin type according to both ayurvedic and western classifications. Ayurveda categorises skin into vata, pitta, and kapha types, while western skincare identifies categories like oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin. This understanding is essential because it forms the foundation of your skincare regimen and targets specific concerns your skin might be facing. 

Assess your skin’s current condition and incorporate natural and skin-loving ingredients 

Evaluate your skin’s current condition and specific concerns. Do you have acne, dryness, sensitivity, or signs of ageing? Make a list of your primary skin issues as this assessment will guide your choice of products and treatments. Now, look for skincare products that contain natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, aloe vera, rose hip and lavender. These ingredients have been used for centuries in Ayurveda and are also recognised in western skincare for their beneficial properties. 

Practice mindfulness and self care 

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on your overall well-being, as it believes that skin health is closely connected to your mental and physical state. Try to incorporate practices like a balanced diet, stress management, meditation, yoga, and regular exercise into your daily life as these lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your skin’s health. 

Customise your routine 

Create a personalised routine by combining both Ayurvedic and western skincare products. Use Ayurvedic products for daily maintenance and western products for targeted treatments. For example, using Ayurvedic oils for self-massage which not only nourishes your skin but also relaxes your mind. You can also create ayurvedic face masks or cleansers using ingredients like turmeric or neem, tailored to your skin type. On the other hand, introducing western products with active ingredients that have been scientifically proven to address various skin issues can help in providing targeted solutions and visible results.