2. Nutrition
There are many types of diet you can choose from to gain more energy, become healthier and loose weight. Each one has its benefits and its shortcomings. When it comes to regaining a healthy skin I found that the most effective is the Ayurvedic approach.
Ayurveda is an Indian system of healing that dates back 5,000 years to the ancient Sanskrit texts, the Vedas.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy there are three mind-body energies, or doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each person is made up of a unique combination of these three energies. Though everyone has some of each, most people tend to have an abundance of one of the doshas.
The doshas govern the activities of the mind and body and create physical, emotional and mental tendencies. A person's Ayurvedic skin type can be Vata, Pitta or Kapha.
Vata
Vata skin is generally dry, thin, cool to the touch, easily dehydrated, and very vulnerable to the influence of dry, windy weather. For Vata skin to stay youthful:
Follow a regular daily routine – go to bed on time, eat three regular meals
Include organic milk, whole grains and leafy greens in your diet
Drink lots of lukewarm water every day
Eat plenty of sweet, juicy fruits – they cleanse and hydrate
Include healthy fats such as ghee and olive oil in your diet
Get plenty of rest for your mind and body
Pitta
Pitta skin tends to have more breakouts, photosensitivity, less tolerance to hot food, and a more fiery essence. Pitta skin looks ruddy, and is warm to the touch. Pitta tends to be prone to freckles and moles. To care for Pitta skin:
Stay away from harsh, synthetic cosmetics
Avoid hot, spicy foods and an excess of deep-fried foods
Eat lots of sweet, juicy fruits
Cook with cooling spices such as fennel and licorice
Take extra care to protect your skin when you go out in the sun
Use gentle, natural skin-care products
Katha
Kapha skin can be greasy, thick, and more tolerant of the sun. Because of its thickness and oiliness is more prone to accumulate toxins under the skin. Some suggestions for Kapha skin:
Detoxify regularly – both internally and externally
Scrub the skin with a gentle exfoliating clay such as bentonite
Reduce sweet foods or deep-fried foods — they make the skin oily
Exercise every day to improve circulation
A daily warm-oil massage can also help circulation.
Cook with warming spices such as ginger and black pepper
Take the dosha quiz
1. My skin color is
A. Whitish
B. Pinkish
C. Darkish
2. My skin is
A. Thin, delicate, wrinkles easily
B. Medium
C. Thick
3. My skin feels
A. Dry
B. Slightly oily
C. Oily
4. My skin is
A. Rough
B. Soft
C. Plump
5. My skin feels
A. Cool
B. Warm
C. Cold
6. My pores are
A. Small and fine
B. Medium-sized
C. Large
7. The glow of my skin is
A. Matte
B. Softly lustrous
C. Shiny
8. My skin tends to
A. Scratches, bruises and lines
B. Pinkish breakouts, freckles, acne, allergies
C. Eruptions, excessive oiliness
9. My skin problems are triggered by
A. Stress and anxiety
B. Negative emotions or traumatic events
C. Lack of exercise, less rigorous cleansing
10. My skin is problematic during
A. Cold, windy weather
B. Hot weather
C. Cool, damp weather
11. My hair is
A. My hair is dry, brittle or frizzy.
B. My hair is fine with early thinning or graying
C. I have abundant, thick and oily hair
12. My frame
A. I am slender with prominent joints and thin muscles.
B. I have a medium build with good muscle development
C. I have a large, round or stocky build
13. My body temperature
A. My hands and feet are usually cold and I prefer warm environments.
B. I am usually warm, regardless of the season, and prefer cooler environments.
C. I am adaptable to most temperatures but do not like cold, wet days.
14. My joints are
A. My joints are thin and prominent and have a tendency to crack.
B. My joints are loose and flexible
C. My joints are large, well knit and padded
15. Sleep
A. I am a light sleeper and awaken easily.
B. I am a moderately sleeper, needing less than 8 hours to feel rested.
C. My sleep is deep and long. I awaken slowly in the morning
16. Personality
A. I am lively and enthusiastic by nature. I like to change.
B. I am purposeful and intense. I like to convince.
C. I am easy going and accepting. I like to support.
17. When I’m under stress A. I become anxious and worried
B. I become irritable and aggressive
C. I become withdrawn and reclusive
Your Score
Mostly A: Vata Mostly B: Pitta Mostly C: Kapha
