Skin Types and Skin Imbalances
Skin is a reflection of overall health and Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to addressing any skin condition. To achieve optimal results, it is important to approach skincare from both topical and internal perspectives. Through my extensive research and hands-on experience, I have developed a more nuanced classification system for skin types beyond the traditional dry, normal, and oily categorization. This system is based on the Ayurvedic doshas.
Skin Constitution Types (Skin Prakruti)
| Leading Dosha/Secondary Dosha | Skin Type |
|---|---|
| Vata | Dry with thinner texture, fine pores |
| Vata-Pitta | Dry and slightly sensitive |
| Vata-Kapha | Dry with thicke texture |
| Pitta | Sensitive |
| Pitta-Vata | Sensitive and slightly dehydrated |
| Pitta-Kapha | Sensitive, slightly oily and thick |
| Kapha | Oily, large pores |
| Kapha-Pitta | Oily and slightly sensitive |
| Kapha-Vata | Oily T-zone with dry forehead and cheeks |
| Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha | Sensitive, with dry forehead and cheeks, oily T-zone |
Imbalances in the Skin:
All individuals possess a combination of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), but the balance of these doshas is unique to each person. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of the doshas occurs when there is a disruption in the natural dynamics between these biological forces. This disruption can be caused by lifestyle, diet, and skincare choices that do not support the delicate balance of the doshas. It is important to note that what works for one person's unique dosha combination may not be suitable for another person's dosha constitution in terms of food choices, meal frequency, exercise, sleep habits, etc.
| Leading Dosha/Secondary Dosha Disturbance (Vikruti) | Typical Skin Problems |
|---|---|
| Vata | Very dry skin, very thin, many wrinkles, especially on the forehead; dry eczema, dry psoriasis, dull and even gray complexion, sagging eyelids due to thin skin, non-inflamed pimples, cracked lips, lack of skin tone, black circles under eyes |
| Vata-Pitta | Dry acne without cysts, dry rashes, dry red patches, slightly inflamed eczema, slightly inflamed psoriasis, hormonal acne, milia, pigmentation, discoloration, purple circles under eyes |
| Vata-Kapha | Blackheads, non-inflamed bumps, lipomas, puffiness, edema, flabbiness, lack of skin tone |
| Pitta | Most inflamed acne of all the types, rosacea, acne rosacea, broken capillaries, excessive redness, burning eczema and psoriasis, burning eyes, extreme sensitivity, extremely allergic skin |
| Pitta-Vata | Similar symptoms as Vata-Pitta type, but more inflamed and less dry |
| Pitta-Kapha | Inflamed cystic acne (cysts sit more deeply in the skin than in Pitta-Vata type) combined with blackheads and whiteheads; burning, itching and oozing lesions of eczema and psoriasis, allergic skin |
| Kapha | Puffiness, very deep wrinkles without many fine lines, under-eye bags |
| Kapha-Pitta | Similar symptoms as in Pitta-Kapha type, but the skin is oilier and less inflamed; cysts sit even deeper than in Pitta-Kapha type. |
| Kapha-Vata | Similar symptoms as in Vata-Kapha type, but the skin is oilier, with more puffiness and flabbiness, more blackheads. |
| Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha | Combination of all the conditions above |
This classification system allows me to tailor treatment plans for my clients, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to recognize that every individual and their skin is unique, therefore personalized approach is crucial.
