In Part 1 of this series, I discussed home recipes for cleansing and toning the skin, how to determine your Ayurvedic skin type, and how to adjust your skin care recipe accordingly.

In Part 2, I will share my favorite Ayurvedic beauty concoctions for moisturizing your skin. According to Ayurveda, following the same principles as body types (doshas), there are three types of skin.

Vata

Vata skin is generally more thin, dry and delicate. Imbalanced vata skin manifests as premature wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes. Vata wrinkles appear as “worry lines,” or horizontal wrinkles across the forehead.

Pitta

Pitta skin is generally more soft, warm and slightly oily. Imbalanced pitta skin manifests as freckles and discolored appearance. Pitta wrinkles appear as crow’s feet and brow wrinkles.

Kapha

Kapha skin is generally more plump, oily and cool. Imbalanced kapha skin manifests as clammy and oily-looking skin. Kapha wrinkles appear around the mouth or chin.

Please take my Skin Type Quiz to determine your Ayurvedic Skin Type.

Find out of your skin is out of balance with our Ayurvedic Skin Imbalance Quiz.

Moisturizing Ayurveda-Style

According to Ayurveda, perhaps the most important aspect of moisturizing the skin effectively is to use truly pure ingredients. To avoid congestion of the deep layers of the skin, I made sure that the LifeSpa skin care line has absolutely no chemical preservatives.

The main goal of Ayurvedic skin care is to restore the functional appearance of the skin. This is done by exercising the skin before adding a moisturizer. In Part 1 of this series, we discussed that the mechanical nature of a good mask and cleanser/toner is to drive nutrients deep into the skin and pull out impurities. This push-pull action exercises the skin and flushes out deep-seated impurities.

Once cleansed, we can then properly moisturize.

Water – A Controversial Addition to Skin Care Products

Most skin care products contain added water as a filler. This makes them susceptible to bacteria and, thus, require chemical preservatives. The formulas that make up the LifeSpa skin care line have no added water, so no preservatives are required. This also makes our formulas very concentrated, so water must be added as needed during use to dilute the concentration of the products.

Skin Radiance Herbs

There are three skin radiance herbs I use to address the different skin type imbalances. Add the appropriate skin radiance herb below according to your skin imbalance.

Vata: Brahmi deeply moisturizes and supports delicate and dry vata skin.

Pitta: Amalaki is cooling for hot, pitta skin and supports the appearance of skin elasticity and youthfulness.

Kapha: Turmeric encourages a radiant glow of the skin and supports the reduction in the presentation of fine lines.

Ayurvedic Home Moisturizer Recipes

Choose the moisturizer below based on your overall skin type, and add the skin radiance herb based on your skin imbalance.

Vata Skin Type Moisturizer

Mix equal parts of raw milk and raw honey into a paste.

Add the appropriate skin radiance herb based on your skin imbalance. Apply formula to the face for 3-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

For vata skin type with vata imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of brahmi.
For vata skin type with pitta imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of amalaki.
For vata skin type with kapha imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.

Pitta Skin Type Moisturizer

Gently blend equal parts raw milk, banana, and papaya into a paste.

Add the appropriate skin radiance herb based on your skin imbalance. Apply to the face for 2-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

For pitta skin type with vata imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of brahmi.
For pitta skin type with pitta imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of amalaki.
For pitta skin type with kapha imbalance, add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.

Kapha Skin Type Moisturizer

Mix equal parts raw honey and lemon juice into a paste.

Add the appropriate skin radiance herb based on your skin imbalance. Apply to the face and leave it on for up to 10 minutes. This moisturizer may also be applied to the entire body. Rinse thoroughly.