Ayurvedic Ingredients in Cosmetics

Ayurvedic Cosmetics and Skin Care

Origin of Ayurveda and its Evolution

• Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to India, with a focus on health and wellbeing.
• The principles of Ayurveda are based on healing and healthy living, with the ultimate goal of achieving immortality.
• Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" and has not been fully explored in the Western market, despite its potential benefits.

Ayurvedic Basis for Classification of Skin Types and Tridosha Concept

• The human body is composed of three primal forces: vata, pitta, and kapha.
• These forces are represented individually by:
  • Vata: air or energy
  • Pitta: fire or chemical activity
  • Kapha: earth or material elements
• Based on the dominance of these doshas, individuals can be classified into various skin types: vata, pitta, kapha, or combinations of these.

Skin Types and Characteristics

• Vata Skin: dry, rough, cold, thin, and wrinkled, with a tendency to dehydrate and age prematurely.
• Pitta Skin: delicate, fair, and red-toned, with freckles, moles, or acne, and a tendency to get sunburns easily.
• Kapha Skin: thicker, softer, and oily, with a tendency toward large pores and skin changes due to imbalance.

Skin Disorders and Ayurvedic Treatments

• Eighteen basic types of skin diseases are listed in Ayurveda, including vitiligo, psoriasis, and inflammatory diseases.
• Herbal prescriptions, such as powdered seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, are used to treat skin diseases.
• Other herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments include Ocimum sanctum, Aloe vera, Turmeric, and Sandalwood.

Common Ayurvedic Herbs for Cosmetic Use

• Shikakai: used for cleansing and shampoos.
• Myrrh: used for antimicrobial and antifungal properties in soaps and shampoos.
• Neem: used for antimicrobial and antifungal properties in soaps and oral care.
• Turmeric: used for wound healing and antitumor properties in creams and lotions.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Modern Skin Care

• Curcumin: has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with therapeutic uses against various pathological conditions.
• Ginger: used for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in creams and lotions.
• Henna: used for hair care and coloring.
• Pomegranate: used for antiaging and wrinkle treatment.