Ask The Expert: The Ayurvedic Approach to Skin Care With Ayurvedic Coach Claire Paphitis
Explore your skin's unique needs using the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.
To learn more about how the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda can meet modern skincare techniques to help us find an inside-out balance, we brought in our favorite Ayurveda Coach, Claire Paphitis at @the_ayurveda_coach, to give us a lesson!
What are the Doshas?
At the core of Ayurveda are the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—representing the unique combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) within each individual:
Vata consists mostly of the two elements air and ether.
Pitta is based on fire and water.
Kapha combines earth and water.
What are the skin types associated with each Dosha?
In our recent Instagram takeover, Claire shared that Vata skin tends to be dry, thin, and delicate, requiring nourishing and hydrating protection.
Pitta skin is sensitive, oily, prone to congestion and often less tolerant to the sun.
Kapha has the qualities of water and earth, often resulting in soft, cool skin that is a bit more tolerant of the sun. This tends to be an easier skin type.
How can you tailor your skin protection to your Dosha?
The Ayurvedic tradition believes that seeking to balance your dosha leads to better health, from the inside out. This is no different for skin, your body's biggest organ. By understanding your dosha, you can seek to find balance, leading to a glowing, healthy complexion.
In her Instagram Takeover, Claire shared that Vata skin's best SPF Rx is Fortune Teller Brightening Sunscreen Serum, SPF 30. This award-winning 3-in-1 gel-to-milk mineral SPF 30 intensely hydrates, instantly wakes up and visibly illuminates the skin with each use, which is particularly nourishing to dry Vata skin. We also recommend Time Traveler, SPF 30 for those with extra seasonally dry skin in need of a rich creme.
Pitta skin, which can be a bit less tolerant to the sun, would benefit most from Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk, SPF 50. Not only does this formula offer a touch of higher sun protection, but it's also oil-free and friendly to sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Kaphas can opt for Fortune Teller OR Guardian Angel but Claire recommends Guardian Angel as it is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and is fragrance- and essential oil-free!
Expert Ayurvedic Guidance
If you are new to Ayurvedic practice, we highly recommend consulting with an expert to determine your dosha and alignment needs. It's a transformative experience that can support you on your path to wellness and improved alignment. Claire is now booking virtual 1:1 sessions on her site if you'd like to experience the best of Ayurveda!
Claire Paphitis is a best selling author and active member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association and the Complementary Medical Association. In creating The Ayurveda Coach, she desires to provide her patients with a trusted place they could turn for complete healing of mind, body and soul. While she is London based, she has
Note: Ask the Expert tips are for informational purposes only and any product, herbs, supplements, medical or dietary recommendations are personal to those featured in this blog post only. Always consult your trusted medical, herbal or integrative practitioner to determine the best routine and supplements for you.
%20and%20veda%20(science%20or%20knowledge).%20Thus,%20Ayurveda%20translate...){kind=link}