Ayurveda is Sanskrit for 'Less is More'

For centuries India has been utilising local ingredients for skincare and wellbeing purposes, as well as practicing Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical practice that influences everything from how we live to what we eat. Thought to be over five thousand years old, Ayurvedic medicine teaches us how to see the world as it relates to elements—or doshas—namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Ayurvedic is a holistic healing system, which in Sanskrit means “the science of life,” and is based on the premise that optimal health and wellness depends upon balancing our mind, body, and soul. It is about slowing down, ‘less is more’ – from what we eat, to how we sleep. In India beauty is about adopting a 360-degree approach, there is a strong emphasis placed on self-care and self-love. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are of equal consideration in creating balance, and doshas are taken seriously, when understanding how to take better care of yourself.

When considering how to treat conditions like acne, Ayurveda considers diet, stress levels, sleep as well as the way in which your skin is being treated. Ayurveda incorporates plants native to India – from neem to saffron, moringa and turmeric – all of which are said to have major skincare benefits. These superstar ingredients are not only found in beauty products, but also used in food, because Indian consumers believe that beauty runs more than skin deep.

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the concept that the world is made up of five elements – space, water, earth, fire, and air. A combination of all five elements results in these three doshas which are known to be responsible for your physiological, mental, and emotional health, and which form your blueprint to achieving optimal health.

Vata is all about the energy of movement, and it’s often associated with the wind. It’s an active dosha linked with flexibility, creativity, and free-flowing spirit. It’s associated with bodily movements like breathing, muscle contraction, and heart function. Someone who is Vata dominant might be thin, feel cold often, have dry skin, or experience racing thoughts.

The Pitta dosha is linked to fire and is thought to control the endocrine, metabolic, and digestive systems. People who are predominantly pitta can have a medium build, feel cold often, and have acne-prone skin. They tend to be busy, high-achieving, and always on the move.

Kapha is associated with earth and water. It is a calming energy thought to supply water to the body and maintain the immune system. Someone who is Kapha dominant is calm, grounded, and forgiving. But an imbalance in Kapha can lead to jealousy, sluggishness, and weight gain.

Ayurveda addresses both prevention and treatment of disease based on an individual’s dosha (constitution), suggesting everything from dietary approaches to herbal remedies to achieve balance for your mind, body, and spirit. Beauty brands in India and globally are taking note of Ayurveda’s growing popularity in the mainstream, and bottling formulas that bring its benefits to the home.

Due to the fantastic benefits of Ayurvedic living (i.e., happier, healthier, calmer yet more energised states of mind and wellbeing), beauty brands have realised that by using more good-for-you ingredients, free from toxins and harsh chemicals, your skin can benefit from Ayurveda as well as your mind. By incorporating wholesome ingredients, like botanical actives, peptides, organic essential oils and plant extracts into skin care, your skin can take a break from the chaos of chemical-based products and be the very best version of itself. There are bands like a Ranavat, Fable & Mane, Uma Oils and Forest Essentials – popular brands that have entered the beauty and wellness space and are taking charge in the Ayurvedic world.

Ayurvedic ingredients that are easily accessible and widely used across brands include – Turmeric – Turmeric has been widely used to prevent acne breakouts and to fight inflammation. One of the most common uses for turmeric extract is combating discomfort from joint pain and arthritis. Honey – Along with soothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and moisturising the skin, it helps in fighting against infections and eliminates free radicals that cause skin to age. Ginger – Daily application of freshly squeezed ginger juice for 10 days is known to be a good antidote for hyper pigmentation. Sesame Seed Oil – Sesame oil finds much use in Ayurvedic beauty and wellness routines. With a storehouse of anti-inflammatory-, antioxidants, – and moisturising agents it is a wonderfully cleansing, healing, and moisturising oil for all skin types. Ashwagandha – In India, it is known as the “strength of the stallion” because it traditionally has been used to strengthen the immune system after illness. It’s also been referred to as “Indian ginseng” because of its ability to enhance your stamina and work as a natural stress reliever.

We are delighted to be working with a leading Sri Lankan Ayurvedic brand to help them expand into the European and UK marketplace. Derived from royal relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing rituals of Ayurveda, practiced in the grand palaces of Ceylon, comes a collection of treasured formulae and rituals from Spa Ceylon to hydrate, treat, purify, and soothe your body, mind, and soul. Spa Ceylon combines Ayurveda wisdom, fine natural ingredients & contemporary design to bring you the ultimate in Ayurveda luxury – for health, well-being, and relaxation. Watch this space as we share more on this beautiful brand.

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