Your skin's needs depend on three factors:
1. The climate it is exposed to: read how and identify the climate you live in. 2. Your skin type: identify your skin type. 3. Your genetic makeup: learn what your Ayurvedic genetic type is. We then put this together to create your personal skincare blueprint! |
1. CLIMATE
The earth's climate is categorized into four types. If you don't know the climate of the place you live in, navigate this map to find out. a) Tropical - example South and southeast Asia, parts of South America The high humidity of tropical climates is great to keep your skin well hydrated. Hydration is key to maintain skin elasticity and firmness. However, high heat and excessive humidity can increase the skin's oil production which may lead to breakouts. Your skin will also need to be well protected from the sun's uv radiation. What to look for in skincare:
b) Dry desert - example the Middle East, South Africa, parts of Australia The extreme dryness of this climate is harsh on skin. Exposure to extreme heat, alternating with indoor air conditioning, is extremely drying, leading to skin sagging and premature wrinkles. Thus it is important to keep your skin very well hydrated in this climate. What to look for in skincare:
c) Temperate - example Mediterranean region, western and southeast United States, parts of South America and east Asia Temperate climates are best for skin since the temperature variation is moderate throughout the year. Warm summers are followed by moderately cold winters. This climate calls for a slight variation to meet the skin's needs in the hot and cool months. What to look for in skincare:
d) Continental - example Northern Europe and USA Continental climate is characterized by extreme temperature variations and sharply varying seasons. The variation in humidity, heat, and cold calls for seasonal skincare. What to look for in skincare:
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2. SKIN TYPE
Skin types usually discussed in skincare are oily, normal, and combination which is associated with how much oil your skin produces and where. However, skin type based on color is far more important in dictating your skin's needs. The most widely accepted skin type classification based on color is the Fitzpatrick system that defines five skin types with the rather nondescript terminology of I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. Use the image below to determine your Fitzpatrick skin type: |
Types I, II, and III are sensitive to the sun and wrinkle easily, while types IV, V, and VI are prone to hyperpigmentation and scarring.
SKIN TYPES I, II, and III NEED:
SKIN TYPES IV, V, and VI NEED: Products that prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring. Good hyperpigmentation fighting strategies include:
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3. GENETIC MAKEUP
In Ayurveda, our genetic information is encoded in the form of three energies called doshas. These are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. All of us have all three of these energies which drive our biology and psychology; what makes every individual unique is the proportion in which these energies exist in us, which varies from person to person. A majority of us have a dominant dosha that we were born with. You can discover you dominant dosha by taking our quiz. Once you have determined your dominant dosha, use the guidelines below to curate your skincare ritual. Vata dominant Pitta dominant Kapha dominant |
your skincare blueprint
VATA DOMINANT
RESOURCES FOR VATA DOMINANT CARE
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Vata dominant, type I - iii
vata dominant, type iv - vi
PITTA DOMINANT
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PITTA DOMINANT, TYPE I - III
PITTA DOMINANT, TYPE IV - VI
KAPHA DOMINANT
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