Chances are, you’ve probably heard of ayurveda by now. If you’re new to it, it’s an ancient Indian mind-body wellness approach. For context, “ayur” means life and “veda” means science or knowledge. The tried-and-true holistic approach is based on five doshas, or elements, that serve as your personal guide to optimum health.
The practice incorporates selfcare rituals you’re likely familiar with, including meditation and yoga, to balance the mind and body. Ayurvedic practices and rituals have both internal and external benefits to keep you feeling great and looking great, too. So, why not fuse these proven rituals into your beauty routine? Here are 7 simple, universal ways to incorporate ayurvedic rituals into your daily beauty routine.
Dry brush
Deep cleansing is essential in ayurveda, and yes, that includes full-body exfoliation. Exfoliation stimulates the skin, circulation, and the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and remove dead skin cells. Bonus: it also helps tone and firm the skin and strengthen the immune system.
Use a natural bristle brush to massage upward, starting with your feet up to your heart in circular motions. Try it daily or start with 3-4 days a week to start noticing differences.
Beautylish recommends Mila Moursi Rejuvenating Dry Body Brush
Self-massage
Moisturizing is just as vital in ayurveda as cleansing. Don’t believe me? In ancient Indian sanskrit, “sneha” means both “to oil” and “to love”—coincidence? I think not. Show yourself some love with self-massages with warm herbal oils, also known as abhyanga. Externally, it deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin and boosts radiance; internally, it helps manage stress, relaxes muscles and tissues, boosts blood flow, and improves immunity.
Work a natural oil from your face down to your feet. All it takes is a few minutes to nourish the body and calm the mind. Again, add this to your daily routine or start with a few times a week.
Beautylish recommends True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Oil
Hair oil massage
Ayurvedic massages don’t end with the body, they’re also highly encouraged for the hair. The ancient practice of hair oiling has been passed down for generations, and rightfully so. Hair oiling boosts hair health—from thickness to growth—and can also serve as a preventative measure to avoid hair loss.
Choose a natural oil and massage it from the scalp to the ends to deeply nourish your strands.
Beautylish recommends UMA Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is considered one of the most powerful healing herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s the key to feeling balanced, as it calms the mind, body, and spirit.
It’s also classified as an adaptogen because of its ability to help your body manage stress. But wait, there’s more: it also helps boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sound too good to be true? It almost is.
Just add it to your coffee, tea, or smoothie for an added boost throughout the day.
Beautylish recommends Moon Juice Ashwagandha
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most well-known and commonly used Ayurvedic spices in the world. After all, it supports almost every system in the body. The golden spice can do pretty much do anything—we’re talking: aid digestion, support the brain and nervous system, heal cuts and infections, boost immunity, and give skin a healthy, radiant glow. You can ingest this magical spice or use it topically to reap the countless benefits.
Beautylish recommends The Beauty Chef Gut Primer Inner Beauty Support or Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C Turmeric Face Oil
Neem oil
Neem oil has been used for centuries for treating the skin. It’s rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E and has antibacterial properties, making it a cure-all for a myriad of skin issues, including acne, hyperpigmentation, burns, and more. Not only does Neem oil nourish the skin, it also protects and moisturizes while boosting collagen production and delaying wrinkle formation. Do you need another reason to start using it?
Beautylish recommends UMA Deeply Clarifying Neem Charcoal Cleanser
Rose water
Not only does rose water naturally hydrate and plump the skin, it also soothes redness, skin irritations, and burns, and balances pH levels. Extra credit: the rose scent is therapeutic, signifying love and compassion. Add it to your beauty routine with products you’re already using, like a toner or mist.
Beautylish recommends Rosen Skincare Rose Water Face Dew, Susanne Kaufmann Rose Water Mist or UMA Absolute Anti Aging Aloe Rose Toner
