Skin problems, including acne, are generally considered to be a pitta imbalance. Acne may have many causes, including hormonal, emotional, and environmental. Avoiding exposure to toxins, too much direct sunlight, and big stressors may resolve issues related to acne. Let’s explore how diet and digestion can support healthy skin!
Generally, following some pitta-pacifying tips will resolve issues related to breakouts. Pitta dosha is made of elements water and fire, so avoiding oily, spicy foods can help tame pitta dosha in the body. Opt for foods with cooling, stable qualities, such as:
- Melon*
- Grapes
- Berries
- Avocado
- Salmon
- Sweet potato
*Note: Always eat melon on its own, about 30 minutes before digesting other foods. Due the to quality of melon, it’s important to give it time to digest separately.
These foods are also high in Omega-3 fatty oils, vitamin C, and vitamin A, which are good sources for the body’s ability to produce collagen and maintain healthy skin.
Increasing awareness for what we eat (as well as how we feel) will help alleviate ailments of all kinds. We build our body through digestion, so we can heal it through our foods.
You are what you digest – and this is how it manifests in your skin! In Ayurveda, how you eat is just as important as what you eat.
For instance, the time of day, portion of food, season, and manner in which you take your food matter because they affect how you digest. The process of digestion is ruled by Agni, or your metabolic fire. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your personal constitution, and how diet and lifestyle informed by Ayurvedic wisdom can support your health goals. Acne issues have been remedied through our 6-month gut healing protocol in previous clients.
Here are some tips:
- Eating with awareness, as opposed to eating in a rush, or while watching TV or during intense or involved conversations, can help your digestion (an enjoyment of the food) enormously. This is a really simple choice that is always available, despite the various internal and external obstacles you may face.
- Eat your largest meal in the middle of the day, and lighter meals in the evening.
- Refrain from eating after 9pm — let your digestive system rest. In you’re hungry, try drinking warm spiced milk and getting to sleep.
- Eat what’s in season, and with awareness for the weather. If it’s cold, eat warm, spiced meals. If it’s hot, eat cooling, non-spicy foods.
- Eat according to who you are. Listen to your body’s cravings with curiosity, and imagine how you’ll feel after eating the foods. Notice when you feel healthy, and how your body responds to different kinds of foods.
Another factor that can improve your skin’s health is movement. Dancing, running, and yoga often induce sweating, which is a great way for your skin’s pours to open and clean themselves. Ojas is said to come from sweat. Good, clean sweat comes from happy, enjoyable movement, not straining or stressful movement. Notice that your body actually smells good when your movement arises from joy. This is an indication of ojas, and will lead to healthy, happy skin!
Finally, self-loving mindful practices, like self-massage for the face, and resolving not to worry or pick at your skin can have a powerful effect on skin issues. Tell yourself — and your skin — my skin is beautiful, and will continue to heal and glow more beautifully every day. Provide yourself the confidence and emotional well-being you deserve.
ReferencesÂ
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad.
Skin Health Foundation
