One of the main reasons for ayurvedic skin care products and protocols taking the spa and beauty worlds by storm is the availability of numerous potent skin rasayanas in the ayurvedic herbal treasury.

Skin rasayanas (rasa--essence, ayana--enter) are so called because of their ability to deliver penetrating holistic benefits to the skin without side effects or the damage caused by a fragmented approach to skin health. Whatever your skin type or needs for balance, there are ayurvedic skin rasayanas that can help.

Further, when used in combination, as is the ayurvedic tradition, you derive the added benefit of synergy, with the combined formulation being exponentially more beneficial than any single herb in the formulation.

The therapeutic value of the rasayanas is maximized when they are used in natural formulations in combination with emollients such as milk, cream, yogurt or honey, exfoliating substances such as natural clay, salts, grain or lentil flours, vegetable base oils, and floral waters or pure essential oils to act as the yogavahi--the carrier of the healing values of the herbs to the cells and tissues.

Both the herbs themselves, as well as the other ingredients in the formulations, can be chosen specifically for a skin type, or balanced to suit all skin types. Formulations that are tridoshic--suitable for all skin types--generally have many more herbs and ingredients to avoid aggravating an individual dosha.

The herbs should not be exposed to high temperatures, and should be of high quality and not old. Formulations that add herbs to chemical bases or that contain artificial preservatives or fragrances are not as useful in maintaining skin health and appearance because the herbs in such formulations are "dead."

Vata skin, space or air predominant, is delicate and tends to be naturally dry. Skin rasayanas that benefit Vata skin are mainly nourishing, with subsidiary properties such as enhancing natural glow or purifying the skin. Such herbs also balance Vata dosha in the physiology, calming and settling the mind and supporting stress management and mind/body coordination so that the ravages of worry and excessive mental pressure do not show up on the skin as fine lines, sagging and bags under the eyes.

Nourishment and deep, ongoing rehydration are essential if Vata skin is to look healthy, plump and youthful. Brahmi, Shatavari, Amla and Ashwagandha are potent Vata-pacifying skin rasayanas that help support skin elasticity, moisture balance, texture and radiance. They are ultra-nourishing, helping to regenerate skin cells and keep skin looking youthful. Triphala is also excellent for Vata skin because it combines nourishment with a gentle detoxifying effect that enhances skin clarity. Topical Rasayana formulations for Vata skin combine these herbs with nourishing oils and Vata-balancing aromas. These rasayanas can also be taken as nutritional supplements to offer support to the skin from within.

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