In order to be well in the practice of Ayurveda, we focus on balancing mind, body, and soul. Central to this philosophy are the three metabolic types or “doshas,” known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas represent the fundamental energies that govern our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Each person has a unique ratio of all three dosha types and understanding your primary dosha will allow you to adapt the products, practices, and lifestyle choices in your daily routine to achieve holistic balance inside and out. Read on to learn more about the three vital energies of Ayurveda.

Vata

Vata is characterized by the elements of air and ether. It embodies the qualities of movement, communication, and creativity. Vata’s primary function is to ensure movement in the body can take place without obstruction including breathing, absorption, activities of the nervous system, and the process of elimination. 

To Bring Into Balance:

• Warm up. Indulge in a warm and hearty beverage or dish (nothing cooler than room temperature!) This could include a bowl of soup or stew or to drink a cup of ginger, lemon, and honey tea. 
• Prioritize routine. Aim to eat, sleep, and work at fixed times throughout the day to create a sense of calm balance and avoid frenetic activity. 

Vata Skincare

Vata skin type is typically characterized by its delicate nature and a tendency towards dryness. If you are dominant in Vata dosha, you may be prone to displaying signs of aging earlier, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. If this is your skin type, in order to balance Vata’s cold, drying energy your skincare routine should focus on hydration! A deeply hydrating serum delivers key skincare ingredients deep beneath the skin’s surface in order to provide lasting hydration. SundaSkin™, our all-in-one serum, is formulated with powerful hydrators including White Snow Mushroom, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Niacinamide to lock in moisture and dramatically improve skin’s elasticity and firmness while evening texture, tone and boosting luminosity. Vata skin can also benefit from the use of a deeply hydrating mask several times a week. Incorporate our MahaMask™ Pampering Moisture Treatment into your routine as a 10-minute face mask, a nourishing salve for dry hands, elbows, or knees, or as an overnight mask for an extra boost of hydration to keep skin plump and dewy.

Pitta

Pitta dosha is characterized by the elements of fire and water. It embodies the qualities of motivation, ambition, and transformation. Pitta controls digestion and energy production in the body and is responsible for maintaining balance among its two opposing elements, fire and water.

To Bring Into Balance:

• Prioritize light, nourishing foods. This could be a glass of mild fresh juice instead of something caffeinated or fresh fruit and vegetables enjoyed on their own, not as an accompaniment to another food. 
• Keep your mind and body cool. If you are looking to exercise, opt for gentle movement like stretching, yoga, or swimming and avoid high-intensity exercise or any activity that may promote excessive sweating.

Pitta Skincare

Pitta skin type is often normal/combination or slightly oily in texture. This skin type is generally more prone to sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. Because Pitta skin type is the most sensitive of the three doshas, people with this skin type should adopt an adaptable skincare routine that can cater to unique skin symptoms as needed. NamaNourish™, our bestselling trio set, is ideal for this skin type with tools to detoxify, exfoliate, and deeply hydrate: DeviDetox™ Purifying Face Cleanser deeply cleanses and detoxifies skin without ever leaving it stripped. PritiPolish™ Instant Glow Exfoliator unglues dry skin and debris, leaving skin bright and poreless thanks to a combination of Oryza Sativa Rice Powder and Pomegranate Enzyme. SundaSkin™ deeply hydrates, promotes even texture & tone, and significantly strengthens the skin barrier for long term health.

Kapha

Kapha dosha is characterized by the elements of earth and water. It embodies the qualities of stability, structure, and strength. The primary function of Kapha is to maintain protection and stability within the body including the structures that hold together muscle, bone, ligaments and fat.

To Bring Into Balance:

• Be mindful of your sleep schedule. Avoid napping throughout the day when possible and instead aim to get 6-8 hours of healthy sleep at night. 
• Get moving! Practice exercise that will stimulate blood flow including jogging, hiking, dance, or HIIT.

Kapha Skincare

​​People with Kapha skin tend to have hydrated skin that is often smooth and plump with larger pores compared to other skin types. An imbalance in Kapha’s cool, dense energy can lead to excessive oiliness and dullness and increased potential for clogged pores and breakouts. If this is your skin type, proper exfoliation and detoxification of the skin are extremely important. ShaktiSet™ our purifying and polishing duo set, is perfect for this skin type: DeviDetox™ Purifying Face Cleanser gently purifies skin, removing excess dirt and oil (including stubborn sunscreens!), and leaves skin feeling hydrated and non-stripped. PritiPolish™ Instant Glow Exfoliator clears away dead skin cells and exfoliates skin to poreless, velvety perfection after just one use.

As we go along in day-to-day life, our proportion of each dosha will naturally fluctuate. In order to spot a potential imbalance, mindfulness is key. Your mindfulness practice could incorporate a slow, intentional skincare routine, daily meditation (check out our guide here!) or a self-reflective conversation with a trusted mentor or friend. Some questions to ask yourself could include: Am I feeling abnormally tired or energized today? Do I feel excess heat or chill, pain or tension anywhere in my body? Does my skin seem tight and dry or excessively oily? By understanding our dosha constitution, we gain insight into how to achieve balance and vitality to promote optimal physical and mental health.