In Ayurveda, inner beauty is the real source of outer beauty. We know it’s true — the more we take care of ourselves, the better we feel, and the more beautiful and radiant we become. This means being mindful of what we eat, and what we put into and on our bodies. How we care for ourselves and balance ourselves affects our surface beauty, the people around us, and how we feel within ourselves. In Ayurvedic beauty, balance and health radiate out through our whole being. And that radiance transcends what we seen through the eyes. That’s what’s really felt.
Ayurvedic practices began 10,000 years ago with yogis who sought to extend and improve their lives for the service of all. While those yogis might not have had beauty as their main goal, in Ayurveda, beauty and radiance was and is a natural side-effect of balance and health. Ayurveda’s real purpose is to provide balance— to cool us down when we’re emotionally or physically overheated, to calm us when we’re stressed or overwhelmed, and to energize us when we’ve become lethargic. In this way, by rebalancing our constitution, Ayurveda helps us prevent disease, and returns us to our natural state of health and vitality.
In Ayurveda, skin care is an important part of that holistic system. In the Charaka Samhita, the core texts from 3,000 years ago, skin care isn’t about the face at all — the skin is understood as an all-encompassing organ through which herbs and oils can enter the body. It is a portal for nourishing plant medicine to penetrate and heal our body. And then, when we’re back in balance, our skin naturally glows.
Nourishing your skin with non-toxic products is crucial to your skin’s health — and your internal health. When you put something on your skin, it enters your bloodstream within 20 minutes. That’s why using organic, nourishing ingredients is so important. That’s why Martha has crafted all of Surya’s face and bodycare products with carefully sourced ingredients that specifically feed and nourish skin and body. Surya’s Balancing Collagen Cream reduces fine lines and wrinkles, heals hyperpigmentation, penetrates deeply into the skin to provide moisture, and more importantly, delivers all of the botanicals’ benefits.
Martha has crafted three Ayurvedic Facial Masks that are easy to recreate at home. Each mask is designed to help rebalance particular skin concerns. Decide what seems like the best fit for your skin, get concocting, and see the results!
Pitta Cooling Rose Mask: This mask is designed to soothe inflammation, breakouts, and redness.
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp yogurt
1/2 tbsp clay (Indian Healing Clay or Redmond Clay are good options)
1 tsp neem powder
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply to clean, dry skin with fingertips. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Follow the mask with a spritz of rosewater and our Liquid Gold Face Oil.
Vata Calming Mask: This mask is nourishing and lifting for tired, dull, dry, or aging skin.
1 egg
1 tsp honey
Directions: Whisk the egg and honey together until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin using a brush or fingertips in a thin, even coat. Wait until it becomes dry to the touch. Apply another coat. Repeat this process 5-7 times. Rinse with warm water. Dab our Balancing Collagen Cream into your skin and gently massage in circular motions for maximum absorption.
Kapha Energizing Mask: This mask is perfect for balancing oily skin, helping to reduce cystic acne, enlarged pores, and skin congestion.
1 tbsp rosewater
5 drops rose essential oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tbsp clay (Indian Healing Clay or Redmond Clay are good options)
Directions: Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to clean, dry skin using a brush or fingertips. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Follow the mask with a layer of our Liquid Gold Face Oil.