Skin Health

DR. PRASAD VELUTHANAR shares some simple Ayurvedic tips for beautiful skin, focusing on the oils and herbs Ayurveda uses to promote healthy skin.

- DR. PRASAD VELUTHANAR

Oils for the skin

In general, coconut and olive oils are considered better for the skin than sesame oil for regular application. Coconut oil can be used for all skin types. “Keram” refers to those preparations with a coconut oil base and “tailam” refers to those with a sesame oil base.

Kumkumadi tailam: Contains saffron, improves the fairness and glow of the skin. This oil can be used for all skin types, especially kapha and vata types.

Eradi tailam and keram: Contains a mixture of herbs that aid in curing skin discoloration, allergies, blemishes, fungal infections, and other skin diseases. Not advised for general daily use as it can make the skin dry.

Nalpamaradi tailam and keram: Nalpamaradi means “four ficus,” the sacred Peepal and Banyan trees, known for their skin cleansing and clarifying properties. Application of this oil is also effective in sunburn, hyperpigmentation, discoloration of the skin, and eczema. Can be used for regular application and for babies as well.

Dinesavallyadi tailam and keram: Contains a red creeper found across India. The bark is used to create the oil. It is used to heal wounds, improve skin color and complexion, cure minor skin eruptions, allergies, herpes, abscesses, psoriasis and eczema, and control itching from bites.