14: Unlocking the Power of Edible Skincare: An Ayurvedic Approach with Sonia Lloyd

Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

I am excited to have Sonia Lloyd, the founder of Rasasara Skin Food, on the show with me today.

Sonia founded her skincare company in Australia twenty years ago. She developed an interest in compounding skincare products after struggling with ultra-sensitive skin. Following the Ayurvedic model, she created a line specifically tailored for vata, pitta, and kapha skin types.

In our discussion today, Sonia shares her experience as a skincare consultant and dives into how her products get made. She reveals how our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle and explains how the qualities of vata, pitta, and kapha within the body show up in our skin. We also explore ways to recognize what is happening in our skin and how to care for it.

You will not want to miss this epic conversation with Sonia Lloyd of Rasasara Skin Food. Join us!

Her Journey

Sonia has been a part of the organic skincare business for 20 years, motivated by her passion for Ayurveda and a desire to eliminate the excessive fragrances in existing products. Apart from the Ayurvedic skincare products she found at local Indian grocery stores, she often encountered products laden with artificial scents that aggravated her sensitivity. That led her to discover that if a product is inedible, we should not use it on the skin. That prompted her to create Rasasara, a brand focusing on edible skincare, minimal packaging, and aesthetically pleasing design.

Product Philosophy and Skin Types

Sonia bases her products on Ayurvedicdoshas, targeting different skin qualities. The packaging clearly labels products for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha skin types, and the Rasasara website features a skincare quiz to help identify skin types. Sonia highlights the importance of understanding your skin type to achieve better results but reassures customers that even using the wrong product is still more beneficial than conventional options.

Understanding Doshas and Their Impact on Skincare

The qualities of the three doshas:

• Vata: Fine and dry skin, prone to roughness and coldness. Vata products use heavier oils like black sesame to nourish and hydrate.
• Pitta: Typically sensitive skin with oiliness in the T-zone. Pitta skin often shows signs of heat and redness, so Sonia uses cooling ingredients such as rose and sandalwood for this skin type.
• Kapha: Kapha is often associated with thicker, more resilient skin that can be oily and congested. Kapha products detoxify and stimulate the skin using lighter oils.

People often have a mix of dosha qualities. Sonia recommends focusing on imbalances rather than fitting strictly into one category.

Recommended Skincare Routines

Pitta skin can be easily irritated. Start with a warm compress, use a floral mist, and end with a carefully selected oil for Pitta imbalances. The key is to avoid friction and inflammation while promoting healing and balance in the skin.

Understanding Aging and Skin Health

By prioritizing what we put on our skin and inside our bodies, we can dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging. Using products free from toxins allows our bodies to focus on building new tissue instead of expelling harmful substances. Many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that act as dumping grounds for chemical byproducts, contributing to skin issues.

Nourishing the Skin

Skincare is nourishment for the skin. Using pure, natural ingredients means the skin can repair itself rather than battling against chemicals. The increasing awareness of the skin microbiome highlights the importance of using non-toxic ingredients. Harmful substances are still prevalent in many products, which is a challenge, especially for children.

Body Oil Massages

For individuals with dry skin, Sonia suggests regular oil massages. Oiling the body can help overcome overall dryness and improve skin health. The practice can be conveniently done in the shower, as the warm water allows oils to penetrate the skin, enhancing their effectiveness.

Incorporating Compresses into Skincare Routine

Sonia highlights the benefits of warm compresses in skincare routines. Repeatedly applying a warm, damp cloth can improve circulation and relaxation, making it an essential practice for better skin health.

Lifestyle and Diet Influence on Skin Health

Sonia explains that lifestyle choices, particularly diet, can affect skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. For example, consuming black coffee on an empty stomach can exacerbate inflammation and skin irritations. Adjusting your dietary habits and recognizing the link between internal health and external appearance is crucial for achieving healthy skin.

Links and Resources:

Ayurvedic Living Community Membership

Meet the Rasasara Founder, Sonia Lloyd

Skin-type Test

Find Rasasara in the US

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