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...

We are talking about exercise today.

In this episode, I answer some of the many questions I receive about the best kinds of exercise, how much you need, and how to adapt it as you age. We explore the Ayurvedic approach to exercising and the aspects of your unique makeup that are essential to consider before starting a movement routine. I also share very openly about my journey and experiments over the last decades as an active person beginning to notice some signs of aging.

Exercise in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, exercise is about harmonizing the mind and body, promoting joy and purpose in movement while adhering to the principle of moderation. It is vital for maintaining balance in the body, especially as we transition into the Vata stage of life. Weight-bearing exercises strengthen Mamsa (muscle tissue) and support physical stability. Regular exercise helps preserve the Dhatus (tissue layers), enhancing mobility and maintaining bone density. A balanced exercise routine should include strength training and mobility work.

Elemental Body Types

• Vata Types tend to experience lightness, dryness, and coldness. They often do not require extensive exercise and benefit from gentle activities like Tai Chi, as their sensitive nervous systems may become fatigued with excessive exertion.
• Pitta Types possess a fiery element and generally thrive on exercise. They usually prefer colder environments and should be cautious about overheating when exercising. Balanced routines are ideal for them to prevent burnout.
• Kapha Types are heavier and benefit significantly from vigorous exercise, as it rids the body of excess water and increases vitality. Regular movement is crucial for this group to prevent mental and physical stagnation.

Seasonal Considerations for Exercise

• Winter is a time for increased activity to combat the cold, which can constrict bodily functions. Exercising in the cold helps invigorate the body.
• Spring encourages movement to detoxify the body after the winter heaviness, making it a good time for cleansing activities.
• Summer The warm weather decreases the need for structured exercise, as our circulation is already active. Swimming or biking are ideal during this season.
• Fall is a transitional period. We may need to be more mindful of our joints and reduce the intensity of our workouts until we acclimate to the cooler temperatures.

Individualized Fitness Goals

Athletes and those with specific fitness aspirations should tailor their routines to their unique needs and seasonal changes. Balancing vigorous activities with adequate rest and nutrition is essential for avoiding injuries and making sustainable progress toward fitness goals.

Movement with Age

As we age, exercise shifts from a casual activity to a crucial requirement for staying mobile in daily life. Regular movement and weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining strength and flexibility as we age since muscle mass naturally decreases after 50.

Recognizing Declines in Strength

Monitoring your strength is vital for spotting potential issues early. Strength training and focusing on upper body strength can help with physical tasks and improve your well-being as you age.

Finding Balance in Exercise

Ayurveda promotes balance in physical activity. Balanced exercise routines should focus on burning calories, building strength and flexibility, and enhancing mobility.

Joy in Movement

Movement can be joyful, especially when it is pain-free. Our mental well-being is crucial, and physical activity can alleviate mental stagnation. Incorporating outdoor

I am excited to welcome DhyanaMasla as my guest on the podcast today.

Dhyana is the author of Ayurveda Mama, a book about conception, pregnancy, and postpartum care. She grew up in a community deeply rooted in Yoga and Ayurveda, which you can sense through her spirit-based worldview and how she values parenthood.

In this episode, we dive into her spirit-centered perspective, going beyond diet and recipes to explore how we can nourish ourselves through the transitions we experience in life.

Join us for a truly inspiring, insightful, and captivating conversation with DhyanaMasla.

Ayurvedic Living Community Membership

Website: www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com

Ayurveda Health Retreat

Shout out to Soul Space, our online community focused on yoga, Ayurveda, and joy-filled living.

Mentioned in this episode:

Discover Practices and Perspectives to Reduce Your Stress!

Join us to explore effective techniques and insights for managing stress and finding balance in your daily life. Take the first step towards a more relaxed and centered you!

Women and Stress Workshop