Beauty Pure and Simple: The Ayurvedic Approach to Beautiful Skin

by Kristen Ma

A radiant complexion can be yours through the ancient science of Ayurveda. Kristen Ma invites you to expand your skin-care consciousness to incorporate elements from this millennia-old system of wellness from India, along with principles supported by the latest scientific research on skin biology. Her practical guidelines are safe and easy to follow—and marvelously effective for nurturing healthy and beautiful skin.

Ma explains both skin biology and the basics of Ayurveda as it applies to skin health, and shows you how to determine your true skin type according to your specific dosha (physical constitution according to Ayurvedic principles), then recommends individualized regimens with easy-to-obtain products. Ma explains the influence of diet on skin health, how to deal with skin changes that come with aging, how to protect skin from the sun and pollutants, and how to cope with the effect of stress on skin. She identifies harmful ingredients that are ubiquitous in most products and treatments on the market, and recommends healthy alternatives.

She also offers advice on how to treat common problems such

   • acne
   • eczema
   • rosacea
   • hyperpigmentation
   • dark circles under the eyes and puffy eyes
   • and many others

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2011

Reviews

[Srav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be a short review, however I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to understand their skin care and skin problems. Or, anyone who would like to educate themselves about skin care problems and healthy living should read this book.

I’ve suffered from genetic dark circles since I was small. I’ve also suffered from stubborn acne from the last 2 years. Literally, I’ve tried every natural solution and chemical solution out there like the author and never found any results. Eventually, after browsing about Ayurvedic beauty, I found this book.

Kristen Ma is the owner of her company, Pure and Simple. Throughout the book, she mentions her struggle with acne and skincare and goes into detail about every single skin problem out there. Mainly, she brings the reader into viewing their problems different after giving solid, researched, and explained advice about how to get rid of and further prevent their skin problems. It goes into a lot of Ayurvedic detail and Allopathic detail about how dermatology works. It was also a real eye opener as to how many toxic chemicals I use on a daily basis; now, I’m trying to live purely natural and utilize the tricks and tips given in this book to change my eating habits, sleeping habits, and skin care routine.

I’ll update with results in about a month!

[Katie Brenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great starting point for understanding Ayurveda and a more natural/holistic approach to skin care.

[Sarra Brio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book - I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from skin problems and is tired of conventional treatments and products that don't work. The author's approach to skin care is quite unique, and the ayurvedic approach she recommends really works. I have suffered from extremely sensitive skin for many years and following this guide has really helped me achieve some significant improvements in my skin and total health. Her solutions centre on our skin as a reflection of our inner health and the importance of taking care to nourish our internal organs and tissues, and heal any imbalances that are causing chronic skin issues. It was really empowering to think about my skin and body in this way! The book is well-written, engaging and the concepts are easy to understand and relate to - It reads like a Beauty Bible and is a must-have for all women and men interested in holistic health.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books about beauty tend to suffer from a certain level of hokeyness that comes with reassuring readers that it’s okay to care enough about their appearance to read an entire volume on it. On top of that, books that push a certain beauty philosophy risk traipsing into marketing category. Kristen Ma’s “Beauty Pure and Simple” skirts that line, but stays on the safe side with an interesting and educational read.

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[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It taught me so much about my skin and how to care for it as I age. It's free of gimmicks and not trying to push particular products like so many other beauty industry books. I recommend it to anyone.