Behind Pukka Ayurveda Skincare  you find Sebastian Pole who is not only the company’s herbalist and Ayurvedic specialist, he is also trained in Chinese medicine and has a degree in Hindi. Tim Westwell, the other founder, worked in business development for many years.

After graduating as a herbalist and finishing his training in Chinese medicine, Sebastian Pole opened a clinic in Bath, near Bristol, England – which he still runs, by the way. But he was looking for something with a broader perspective and an ability to reach many more people – he wanted to spread the word all over the world. And then one day he saw an ad in the newspaper, “Do you want to grow a business in a healthy way?” The ad had been inserted by Tim Westwell, and Sebastian Pole responded. They met, clicked, and decided to start Pukka.

As the name says, Pukka Ayurveda is based on Ayurvedic wisdom, an ancient Indian philosophy of health and wellbeing.

You can choose your skincare products by using the Ayurveda system of analysis, see below, or you can use our instructions on each product to find out how the product fits you from a more conventional angle.

Some will find that the Ayurveda analytic system is a bit too farfetched – it does not matter, the product is brilliant and your skin does not care if you share the ideas of Ayurveda.

Are you mainly vata, pitta or kapha?

Your predominant ayurvedic body-mind type, which can be vata, pitta or kapha, will give you a good indication of the products to choose for your skin. Here are Sebastian’s suggestions on how to combine products to suit your skin:

Dry or damaged skin is usually associated with vata. Vata skin tends to be light, delicate and sensitive to the cold. It needs deeper levels of moisture to remain healthy and well nourished. Vata people are typically visionary, imaginative and full of creative energy. They tend to be slim with dry, dark or curly hair and are happiest in warmer climates. For vata skin, try:

Deep Moisture Day Cream (Organic Neroli & Shea Butter Deep Nurture Complex)

Nourishing Night Cream (Organic Frankincense & Avocado Total Repair Complex)

Nourishing Face Oil (Organic Rose Otto, Avocado & Pomegranate Omega Oil Formula)

Oily or combination skin is usually associated with pitta. Pitta skin tends to be soft, warm and rosy. It is prone to inflammation and spots and so needs regular cleansing and soothing. Pitta people are typically ambitious, passionate and always striving for the best. They tend to be of medium proportions with soft, straight and fair hair and prefer cooler weather. For pita skin, try:

Nourishing Brightener (Organic Bilberry & Almond Freshly Ground Exfoliator)

Uplifting Toner (Organic Rose & Orange Flower Skin Firming Formula)

Radiance Serum (Organic Aloe Vera & Manuka Honey Revitalising Formula)

Normal or combination skin is usually associated with kapha. Kapha skin tends to be silky smooth, plump and soft. It sometimes suffers from poor circulation and so benefits from invigorating treatments to enhance radiance. Kapha people tend to be loyal, kind-hearted and exude a calm approach to life. They typically have slightly larger proportions with silky, wavy hair and are happier in dry and warmer weather. For kapha skin, try:

Balancing Day Cream (Organic Rose & Macadamia Morning Revival Formula)

Radiance Serum (Organic Aloe Vera & Manuka Honey Revitalising Formula)

Firming Face Oil (Organic Starflower, Arnica & Rosehip Oil Mature Skin Formula)

Pukka Ayurveda also contains a cleanser, a toner and an eye cream that are common to all skin types (and suitable even for the most sensitive).

Rigetta Klint