According to Ayurveda, the health of the skin, Twak, is analogous to the health conditions of the entire body as influenced by the Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the Agni. The elements recommended for the purpose of getting a glowing skin include purification, good diet and maintaining the doshas in check according to ayurveda. Here’s a detailed guide based on Ayurvedic principles for achieving and maintaining glowing skin:
Ayurvedic Concept of Skin Tissue
Ayurveda describes seven layers of skin, each with its own role in maintaining skin health:
- Avabhasini: The outermost layer, responsible for the natural glow and complexion.
- Lohita: Governs sensitivity and nourishment via blood vessels.
- Shweta: Provides softness and fair complexion, with a foundation of fibrous tissues.
- Tamra: Filters toxins and prevents skin diseases.
- Vedini: Contains nerve endings, responsible for sensations like touch and pain.
- Rohini: Facilitates skin regeneration and healing.
- Mansdhara: The deepest layer, providing strength and support to the skin.
Impact of Doshas on Skin
- Vata: It is rather useful when in balance as it can help create a more clarified complexion. When unequal, it leads to dryness, rough skin, and youthful skin dullness and wrinkling.
- Pitta: When Pitta is balanced, it gives a glowing and warm skin. If used in excessive amount, it may lead to inflammation, oily skin, acne and sensitivity.
- Kapha: Proper functioning Kapha helps the skin become thick with good smooth surface and immunity against wrinkles. If imbalanced it leads to overproduction of oil, blocked pores, and skin dullness among other symptoms.
Panch Mahabhutas (Five Elements) and Skin
- Akash (Space): Causes dryness, leading to rough skin.
- Vayu (Air): Increases dryness and roughness.
- Agni (Fire): Contributes to warmth, redness, sensitivity, and a natural glow.
- Jal (Water): Maintains hydration and moisture.
- Prithvi (Earth): Responsible for nourishment, elasticity, and stability.
Glowing Skin (Shodhana) Treatment
- Body Detoxification: Indigestion results in formation of toxins (Aam) that deposit in the skin and cause lack of luster and diseases. Ayurveda has internal and external cleansing processes and when the body is purged, then it is free from toxins.
- Deepan (Appetizers), Pachan (Carminatives), and Lekhan (Scraping Herbs) help clear blocked channels and restore digestion.
- Fasting or light eating can ignite Agni, improving digestion and cleansing.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Glowing Skin
- Oleation (Snehan):
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Oil massage with sesame oil for Vata skin, coconut oil for Pitta skin, and mustard oil for Kapha skin. It feeds the skin, stimulates blood circulation, and purifies the skin by pulling out toxins from the skin pores.
- Internal Oil Consumption: Ghee and healthy oils like flaxseed oil can nourish the skin from within.
- Steam Therapy (Swedana):
- Steam opens up the skin pores through which toxic products are released from the body. Some of the additional herbs that can be used when taking steam includes; turmeric, sandalwood and neem.
- Herbal Face Masks:
- Turmeric and Chickpea Flour: Turmeric, chickpea flour and milk or yogurt blend help to lighten the skin tone and reduce inflammation.
- Sandalwood and Rosewater: Sandalwood and rosewater face pack is applied to skin and gives relief, removes tan, and decreases Pitta (inflammation and redness).
- Aloe Vera Gel: Raw aloe vera gel can be used on the skin to calm the skin as well as soothe it.
- Herbs for Skin Health:
- Manjistha: It is useful in purifying the blood and lactating the skin with the toxins as it gives a glow to the skin.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): And as a rich source of Vitamin C, which rejuvenates the skin, boosts collagen and fights aging signs.
- Neem: It has been used to fight bacteria and thus useful in treating acne and all skin-related disorders.
- Herbal Supplements:
- Triphala: This is a mixture of three fruits; they are believed to cleanse the body and help in clearing the skin.
- Guduchi: Similarly balances pitta, clears the skin and boosts the immune system.
Dietary Guidelines for Beautiful Skin
- Vata Skin: Consume hot and oily foods, and avoid dry foods such as roasted grains; consume more soups, stews, ghee, and olive oil. Do not eat dry cold, or rough foods.
- Pitta Skin: Choose foods that will cool and hydrate your body such as cucumber, cilantro, and leafy greens. Avoid spicy, salty, and sour foods that can increase heat in the body.
- Kapha Skin: Light, dry, and warm foods are ideal. Eat foods like barley, millet, and green leafy vegetables. Avoid oily, heavy, and sweet foods.
Conclusion
Achieving glowing skin through Ayurveda requires a balanced approach that includes detoxification, using herbal remedies, and maintaining the balance of the doshas. Incorporating proper diet, lifestyle, and skincare practices will ensure healthy, radiant skin from the inside out. Detoxification methods like Snehan and Swedana, along with internal and external nourishment, are integral to skin health. Herbal remedies and diet adjustments specific to Vata, Pitta, and Kapha can further support skin rejuvenation and help attain a natural glow.