"Outer beauty is the reflection of one's inner health and wellbeing".-Ayurvedic Proverb
"Outer beauty is the reflection of one's inner health and wellbeing" -Ayurvedic Proverb.
The last 18 months have impacted our physical body and emotional mind by the changes in our lifestyle, climate, environment and stress levels. If we are not well prepared, these transition moments affect the health of our skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body, according to the American Association of Dermatology. Our skin is the largest protective organ and is an immune barrier against allergens and viruses. If we act proactively, we can reduce signs of early aging by taking care of ourselves internally and externally. Following these seven skin secrets will help you to make conscious choices for a healthier and youthful looking skin:
1. Discover your Ayurvedic Skin Type
Identify the best Ayurvedic skin care products for a good daily routine. Below are three types and their different conditions:
Vata: thin, dry, cold, rough and dark. This skin type tends to show signs of early aging than other skin types.
Pitta: smooth, oily, warm and rosie. This skin type tends to tan easily however can flare up with acne and sunspots.
Kapha: thick, oily, cool, and pale. This skin type needs regular internal and external detoxification.
2. Develop Consistent Sleep Routine
Ayurveda recommends going to bed at a regular time, such as 10:00 pm, including reducing late night screen time. A good night's sleep helps to reduce skin aging and dark cycles. A regular sleep pattern is the most important biorhythm for regulating the body's circadian rhythm. The body initiates its detoxification process from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am., so every time we skip proper sleep time, you are short-changing your body to complete its job of ridding unwanted materials. Good, restful sleep means proper elimination for better, clean and healthy skin.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet According to Your Body Type
Reduce all saturated fats, refined sugars, canned and processed foods, as well as high sugary drinks, such as sodas. Switching to eating a wholesome diet - not necessarily a plant-based diet, but rich in nutrients and reduced consumption of red meats. Try including more white meats and fish, along with healthy fats and rich in fibre; these are essential for a proper healthy skin. Eat foods that are in season instead of imported food from other climate conditions. This also plays an important factor in keeping a healthy gut flora, hence healthy skin. Drinking a good volume of water keeps the skin hydrated and it is necessary to avoid toxin accumulation such as acne and blemishes.
4. Practice Abhyanga Facial Self-Massage
Regular Abhyanga massages with warm oils helps to remove toxins and improves circulation to bring relaxation to tired skin. Use almond oil if your skin is dry, has an uneven tone, and is prone to fine lines. Coconut oil is recommended for sensitive skin that easily sunburns. Herbal oils such as jojoba, rosemary or kettle corn oils are best for oilier skin types.
Follow the graph below and tap each marma points, 3 - 5 times:
Starts from the neck up in a circular and ascending motion.
Tap the marma points along the neck, above the lips, then under the lips. Then, move along the nose, the outer side and inner side of the eyes, above and in between the eyebrows.
Massage each zone upward, about 10 times. Follow the periphery of the face along the jawline and forehead to the temples.
5. Reduce Stress
The skin is one of the main detox organs of our body. Excess stress can easily manifest on the skin's outer layer. It may present itself in the form of rashes, allergies, acne or dermatitis among many more skin conditions. These imbalances are different ways for the body to keep it healthy. The body is a dynamic intelligent organism and it’s a natural response to daily stress that is not dealt with in a healthy and safe manner. With more hybrid jobs and working from home we tend to forget to take recommended 5-minute breaks throughout the day. Exercise, such as walking the dog, cycling outdoors, doing yoga, going for a run are effective ways to alleviate physical and mental stress. Mindfulness meditation and self-care practices help regain energy and aid your body to come back to balance.
6. Monitor Hormonal Changes
When starting the stages of perimenopause or menopause, it is common to experience female hormone reproductive system disturbances which might upset the skin with acne and breakouts. A good herbal tonic drink such as "Shatavari" (from the asparagus family), can help regulate the female hormone imbalances. Add 1 - 2 teaspoons of Shatavari concentrated powder and dissolve it in a smoothie, warm water or milk. Add honey or raw sugar to taste. It is a plant-based remedy; however, do consult with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine.
7. Use Sunscreen
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles and significantly reduce skin cancer use daily sunscreen protection at least 45 to 60 SPF. Consider your job type or the number of hours you spend outdoors and re-apply accordingly.
Common Remedies For Skin Imbalances
If you are experiencing any of these imbalances, such as inflammation, hyper-pigmentation or need a gentle exfoliation, try a few of these home remedies for the skin condition you may be experiencing.
Skin Inflammation
In the summer, your skin can be more susceptible to dryness and inflammation. Turmeric mixed with milk are good allies to fight free radicals that cause premature skin aging.
What you need:
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
2 teaspoons of milk
Instructions:
Mix turmeric and milk until it reaches a pasty consistency.
Apply it all over your face and neck; leave it until it dries.
Wash with cool water for radiant and youthful skin.
For extra-hydration, add aloe vera or honey to the paste. For overly dry skin, add an ayurvedic oil according to your skin type.
Juvenile Acne
Exfoliating the skin stimulates movement of the lymph system, including adding circulation, strengthening and toning. Exfoliation is also an excellent way to remove excess body oils after finishing a massage. Try making your own face exfoliator to help remove impurities and brighten your skin.
What you need:
1 tablespoon of rice flour
1 teaspoon of rose water
Instructions:
Mix rice flour and rose water until it reaches a pasty consistency.
Apply it all over your face and neck; leave it until it dries.
Rinse with cool water.
Hyperpigmentation
Saffron is a powerful ayurvedic spice, revered for its healing and regenerating properties, originated in Iran. Saffron promotes blood circulation, smoothes scars, lightens hyperpigmentation, brightens dark eye circles and nourishes the skin.
What you need:
One pinch of Saffron spice
Add ½ onz of ayurvedic oil according to your skin type,
Instructions:
Mix the saffron and oil until it creates a vibrant merigold color appearance.
With a dropper apply it all over your face and neck; leave it until it dries.
RInse with cool water.
Follow with your regular moisturizer.
Consider reducing the use of chemical, toxic products that not only affect the skin’s face but gets absorbed into your body via its pores. No need to spend a lot of money on very costly cosmetic products. The above mentioned steps include cheaper ingredients that are easily available and definitely better for healthier, glowing skin.
As a society, we are more beauty aware but not necessarily healthy conscious. With the skin being the largest organ of our body, our skin is an indication of whether our body is healthy.
Ayurveda believes that true beauty is composed of three vital elements: a well nourished body, a balanced mind and a peaceful spirit" Ayurvedic proverb.
Resources
CAISH. Centre of Ayurveda and Indian System Of Healing. Conference On Skin Health
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Special acknowledgment to Jessica Caceres.
Connect with Monica and share your insights or new learnings. Stay tuned for next month’s topic!
Monica, enjoys sharing her passion to empower women in creating a wholesome approach to mindfulness, self-care and healing by integrating the science of Ayurveda together with the therapy of yoga to unfold your fullest potential, offering custom one on one services and online workshops.
Her credentials include: Akhanda classical yoga instructor, Ayurveda and Yoga therapist, Yoga for limited mobility, Restorative Yoga, Yoga for emotional balance, Healing meditation, Mantra and Mindfulness meditation. Monica is a strong advocate and active volunteer with the youth-led charitable non-profit organization, Youth Mental Health Canada.
Find out more by visiting:
Website: www.yogafymylife.com Email: info@yogafymylife.com
#skin
#inthistogether
#self-love
#skin imbalances