An Ayurveda guide for beautiful skin

 Naturally fresh and healthy skin is protector of body and a thing of beauty. Ayurveda our ancient

Science of medicine has suggested many herbal remedies and natural methods to protect our skin from pimples, acne, dark circles, wrinkles and marks left by pimples and to increase the fairness of the skin. Pimples , acne dark circles, wrinkles and marks give a dull and unhealthy look. Here is a

herbal guide for naturally fresh, fair and glowing skin.

Structure of skin

It is essential to know about the structure of skin before analysing the causes which make changes on skin.Skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissuess. Microscopic section of the skin shows two distinct parts. Epidermis is the top most layer. The upper layer of epidermis contains dead cells that gradually cast off. These cells are gradually replaced by fresh new cells produced by

 the basal layer which is the lower layer of epidermis.

The Dermis lies below the epidermis and consists of network of collagen fibers which is responsible for elastic properties of skin. Sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and sweat glands,

 are all present in the dermis and get blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue present below

dermis. Sebaceous glands get activated during puberty and produce an oil-like substance called sebum.

In Ayurveda according to Sushrutaachaarya, the skin has seven layers. These layers

when get affected by imbalanced doshas (vital energetic forces of the body ) give rise to different diseases. The list of seven layers of skin and diseases that originate from them are as follows.

Avabhasini- The outermost layer of skin. Pimples, acne, dandruff etc arise when this layer gets affected by vitiated doshas.

Lohita:This is the second layer of skin. Moles ,dark circles, black pigmentations occur when

vitiated doshas affect this layer.

Shweta:The third layer of skin shweta when gets affected by vitiated doshas precipitates the

diseases like eczema ,allergic rashes etc

Tamra:This is the fourth layer of skin which when affected by doshas harbors different types of leprosy.

Vedini- The fifth layer succumbs to herpes when vitiated doshas affect.

Rohini- Harbors cancer, tumors, elephantiasis etc when affected by vitiated doshas.

Mamsadhara:This is the seventh layer in the body which when affected by vitiated doshas ,

abscess , fistulas arise.

Functions of skinIt covers and protects the underlying muscles and organs. It gaurds our body from the invasion of 

 pathogens, acts as an insulation , regulates body temperature and is one of the sense organ. It

 palys a major role in sysnthesis of Vitamine D. The melanin pigment of skin protects us from

UV radiations of Sun.

What spoils the beauty of skin.?

Several internal and external causes spoil the beauty of skin.

Sun : Sun is the worst enemy of skin.Apply a good sun block on exposed parts of body. Wear 

full armed lite colored cotton clothes when you move out in sun. Do not forget to wear a hat and

cooling glasses.

Mix sandal powder in a large glass of water and keep it in refrigerator to cool. Transfer this into

a sprayer and keep on spraying this on your body whenever you feel your skin is irritated due to

sun rays.

Seasonal Changes:

When climate is hot and humid the skin feels sticky due to sweat. Microbial activity increases on

wet skin . Bathe daily to keep the skin clean and lower the microbial activity. Use a mixture of 

soap nut powder , besan (gram flour) and sandal wood powder to scrub the skin. Drink plenty of 

water to compensate the loss of fluid through sweat.When climate is cold and dry the moisture

level of skin lowers and skin becomes dry and it tends to crack. 

Apply moisturizing lotion

liberally all over body. Smearing fresh aloevera juice improves moisture levels of skin. Massage

your body with gingelly oil (til oil) once in a weak. Always wear warm cotton clothes and socks.

Regular foot massage with warm gingelly oil or castor oil prevents fissuring of heels and foot.

Drink plenty of warm water to keep the skin well hydrated and to prevent dryness.

Air Pollution : The air pollutants like dust, smoke, smog, dirt can clog pores and cause acne and

 pimples.

Apply a good moisturizer which acts as a barrier between skin and pollutants. Cleanse the skin

care fully when you are back home . Use besan (gram flour) and rose water as scrub in summer.

A mixture of Masoor dal flour (orange lentils) and milk make a best scrub for winter.

Life styles :

1. Sleep: Lack of sleep causes dark circles and diminishes the glow of the skin. 7- 8 hours sleep keeps the skin healthy and glowing

2. Exercise: A brisk walk for 45 minutes keeps the skin healthy by improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. Lack of exercise leads to dull-looking skin.

3. Stress: Stress causes dark circles, loss of complexion, and the appearance of permanent lines on facial skin. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Body massage are the best stress busters and skin-friendly therapies.

4. Addiction: Tobacco, drugs, alcohol etc make the skin look lifeless and unattractive. Say no to

any form of tobacco, alcohol and drugs

Diet:

Unhealthy diet spoils the skin. Junk, spicy , oily foods spoil the beauty of skin causing acne,

 pimples and black heads . A healthy diet retards ageing process of skin and gives it a charming

look. The tips given below help you to adopt a healthy diet.

1. Drink plenty of fresh clean water (2-3 liters daily). It helps to eliminate body wastes and

toxins. It keeps constipation at bay.

2. Let fresh fruits and vegetables occupy major portion of your diet. Dark green and orange

vegetables and fruits have antioxidants and also pocess cancer fighting properties

3. Avoid sweets, chocolates, junk foods, deep fried, oily and spicy foods.

Daily and weekly regimen for beautiful skin

1. Take bath daily

2. Wash your face twice daily with herbal natural scrubs like besan, methi powder, green gram flour, masoor dal flour etc.Splash clean water on your face as soon as you wash 

3. Do a complete body massage with gingelly oil once in a week 

4. Doing Pranayam daily for 15 minutes keeps the skin healthy and radiant.

5. Do facials with natural fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables etc once in a week. Cucumber, carrot,

 watermelon, sandalwood paste, turmeric, honey, etc be used according to seasons and skin types.

6. Drink a glass of water with a spoon of honey on an empty stomach.This should be one of your 

daily routine.

7. Savor milk, curds, and butter milk.