Skincare and skin health are deeply rooted to an individual’s self-esteem and emotional health. It is, after all, the first impression you make.
Unfortunately, modern-day problems such as pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, and poor dietary choices combine to exacerbate and trigger health issues and skin problems.
Ayurveda helps you to combat these contemporary issues with traditional remedies and therapies that not just treat your symptoms, but help you attain optimal health, while also allowing you to face the world with absolute confidence.
Ayurvedic skincare tips, strategies, and remedies
Ayurveda is more than simply a system of medicine. It is a natural and holistic approach to healing that treats ailments while promoting overall health and wellbeing.
This means that Ayurveda focuses on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual, and promotes health and healing by achieving a balance of the body, mind, and spirit.
Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine does not rely on singular remedies, but instead encompasses a wide range of treatments, therapies, and even lifestyle modifications that are specific to your skin and internal constitution to help you attain optimal health. And the result? A healthier you; both internally and externally.
So how exactly does Ayurveda help you achieve beautiful, glowing skin? Here’s how:
Diet
Naturally, what we eat and drink has a direct impact on our skin’s health. This is why an Ayurvedic diet is the best first step towards healthier skin. Consuming a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet not only provides your skin with vital vitamins and minerals, but also improves overall health. Including ghee, dairy, seasonal fruits, coconut oil, wholegrains, and nuts, while limiting fried, processed, sugary, and salty foods is a sure-fire way to healthier skin.
It is also equally important to eat foods that are complementary to specific skin and dosha types, while avoiding the consumption of incompatible food combinations such as ghee and honey; which are incredibly beneficial on their own, but when mixed, may do more harm than good.
Lifestyle
In true Ayurvedic fashion, for optimal skin health, other areas of your life must also be blended, and in harmony to attain perfect, naturally glowing, and flawless skin. For this, it is recommended that you:
- Sleep well
It is called beauty sleep for a reason.
Insufficient sleep triggers and worsens skin issues and causes skin to age faster. Conversely, good, quality sleep is linked to the production of more collagen, fewer wrinkles, and skin that remains more moisturised and protected throughout the day.
- Stay hydrated
Staying sufficiently hydrated increases blood flow to the skin which gives is a healthier glow. The improved blood flow also helps even out skin tone and complexion.
Drinking enough water can also help with a number of skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. So, drink water or sip on some herbal tea; but make sure to remain hydrated throughout the day!
- Break a sweat
Exercising regularly is not only a proven way to help skin look better, but also look younger.
This is because exercise increases blood flow and circulation (bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin), boosts collagen production, and helps improve the overall tone and texture of skin.
- Relieve stress
Easier said than done, but stress can trigger and aggravate skin conditions so reducing stress levels can drastically help improve skin health. In addition to sleeping well, and getting regular exercise, the practice of yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are all powerful ways to combat and reduce stress.
- Moisturise and massage
Obviously, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised plays a crucial role in skin health. Combining the incredible effects of massage with the healing properties of medicated oils through an indulgent oil massage or abhyanga helps relax the body, relieve stress, boost circulation, and nourish the skin.
- Stay away from the sun
While an important source of vitamin D, the sun is not your skin’s best friend. Staying protected from excessive sun exposure is therefore the best way to avoid the harmful (and aging) effects of UV rays.
Herbal remedies and recipes
Ayurvedic medicine is renowned for its use of natural, everyday herbs and spices (that can be found in most pantries) to concoct some of the most powerful tonics and remedies. Some of the best ones for healthy, glowing skin include:
- Honey
Whether it’s taken with a glass of warm water in the morning, or used as a face pack, the antimicrobial and humectant properties of honey make it the perfect skin remedy.
- Turmeric
This golden spice is anti-inflammatory, collagen-boosting, and boasts of antioxidant properties. So, when mixed with aloe vera and gram flour, it makes for a perfectly nourishing and brightening facial treatment.
- Coconut oil
An effective moisturiser with antimicrobial properties, coconut oil intensely nourishes the skin while protecting against acne and skin infections.
- Lime juice and sugar
Perhaps the best combination ever, lime juice and sugar have exfoliating and bleaching properties (in addition to being high in vitamin C), which results in smooth, bright, and gleaming skin.
- Sandalwood
With antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and moisturising properties, sandalwood powder helps to combat eczema, dark spots, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
- Tulsi
Crushing a handful of tulsi leaves to make a paste may be the ideal remedy for acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
There may be a reason why Cleopatra is still considered to be one of the most beautiful women to have ever lived. After all, she only ever used natural products on her skin.
Fortunately, we can still embody these rituals and practices today thanks to the incredible Ayurvedic system of healing that offers a route to better health, both internally and externally.
From reduced stress and improved sleep, to better immunity and glowing skin; perfect health is entirely attainable. And the best part? The results are clearly visible for all to see.
Looking to incorporate Ayurvedic techniques and practices in your journey towards healthier skin and a healthier you? Visit The Ayurvedic Clinic to consult our panel of experts and experience our exceptional services today!
