Ayurveda Lifestyle Tips For Healthy and Glowing Skin
As an aesthetic medicine practitioner, I always look at other people’s skin condition and general health state. During my world travels, I have met quite a few women that deeply impressed me by their appearance and skin. When asked those older ladies about their youth secret, they told me about Ayurveda and how it changed their entire life, not just the skin appearance.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda (meaning “science of life”) is a 5000 year old traditional Indian natural healing practice based on three different Doshas (Body types) that are categorized as a unique mix of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air) in the body. These energies play a major role in creating and maintaining physical and emotional balance to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda also teaches that health is a manifestation of equilibrium between our environment, body, mind and spirit. This unique perspective can be beneficial for your skin and wellness regime when applied appropriately.
Here are the Tips for healthy and glowing skin:
1. Sleeping schedule consistency
Having too many late nights and not getting enough sleep increases the number of inflammatory cells in your body that trigger or worsen skin issues, such as acne and dermatitis. Inconsistent sleeping schedule also deregulates skin hydration mechanism making your skin look old and dry.
• HAVE A ROUTINE. Put the phone away 1 HOUR BEFORE BED.
• Take a bath or warm shower.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Meditate.
2. Do Not Mix Incompatible Foods
Food is medicine. But it can turn into poison (when taken in) the wrong combination of nutrients absorbed. Avoid these incompatible food items to (take care of your skin and health) prevent damage to your skin and overall health:
• Milk And Fruit: Yes. Even if you love your bowl of yogurt mixed with fruits, avoid it. Fruits are digested quickly, and milk that consists of protein, fat and lactose (sugar) takes time to digest. So, during the process of digestion, the fruit curdles the milk and creates acidity.
• Milk And Meat: Avoid consuming milk products (including desserts) if you having fish or meat. Fish heats up your body while milk cools it down. Combining these contrasting foods obstructs the vital body channels.
• Cold Drinks After A Meal: Avoid having iced or cold drinks after meals because cold fluids suppress the digestive juices and causes stomach issues. This is also applicable for frozen yogurt and ice cream after (or before) meals.
• Ghee And Honey: Both produce opposite reactions in your body. While ghee cools down your body, honey heats it up, and this can cause imbalance.
3. Drink water
Water is life. You should drink 8-10 OZ of water (not coffee, tea, or juice). Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is vital. Drink water and also sip herbal tea in between meals. Make tea using herbs like chamomile, ginger, or lemon and preferably have it in the afternoon to keep your digestion healthy. Vigorous digestive system is crucial for glowing skin.
4. Consume Vegetables with High Water Content
High Water Content vegetables are also called purifiers. They will keep your skin healthy.
This kind of vegetables include carrot, radishes, lettuce, asparagus and fennel tips, and cucumber are beneficial for all skin types. (Also called purifiers, these will keep your skin healthy.)
5. Exercise
Exercise boosts blood circulation, and flushes out the harmful free radicals and toxins from our bodies. This makes your skin glow from within.
6. Breath Exercise.
Lungs also need to be exercised as we only use up to 30% of its capacity on a daily basis. More oxygen to the brain means more energy, focus, and vitality. Before you go to sleep, do a simple breathing exercise. On the count of 6, inhale and fill your belly with air. Hold your breath for 6. Exhale for 6. Hold your lungs empty for the count of 6. Follow this for 5 to 20 minutes before bed to open all the little air sacs called alveoli.
7. Meditate
You must be wondering how this can make your skin beautiful and glowing. Well, meditation helps to calm down your mind. When your mind is at rest, the positive energy or “chi” flows through your body, flooding your cells with vital energies. This not just reduce stress but also rejuvenates your skin .
8. Moisturize Your Skin
Oil massage or Abhyanga is a vital part of the Ayurvedic skin care routine. I personally enjoy coconut oil after shower, or lymphatic drainage massage oil.
9. Consume Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts keep your skin healthy. They contain healthy fats that are good for your cardiovascular system as well as your skin. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that beneficial for digestive system. Consume sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, and flax seeds regularly for glowing skin.
10. Cut Down On Your Sugar and Salt Intake
High salt intake affects your blood pressure levels, and this, in turn, increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, excess sugar and salt damage the collagen and elastin in your skin. These two compounds keep your skin elastic, toned, and wrinkle-free.
11. Protect Your Skin From Excessive Sun Exposure
Too much of anything is bad for you. While a bit of sun exposure is a necessity for the daily dose of vitamin D, excessive exposure can harm it. The UV rays can cause sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Whenever you go out, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Use an umbrella, a hat, or a scarf to protect your skin.
For a further information on significance of Ayurvedic healing check out article in medical journal.
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