| |
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 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 which gradually cast off. These cells are gradually replaced by fresh
new cells produced by basal layer which is the lower layer of epidermis.
The Dermis lies below epidermis and consists of net work of collagen fibers
which is responsible for elastic properties of skin. Sebaceous glands
associated with hair follicles and sweat glands, are all present in 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
body ) give rise to different skin diseases. The list of seven layers of
skin and diseases which 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 skin
It 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 diminish the glow of 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 lead to
dull looking skin.
3. Stress : Stress causes dark circles, loss of complexion and appearance of
permanent lines on facial skin. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Body massage
are 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 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 keep the skin healthy and radiant.
5. Do facials with natural fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables etc once in a
week. Cucumber, carrot, water melon , sandal wood paste, turmeric, honey etc
can be used according to seasons and skin types.
6. Drink a glass of water with a spoon of honey in empty stomach .This
should be one of your daily routine.
7. Savor milk, curds and butter milk.
|
|
