Imagine yourself waking up in the morning – you’re standing in front of the mirror, and a new visitor has appeared in your face. Not a cheerful smile, but a tiny wrinkle whispering, “Hello, I’m here to stay!”
As a doctor, my patients frequently ask, “Is there a secret to youthful, age-defying skin?”
Well, my curious readers, let’s dive into the world of a 5000-year-old science and understand the Ayurvedic causes of aging; what really causes wrinkles & fine lines, and discover the answers to how this ancient Indian system of medicine views aging skin and the aging process.
How Do We Understand Skin Aging – Modern & Ayurvedic Perspective?
Modern Perspective of Aging Skin
In the modern world, theories like “Mutation Accumulation” and “Antagonistic Pleiotropy” try to explain the aging process1. These theories propose that aging is the result of accumulating genetic mutations over time or the trade-off between genes that benefit youth and those that cause aging.
Additionally, the “Stochastic Theory” emphasizes the role of oxidative stress in aging skin, where free radicals damage cells and tissues over time.
Ayurvedic Causes of Skin Aging
In Ayurveda, aging is referred to as “Jarā“1,2 which signifies the natural process of growing old due to wear and tear. It is closely associated with “vārdhakya,” meaning the advancement of age. Ayurveda categorizes human life into distinct phases, each marked by characteristics of growth, youth, maturity, and eventual decline. After the age of 60-70, the body elements and sense organs begin to deteriorate.
Ayurveda considers the life energy “Prana“, which governs the subtle essences “Ojas” and “Tejas.”
- Ojas is integral to the immune system and mental acuity, playing a crucial role in ensuring longevity.
- Tejas oversees metabolic activity through the enzyme system, facilitating nourishment and transformation across all bodily tissues.
This being established, it is important to note that any sort of imbalances1 in Prana, Ojas, and Tejas can lead to various aging-related issues like wrinkles, fine lines, or crepey skin.
According to the Ayurvedic scholar Sushruta1, the skin has seven layers: Avabhasini, Lohita, Shweta, Tamra, Vedini, Rohini, and Mamsadhara. Each layer plays a unique role in the skin’s health and appearance.
- Avabhasini: The outermost layer reflects the complexion and indicates the overall balance or imbalance of the body’s physiology.
- Mamsadhara: The innermost layer provides stability and firmness to the skin, contributing to a youthful appearance.
When these layers are in balance, the skin looks young and supple. However, imbalances in the doshas are often visibly reflected on the skin.
How Do the Three Doshas Affect Your Skin Health?
Ayurveda categorizes3 the human body and mind into three doshas3: Vata (air + ether), Pitta (fire + water), and Kapha (water + earth). Each dosha has its unique characteristics and plays a significant role in determining our skin type and health. An imbalance in any of the dominant doshas leads to visible skin issues:
Vata Skin – Dry, thin, fine-pored, delicate, and cool to touch
This skin type tends to develop wrinkles or fine lines earlier in life as compared to Pitta or Kapha skin. The lack of natural oils and moisture in Vata skin makes it more susceptible to dehydration, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pitta Skin – Fair, soft, warm, and medium thickness, sensitive
This skin type is photosensitive in nature, which implies that it is sensitive to the sun’s rays. Therefore, overexposure to the sun can cause cumulative damage to Pitta skin, leading to premature aging signs such as sunspots, pigmentation, and fine lines.
Kapha Skin – Thick, oily, soft, cool to touch, enlarged pores, acne-prone
The thickness and natural oils in Kapha skin provide some inherent protection against the premature aging of the skin. However, this skin type is more prone to accumulating Ama, which refers to toxins that can build up under the skin, leading to the formation of cystic acne
To promote skin health and combat aging skin, Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining balance among the three doshas and nurturing the skin’s inner layers through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.
Read more: Reverse the Look of Aging Eyes the Ayurveda Way!
Ayurvedic Causes of Wrinkles (Vali)
According to Ayurveda, Vata imbalance leads to the depletion of Mamsa Dhatu, which includes the muscles and other soft tissues. As Mamsa Dhatu loses its strength and nourishment, the skin becomes more prone to wrinkles.4
Wrinkles
Vata-Related Causes of Wrinkles:
- Excessive Dryness: Vata-predominant individuals are more likely to experience dry skin
- Stress and Anxiety
- Inadequate Sleep
Fine Lines
In Ayurveda, fine lines are considered the early signs of aging and are primarily associated with Pitta dosha imbalances. Fine lines are usually shallower than wrinkles and may be seen around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
Pitta-Related Causes of Fine Lines:
- Pitta imbalance in the body leads to excessive heat in the body, which may cause inflammation and contribute to the appearance of fine lines.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Strong emotions like anger, frustration, or irritability.
Crepey Skin
Crepey skin refers to skin that appears thin, loose, and finely wrinkled, resembling the texture of crepe paper. It is often associated with Kapha imbalances.
Kapha Dosha’s Influence on Crepey Skin:
- Kapha individuals may experience sluggish blood circulation, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the skin.
- Lymphatic congestion can result in the accumulation of toxins or fluids, further worsening the look of crepey skin.
When things go wrong, Ayurveda suggests you turn back to basics:
Ayurveda emphasizes that true beauty radiates from within. Its back-to-basics approach of Trayopastambha5 (3 pillars of life) highlights Aahara (Diet), Nidra (Sleep), and Brahmacharya (Regulated Sex) as the foundation for achieving a healthy and everlasting glow on your aging skin.
Let us deep dive and lean on each of these 3 pillars to help support our skincare game!
Aahara (Diet)
| VATA | Indulge in foods that are sweet, bitter, astringent, and cooling in nature to bring down the heat and inflammation in your body. Opt for fruits like watermelon, musk melon, etc. Always choose a glass of tender coconut water, cucumber juice, or ash gourd juice over a cup of coffee. |
| PITTA | Go for lighter, dry, warm, and cooked foods instead of heavy and raw ones. Pungent and bitter flavors help balance the sluggishness of the Kapha type. Choose foods like a bowl of sauteed veggies seasoned with stimulating spices like pepper, ginger, turmeric, etc. A cup of hibiscus tea, ginger tea etc. will provide the required hydration without causing any water retention. |
| KAPHA | Go for lighter, dry, warm, and cooked foods instead of heavy and raw ones. Pungent and bitter flavors help balance the sluggishness of the Kapha type. Choose foods like a bowl of sauteed veggies seasoned with stimulating spices like pepper, ginger, turmeric, etc. A cup of hibiscus tea, ginger tea, etc. will provide the required hydration without causing any water retention. |
Read more: 7 Ayurvedic Herbs to Supercharge Your Skin Health
Importance of Sleep for Your Skin Health
While you sleep, your skin works its magic, repairing itself and keeping stress—and wrinkles—at bay. So, cozy up, catch those ZZZs, and say goodbye to stress – because this is your ticket to ageless, radiant skin!
To enhance your bedtime routine, try incorporating these face yoga and pranayama techniques for a serene mind and rejuvenated skin: Start with massaging your face and neck with light-weight warm oils like Kumkumadi taila6, Almond oil, etc.
Follow it up with a few face yoga techniques:
- The V: Place your index and middle fingers at the sides of your eyes, smile slightly, and lift your lower eyelids. This targets crow’s feet and reduces under-eye puffiness.
- The O: Form an exaggerated “O” shape with your mouth, hold it briefly, then relax. This strengthens the muscles around the mouth, preventing smile lines and sagging cheeks.
- The Fish Face: Suck your cheeks inward and smile gently. Hold for a few seconds, then release. This exercise tones and firms the cheeks, combating sagging.
- The Brow Smoother: Place your hands on your forehead with fingers spread, then sweep them outward gently. This smooths forehead lines and gives a natural lift to the brows.
- The Neck Stretch: Tilt your head back, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and swallow. This tones neck muscles and minimizes the appearance of necklines.
- Finish your session with a soothing round of pranayama such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Brahmari (humming bee breath). These practices oxygenate the skin, cleanse toxins from the body and mind, and set the stage for a restful night’s sleep.
Pro tip – Make it a point to avoid the blue light from your electronic gadgets at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.
A Customized Approach to Skincare in Aging
Now that we have learned the Ayurvedic causes of aging, it is time to understand Ayurveda’s personalized approach to maintaining the health of your skin. The cornerstone of any aging skin regimen includes a three-step process: Cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing with face packs. Drawing wisdom from Ayurveda, customization according to individual doshas elevates the efficacy of the entire process.
Here is what your three-step routine will look like for the dominant doshas:
| VATA | Make a DIY cleanser infused with soothing sandalwood and almond oil and massage7 it gently to cleanse and moisturize the dry delicate skin. A mild exfoliant like oatmeal will gently buff away dead skin cells. Face packs with ingredients like avocado, honey, and sesame oil will deeply moisturize and rejuvenate |
| PITTA | Cleansing with astringent herbs like triphala8 or manjistha9 infused water will remove excess oil without over-drying your skin. An exfoliant with stronger granules like apricot or walnut will help unclog the pores and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Multani mitti or a chickpea flour face pack will detoxify and nourish the typical Kapha-dominating skin type. |
| KAPHA | Cleansing with astringent herbs like triphala8 or manjistha9 infused water will remove excess oil without over-drying your skin. An exfoliant with stronger granules like apricot or walnut will help unclog the pores and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Multani mitti or a chickpea flour face pack will detoxify and nourish the typical Kapha-dominating skin type. |
Nasya: The Best Kept Secret to Age-Defying Skin
Nasya10, as documented in Ayurvedic Samhitas (scriptures), offers a holistic approach to skin health. Nasya therapy in Ayurveda involves administering medication (medicated oils or ghee) through the nose, which is seen as the gateway to the brain. One shloka from the texts proclaims, “Nasa hi shirso dwaram,15” emphasizing that the nose is the gateway to the head, and its proper care enhances overall well-being, including skin vitality. Additionally, nasya helps treat issues like sinus congestion, migraines, nervous system disorders, and nasal, eye, or ear problems. By clearing excess doshas from the head, nose, and throat, Nasya cleanses and strengthens the nasal passages while improving brain function.
Your future self will thank you for adopting the simple yet powerful practice of instilling two drops of yashtimadhu taila (licorice oil) or anu taila daily. While many of your peers may struggle with sagging skin, you’ll continue to radiate youthful vitality and timeless beauty.
Simple Herbal Remedies for Aging Skin
- Consume 30 ml of aloe vera juice11 or amla juice12 in the morning on an empty stomach for 15 days. This will help to minimize free radicals, nourish your skin, and prevent premature wrinkling of skin.
- 1 gram of ashwagandha13 powder with 1 cup of warm water once a day at bedtime for 15 days acts as a rich source of antioxidants and is considered to be the best Rasayana (Rejuvenator) to fight the signs of skin aging.
- Eat 1 teaspoon of black sesame seeds14 once a day, at snack time, for 15 days. Black sesame seed is an antioxidant and have an age-reversing effect on the skin.
Answering the Burning Question on Sunburn and Sunscreen: To Use or Not to Use?
My social media handle is often buzzing with comments like “Doc, what is your opinion on sunscreens?”, “Does Ayurveda mention sunscreens?”
While Ayurveda doesn’t specifically mention sunscreen, it does emphasize protecting your head and face when exposed to the scorching sun. In our world of ozone holes and SPF-30 sunscreens, the sun is often seen as a formidable enemy of the skin. Modern science links visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and age spots, to ultraviolet radiation as opposed to Ayurvedic causes of aging. Yet, the sun, besides being a source of energy, also nourishes the aging skin, providing essential Vitamin D for healthy bones.
Ayurveda advises a balanced approach, maximizing the sun’s benefits while safeguarding against damage. Short periods of gentle early morning sun exposure are beneficial for absorbing Vitamin D. However, those with fair skin should avoid direct exposure to strong sun due to their lower melanin production.
To protect the skin during heightened Pitta, avoid long sun exposure when angry, hungry, or emotionally upset. Wearing protective clothing such as a hat or sunglasses with a layer of sunscreen is vital. People with naturally more Pitta, or someone who resides in a hot climate, should be more cautious during midday sun, in which case, a layer of sunscreen will be helpful. The key lies in finding the right balance, allowing the sun’s nourishment while protecting it from damage.
So, let’s embark on this holistic path together, where Ayurveda becomes our trusted guide in the pursuit of timeless beauty.
Remember, wrinkles may be inevitable, but with Ayurveda, we can wear them as our proud badges of wisdom and experience. Cheers to a life filled with love for our skin and the timeless beauty within!
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